COSA, Cancer Council Applaud $15m Abbott Plan For Lost Generation Of Cancer Patients, Australia

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 27 Oct 2007 - 15:00 PDT

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The Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and The Cancer Council Australia have welcomed Health Minister Tony Abbott's commitment of $15 million towards a network of centres for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

"One in 100 Australians is diagnosed with cancer by the age of 30 - in most cases an aggressive or complex cancer such as a brain tumour, melanoma, lymphoma or leukaemia," COSA President, Professor David Goldstein, said.

"The enormous difficulties of a cancer diagnosis in young people are compounded by the general challenges of adolescence and young adulthood and exacerbated by a lack of services addressing the needs of this particular age group."

Professor Goldstein said COSA supported CanTeen's "excellent work" in this area and was collaborating on a proposal to improve all aspects of clinical care for adolescents and young adults with cancer, who would benefit enormously from a network of dedicated services for patients in the 15 to 30 age group.

"The Government's commitment to provide $15 million towards such centres represents a great step forward in caring for a lost generation of cancer patients who fall between the mainstreams of older adult and paediatric cancer care," he said.

The Cancer Council Australia's Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, said he welcomed Mr Abbott's announcement, which had the potential to lay a foundation on which to build a comprehensive cancer plan for adolescents and young adults.

"People in the 15 to 30 age group with cancer need a recognised subspecialty, targeted treatment guidelines, tailored psychosocial and supportive care and improved research, all of which should be underpinned by the bricks and mortar of a network of specialised care centres," Professor Olver said.

"Minister Abbott and the Government should be commended for responding to this clear need with a significant commitment towards capital funding."

Professors Goldstein and Olver said COSA and The Cancer Council Australia called upon all parliamentarians to support the commitment and for state and territory governments to match the Commonwealth allocation according to the $30 million model proposed by CanTeen.

The Cancer Council Australia

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