Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) is determined to increase awareness, highlight the need for further research and initiate policy discussion and action to improve the lives and outcomes of all Australians living with a rare or less common cancer. RCA is currently working with government, clinicians and industry for change.
The Rights and Roles of Australian Cancer Patients
For too long, ‘patient-centricity’ and ‘person centred care’ have merely been notional concepts that have not been reflected in the reality of patients’ lived experience.
With input from more than one thousand patients and carers – along with patient advocates, clinicians, and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry and patient organisations – this report aims to better understand the scale of the challenge we face in delivering the best person-centred care for Australian cancer patients.
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National Medicines Policy Submission on behalf of Rare Cancers Australia
Published in 2000, Australia’s National Medicines Policy (NMP) aims to deliver positive health outcomes for all Australians through their access to and appropriate use of medicines.
This report submission is on behalf of Rare Cancers Australia.
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VISION 20-30: Building an Australian Cancer Futures Framework
Australia’s health system is among the best in the world. While the overall picture of cancer in Australia currently points to extended survival, these improvements are not shared amongst all cancer types and will not ensue without evolving some fundamental aspects of our health system.
The rapid pace of change brought about by emerging therapeutics and technology is challenging our previously well-equipped system.
Over 550,000 Australians will die from cancer between now and 2030 if nothing changes. However, if we plan and do the work now to maximise new science and emerging technologies, we will save lives.
With input from more than 40 Australian experts and consultation with over 500 members of the cancer community, the NOA Vision 20-30 report casts a national direction for how cancer care will evolve over the next ten years for all cancer patients - regardless of cancer type, patient geography or financial situation.
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Genomic Testing Blueprint
This report seeks to characterise the cancer genomics landscape in Australia and explore the salient considerations around defining a path towards broad funded genomic testing for cancer patients.
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2018/2019 Annual Review
A report on the major progress made by Rare Cancers Australia - Innovation Against Inequality.
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Rare Solutions: A Time to Act
First report of its kind paves the way for government, industry and research community to unite to improve access and outcomes for Australian patients.
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Submission to Senate Inquiry for the Availability and Accessibility of Diagnostic Imaging Equipment around Australia
This submission addresses the availability and accessibility which is a diagnostic imaging equipment - such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, radiography (x-ray), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) - in Australia.
Diagnostic imaging is a critical part of the cancer journey and our submission can be downloaded below.
View our response to the Committee's recommendations here.
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Submission to Senate Inquiry for Funding Research into Cancers with Low Survival Rates
This submission addresses the urgent need for improved funding into research for cancers with low survival rates, many of which are rare or less common.
A transcript of our CEO Richard Vines' address to the senate inquiry public hearing can be found here
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RCA Cancer Patient Organisations in Asia Report
The need for patient groups to provide constructive input into the shape and priorities of health services within the Asia region.
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Just a Little More Time: Rare Cancers Update Report
2016 update on the status of rare and less common cancers in Australia, including patient outcomes, research and treatment funding.
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Just a Little More Time
Details incidence, mortality and survival rates and also examines current funding levels for research and treatment.
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Access to Cancer Medicines Senate Inquiry
This submission was presented to the Senate Community Affairs Committee and addresses the shortfalls of our current medicines funding and access model. It offers two recommendations to improve the system.
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Funding for Treatment of Rare Cancers in Australia
A survey of pharmaceutical company employees, physicians and patient/advocacy group members.
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PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies: options for subsidy consideration for multiple cancer types
PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies: options for subsidy consideration for multiple cancer types (pan-tumour)
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