Working with primary care

Primary health care providers play a vital role in the provision of integrated person-centred cancer care. Integrated cancer care contributes to improved experiences for people affected by cancer, health care providers and clinicians. It also impacts the delivery of value-based health care and improved health and cancer outcomes for the NSW population.

The NSW Primary Health Care Cancer Framework, developed by the Cancer Institute NSW, outlines the way we can enhance cross-sector integration and engagement with primary health care to improve cancer control.

The Framework informs and promotes collaboration between the Cancer Institute NSW, primary health networks (PHNs), the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) and the broader primary health care sector, inclusive of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), peak professional bodies, multicultural health and community agencies, and cancer services.

View the Framework launch presentations.

The role of primary health care across cancer control

Primary health care providers play an essential role in helping patients access timely, appropriate care.

They provide comprehensive ongoing care and connect the community with the rest of the health care sector.

In fact, 85% of cancers are diagnosed following symptomatic presentation to a primary care provider.¹

Priority populations

There are several communities where primary health clinicians are particularly important.

Aboriginal communities

Cultural safety is a key requirement for improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal people, with care delivered that is integrated across mainstream, Aboriginal health and primary care services. ACCHOs deliver holistic, best practice, culturally appropriate services to the community, based on self-determination and cultural safety. For many Aboriginal people, ACCHOs are their first point of contact with the health system.

Culturally and linguistically diverse communities (including refugee communities)

Primary health care is often the first and critically important interface between culturally and linguistically diverse communities and the NSW health care system. This is often facilitated through community agencies and bilingual primary health care clinicians.

Rural and remote communities

People who do not live near a major city or suburban area often access care differently to their metropolitan counterparts. For example, they may have greater reliance on their local GP to provide specialised care services.

Socially and/or economically disadvantaged communities

People from disadvantaged communities often have greater lifestyle risk behaviours and lower health literacy. They generally see their primary care provider more often than other Australians, making the primary care team important in addressing their varied and diverse needs.

Gender and sexuality diverse

Many gender and sexuality diverse people have specific health needs and may be at a greater risk of cancer. Primary health care has an important role alongside LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) trusted community-based health organisations to provide accurate cancer related health information, safe referral pathways and access to cancer care.

NSW Primary Health Cancer Cancer Framework

NSW Primary Health Care Cancer Framework

This PDF document is a printable version of the NSW Primary Health Care Cancer Framework.

Download the Framework

Working with primary care

The role of primary health care across cancer control

In fact, 85% of cancers are diagnosed following symptomatic presentation to a primary care provider.¹

Information and resources for primary care

Focus areas

Engagement and partnerships

Equitable and accessible services

Information and communication

Data, evaluation and research