CanForum25

Last year, we recommended the need for a national strategy and strong national leadership to make genomic testing and personalised medicine available to everyone with a rare cancer. Today, we are at a tipping point in cancer care. Australia has the opportunity to transform cancer outcomes, shifting from generalised, ‘one size fits all’ treatments to highly personalised, effective therapies that improve outcomes and minimise harm, especially for people with rare cancers. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is already being used in Australia and internationally, with rapidly growing evidence for its use and effectiveness. But how do we quickly move this technology out of research and into standard of care? Australia is making steps – but is it enough? Will the newly established Genomics Australia have the investment and influence it needs to make genomic-led care a reality? Hear expert industry, government and patient advocate speakers address these critical questions and more.

All this talk of personalisation, but is it getting through? Or are our systems and structures holding us back? For the first time, we have a national view of the experience of people with rare cancers and their carers. Are they getting the care and support they need – or have services been paying lip service to person-centred care? Hear from keynotes and a panel of expert speakers on how research and innovation is pacing the way for better care for people with rare cancers in Australia, and how with a swell of innovative new therapies emerging, what holds the greatest potential for people with rare cancers.

With information comes power, but only if we use it. We now know what people with rare cancers need – it is up to every one of us to listen, act, and do better. Patients are people. When we lose sight of that, we lose the chance to deliver the best outcomes. Hear from leading academia on how supportive care can make all the difference to treatment and care outcomes and how the fundamental value of experience and listening to patients can transform services. We know the issues. We know the inequities. We know the solutions. Now, it is time for action. Now, it’s personal.