The NSW cancer care sector
The Cancer Institute NSW is the NSW government agency for cancer care in the state.
As a government organisation, we don't work alone and we are
proud to work alongside such organisations as NSW Health, the Cancer Council NSW, the Aboriginal Health and Medical
Research Council, GP NSW
and NSW Multicultural
Health Communication Centre in our vision to lessen the impact
of cancer in NSW.
Each organisation has a unique role to play in ensuring people
with cancer get the best treatment and care.
NSW Government
The NSW Government, through
the NSW Department of
Health, is responsible for ensuring people across the State are
provided with the best health care possible within available
resources.
In cancer control this responsibility includes programs aimed at
reducing tobacco consumption, tackling obesity and promoting
physical activity.
Cancer Institute NSW works with Local Health Networks within the
NSW Health system to assist them in providing cancer services. We
fund key administrative positions such as directors of cancer
services and cancer services development managers and we invest in
frontline staff, including cancer nurses and psychologists who
assist patients and their loved ones through the stages of a cancer
diagnosis.
We also manage an innovative program eviQ
- an online tool that places the latest information on how to best
treat cancer in its different stages at the fingertips of doctors
across the State.
The Institute also works collaboratively with the statewide
services branch of NSW Health which has overarching responsibility
for services such as radiotherapy including planning of capital
projects (
Radiotherapy Services in NSW - Strategic Plan to
2016), cancer genetics and rural cancer services.
Australian Government
The Australian Government's
commitment to cancer control is reflected in the establishment of
an expanded cancer control agency - Cancer Australia (now
incorporating National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre) - the
national government agency working to reduce the impact of cancer
on all Australians. This agency provides advice to government about
cancer policy and priorities, and works with key stakeholders to
improve outcomes for all people affected by cancer, particularly
those whose survival rates or cancer experiences are poorer.
The Australian Government contributes substantial funding and
provides overall coordination and policy formulation for screening
for cancers such as breast and cervical cancers.
Cancer charities
Fundraising by not-for-profit foundations and charities is an
essential and critical part of the cancer control effort in NSW.
The cancer charities sector raises in excess of $100M per annum,
which is directed towards cancer research, support and control
programs. We work with the NSW cancer charities, particularly to
strengthen coordination and collaboration of research and support
activities.
The Cancer Council NSW
is the largest cancer charity in NSW, supporting programs in excess
of $50 million per annum. The Cancer Council is dedicated to
working with the community to prevent cancer and reduce the impact
through research, education, advocacy and the care and support of
people affected by cancer.
People with cancer, their carers and consumer groups and
organisations
The NSW community's attitudes and experiences help to inform the
priorities in cancer control and where we can improve cancer
treatment and care in NSW.
Equally important is the need to ensure the people of NSW are
aware of the need to support cancer control initiatives based on
best evidence and best use of available resources.
Private sector
More than 50 per cent of all cancer care is provided by the
private sector. We are looking for ways to work with this sector to
make sure that patients, regardless of their location or financial
situation, have access to the best models of care.
Top of page
