Coordinated approach to cancer treatment

Media releases
03 Feb 2012
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Cancer patients and general practitioners now have access to a more coordinated approach to cancer treatment despite where you live in NSW, the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner, announced today.

The Canrefer website (www.canrefer.org.au), administered by the Cancer Institute NSW, allows general practitioners and people diagnosed with cancer and their families to search for healthcare teams specialising in the treatment and care of specific cancers.

Canrefer - Find specialist cancer services in NSWThe program allows people to search information including the radiation oncology, chemotherapy, palliative care and cancer genetics units closest to where they live.

Using a Google search function, visitors to the website can search for information according to the geographical location and type of cancer to be treated.

The Minister launched the Canrefer website at the Princes Mary Cancer Centre at Westmead Hospital, ahead of World Cancer Day tomorrow, with the Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, and the Member for Granville, Tony Issa.

"Canrefer connects people with cancer and their GP with the most appropriate specialist cancer teams depending on where they live," Mrs Skinner said.

"This means more informed and timely referrals can be made by doctors, based on the individual needs of their patient," she said.

"Research shows well-coordinated care from a range of health disciplines greatly improves outcomes for people with cancer. These teams, including GPs, can address every aspect of the person's health and wellbeing throughout treatment and recovery.

"This website will be especially valuable for regional GPs and people with cancer who face the obstacle of distance when it comes to cancer referrals, or for new doctors who are not familiar with the specific cancer services in their area," said Mrs Skinner.

Chief cancer officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow, said Canrefer helps GPs and people with cancer search for the services that are right for them.

"We rely on our GPs to refer and treat people with a wide variety of cancers. Often there are specific cancers that a GP might only encounter once or twice over their career. It can be incredibly difficult to know the best place to refer these people, and time is critical to get them into the best treatment as soon as possible," said Professor Currow.

The website also offers practical information including maps, opening hours, parking facilities and contact details for cancer care coordinators.

Visit the Canrefer website

Go to www.canrefer.org.au to find information and referral details for specialist cancer services in your area.

Canrefer - cancer referrals network

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