The Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) is a key part of the Australian Cancer Plan and works to improve equity and outcomes for people with rare and less common cancers. We are honoured to be leading the development of the first pathway on behalf of the rare community. Here is an overview of what this means, and how it can help create a better world for rare.
What is an Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) for cancer?
An Optimal Care Pathway for cancer is like a roadmap that shows the best way to provide care at every stage – from prevention and early detection to treatment, follow-up, and end-of-life care.
Following OCPs helps doctors find cancer earlier, start treatment sooner, and give people a better chance of getting well and living longer.
OCPs help to ensure care is consistent, high-quality, and focused on the person.
Learn more about Optimal Care Pathways.
Why do OCPs matter?
Optimal Care Pathways matter because they help make sure everyone with cancer gets the right care at the right time – no matter who they are or where they live. OCPs are all about:
- Equity: ensuring everyone gets the same high standard of care.
- Evidence: using the latest science and expert advice.
- Clarity: providing a clear roadmap for care from diagnosis right to recovery.
- Putting patients first: prioritising more personal, respectful and supportive care.
- Better outcomes: helping people live longer, healthier lives with and after cancer.
Why is an OCP important for rare cancers?
Collectively, rare and less common cancers represent approximately one-quarter of all cancer diagnoses in Australia – that’s over 40,000 people diagnosed each year. Yet because these cancers aren’t as well-known or frequently treated, the care people receive can vary widely depending on where they live or which doctor they see.
An OCP for rare and less common cancers will set a national standard for how care should be delivered to patients with rare and less common cancer, especially when there isn’t already a specific pathway for their cancer type. It will ensure care is consistent, high-quality, and based on the best available knowledge – even if doctors have never heard of their cancer before.
For people with rare cancers, an OCP can mean a more accurate diagnosis, better support, and more coordinated care across the health system, reducing disparities in outcomes and experience.
How will it be developed?
We will develop three key resources:
- A detailed OCP document for health professionals and health services.
- A quick reference guide for easy use by health professionals.
- A Guide to Best Cancer Care for people affected by cancer, including patients and families.
To advise on the development of these resources, we have a rich and diverse Expert Working Group (EWG) and Project Steering Group.
The EWG includes a range of health, care and medical professionals, as well as people with lived experience of rare cancer to ensure the unique needs and experiences of patients are at the centre of the process. These members can personally attest to the challenges faced by the rare community, including delays in diagnosis, limited treatment options, and less access to experienced specialists.
The EWG is co-chaired by Lillian Leigh, an advocate, lawyer and non-executive director living with a rare lung cancer, and Professor Clare Scott, a distinguished medical oncologist and cancer researcher.
The Steering Group will oversee the project and ensure the resources are developed to a high-quality. It is chaired by Christine Cockburn, CEO of Rare Cancers Australia, and has representatives from across the states and territories to ensure the OCP is relevant for different jurisdictions and will ultimately be adopted across Australia.
Where can I learn more?
To learn more about the Optimal Care Pathway for People with Rare and Less Common Cancers please contact the RCA Policy and Public Affairs Team at [email protected]