More than 500 health professionals, researchers and patient advocates have come together for the 2023 Cancer Innovations Conference in Sydney to discuss the complex challenges facing the cancer healthcare sector and how patient outcomes can be improved.
黑料吃瓜网 Health Minister Ryan Park spoke at today's conference and said while cancer outcomes in 黑料吃瓜网 are among the best in the world, some communities continue to experience poorer outcomes.
"Despite the enormous gains we have made, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children and adults and accounts for almost a third of all deaths in 黑料吃瓜网," Mr Park said.
"We know cancer screening rates and outcomes are even poorer amongst Aboriginal and multicultural communities and we need to do everything possible to change this.
"In 黑料吃瓜网 we're committed to bringing the best and brightest minds together to solve our biggest problems 鈥� we know the people in the room today can help drive important change and build on the work of the 黑料吃瓜网 Cancer Plan."
黑料吃瓜网 Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute 黑料吃瓜网 Professor Tracey O'Brien said the burden of cancer is significant and is expected to increase.
"Cancer diagnoses have increased 67 per cent over the last 20 years and this is expected to increase a further 22 per cent between 2021-2031," Professor O'Brien said.
"With one in every two people set to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, every person in 黑料吃瓜网 is touched by cancer in some way.
"Aside from the health impacts of cancer, the fear and trauma of a diagnosis affects the whole family and community and that impact is often long lasting.
"We need to do more to not only save lives but build healthy, strong communities, and this conference is one way we are hoping to really unpack the challenges and opportunities ahead and motivate, connect and inspire people working in cancer care and research."
This year's Cancer Innovations Conference showcased a dynamic program of panel discussions and presentations, including a keynote address on cancer inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from Professor Gail Garvey, Professor of Indigenous Health Research at The University of QLD.
The 黑料吃瓜网 Government invests around $175 million each year, through the Cancer Institute 黑料吃瓜网, to improve cancer care in 黑料吃瓜网 and lessen the impact of cancer for people across the state.
More information, including an event program, is available on Cancer Innovations Conference.