As part of our ongoing commitment to improving cancer outcomes for all Victorians, we regularly prepare submissions in consultation with our members to influence policy and legislation at all levels of government.
The VCCC Alliance values the opportunity to contribute to the new Australian Cancer Plan 2023-33.
As a collective impact organisation of 10 academic, clinical and research organisations working actively with consumers, we applaud the premise set out for this plan and the need to strategically address multiple issues if we are to achieve world-class cancer outcomes for all Australians.
The VCCC Alliance is pleased to submit this document outlining four priority areas in cancer research, treatment and care.
The priorities consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as longer term needs to ensure Australia continues to support cutting edge research and achieve high survival rates for this devastating and costly disease.
The VCCC Alliance values the opportunity to contribute to Australia’s Lung Cancer Screening Advisory Group.
In 2020, over 13,000 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer and the number of new cases of lung cases being diagnosed is continuing to increase year by year. Unlike other Australians, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, lung cancer is both the most frequent cancer diagnosis and the leading cause of cancer death, both occurring at a younger age.
Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Conference
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face challenges when accessing and engaging with cancer care services across the spectrum of illness, from early-stage disease to advanced disease. These challenges can often lead to less-than-optimal cancer care, and highlight the need for culturally sensitive, responsive and safe care services for Aboriginal people with cancer.
COSA Symposium Abstract - Issues and considerations for a lung cancer screening program for and with Victorian Aboriginal communities
In 2020, over 13,000 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer and the number of new cases of lung cancer being diagnosed is continuing to increase year by year. Unlike other Australians, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, lung cancer is both the most frequent cancer diagnosis and the leading cause of cancer death, both occurring at a younger age. Aboriginal Victorians are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancers of the lung.
Abstract submission for the 2022 COSA Annual Scientific Meeting
Health care in Victoria is experienced inequitably; data shows this is overwhelmingly true for those affected by cancer. Regional residents, LGBTIQA+ communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with low socio-economic status, and those from culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities all report poorer patient outcomes than other population groups.
In the 5-year period, 13,078 grants were awarded across the 3 funding agencies. Just 2.9% of NHMRC grants, 5.4% of MRFF grants and 0.2% of ARC grants were awarded to projects related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Only 1 grant (0.1%) from NHMRC and MRFF and no grants from ARC were awarded to projects related to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.