Patients diagnosed with rare cancers will now be able to gain better access to specialised support through a partnership made official today between Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) and Ramsay Health Care.
The partnership sees both parties provide greater awareness and support for Australians diagnosed with rare, less common, or complex cancers – rare cancers are those with an incidence of fewer than 6 cases per 100,000 population.
RCA Chief Executive Officer, Christine Cockburn, said the partnership was incredibly important because it puts the patient at the centre of coordinated care, whilst growing much-needed awareness and knowledge amongst healthcare professionals.
“Our specialist cancera disease where abnormal cells split without control and spread to other nearby body tissue and/or organs navigation team will now directly link in with the navigators at Ramsay forming an integrated referral pathway for patients ensuring no one will fall through gaps and everyone will receive much-needed support, ensuring better outcomes for the patient,” Ms Cockburn stated.
“We will also build out our KnowledgeBase directory to include qualified Ramsay specialists, making it easier for patients to find the clinical expertise they need specific to their rare cancer type.
“All of this is geared towards creating better outcomes for patients; giving them the best possible chance at a life beyond cancer, which is all anyone wants,” Ms Cockburn said.
Ramsay’s General Manager of Service Development, Jonathan Cotton said the partnership reflects Ramsay’s commitment to delivering more connected and compassionate care for people facing rare and less common cancers.
“We’re proud to partner with Rare Cancers Australia to help improve the journey for people facing some of the most challenging and under-recognised cancer diagnoses,” Mr Cotton said.
“These patients often experience a more difficult and uncertain journey — from delayed diagnosisthe process of identifying a disease based on signs and symptoms, patient history and medical test results to limited treatment options and fragmented support. By working with Rare Cancers Australia, we want to help close those gaps. Together, we’ll make it easier for patients to access the therapies, information and support they need — and ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported at every step.”