Foreword from the Minister
Since 2003, we have come a long way in alleviating the burden of cancer in our community. We are proud of our achievements so far, but the long term goal of eliminating the cancer burden is still a long way off.
The Hon Frank Sartor MP
Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)
Cancer does not discriminate, it affects us all. The NSW cancer plan sets the strategic direction for the State, which includes reducing cancer mortality and incidence and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their carers.
The third NSW cancer plan is a clear commitment by the NSW Government to lessen the impact of cancer in our community. In the next few years, we will continue the successful approach of the first and second NSW cancer plans and build on many of the programs already delivering benefits to the people of NSW.
Since the first cancer plan in 2004, we have seen the sharpest decline in smoking rates, which are now at their lowest ever; improved screening services; provided new staff and technology in hospitals; and increased cancer research in hospitals, universities and research institutes.
Survival rates for people with cancer in NSW have increased significantly and are now on par with the best in the world. While the incidence rates of cancer in NSW continue to rise, early detection and best practice treatment of cancer has meant death rates have dropped. The third NSW cancer plan will build on these successes by providing greater access to best practice treatment for residents of rural and regional NSW and members of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Our goals are long term. The plans we make now will affect the delivery of prevention, screening and cancer care for generations of people in NSW. It is our belief that this plan provides a clear direction and a structure for accelerated improvements in cancer control in NSW. It is a plan that will lessen the impact of cancer for thousands of people around the State for years to come.
