Combating cancer in South Australia
Health Minister John Hill says the Rann Government’s committed to the long-term investment, education and planning needed to combat cancer in South Australia.
“The Rann Government and The Cancer Council SA in 2006 united to launch a Statewide Cancer Plan 2006-2009, which we developed with input from cancer patients, more than 80 health professionals from all disciplines, cancer researchers, and specialist planners.
“This gave us a framework for a ‘whole of community’ approach and a long-term strategy to guide the best use of the state’s resources. The next, updated, instalment of the plan will be released soon.”
Over the past eight years the Rann Government has:
- Established the Cancer Clinical Network, bringing together cancer specialists to plan for
improved detection and treatment of cancer in SA.
- Partnered with the Federal Government to develop a Children’s Cancer Centre at the
Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- Joined forces with the Cancer Council SA to match their $54 million commitment to projects
including early detection and treatment and improved support services for patients and
families.
- Provided radiation therapy for the first time in the northern suburbs with a new linear
accelerator installed at Lyell McEwin Hospital.
- Provided early detection programs such as BreastScreen, and supported a new national bowel
cancer-screening program.
- Supporting increased cancer research efforts in SA with the establishment of a Health and
Medical Research Fund, and supporting researchers.
- Secured Federal funding of $200 million to build a SA Health and Medical Research Institute.
- Invested in the Flinders Medical Centre’s Centre for Innovation in Cancer Care.
- Installed two new linear accelerators at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
- Announced a $1.7 billion new central hospital for Adelaide with state-of-the-art cancer treatment and services, and improved patient rooms for comfort and privacy.
- Announced details of the redevelopment of two other major metro hospitals, Flinders Medical Centre and Lyell McEwin, to create state-of-the-art treatment and care for patients.
- Regulated the use of solariums in South Australian, banning under-18s from using them, and
placing restriction on use.
- Banned junk food sales in school canteens from the start of 2008.
- Banned smoking in vehicles where children under 16 years are present.
- Banned smoking in pubs and clubs and imposed restrictions on the promotion and display of
tobacco products, particularly at youth-orientated events.
Minister Hill said. “We are working closely with the Cancer Council SA and support their dedication and determination.
“This government has a clear plan for improving the detection and treatment of cancer, reducing risks for citizens and providing people with the information and support to make the right choices to reduce their own risk of developing cancer.
“We are also investing in specialist services in the country to reduce the amount of travelling people have to do to get treatment. For instance, in Mount Gambier, chemotherapy treatments have risen from 67 in 2006/07 to 516 in 2008/09 by using a coordinated network of cancer care.
“People with suspected cancer are already prioritised, and the Clinical Network for cancer is working on setting benchmarks across the system for the timely diagnosis and treatment of people with suspected cancer.
“As well as prevention and treatment, the importance of high quality research can’t be underestimated and the State Government’s supporting a South Australian Cancer Research Collaborative with the Cancer Council and the three SA universities, through the new $200 million South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute being built on North Terrace.”
A survey last week showed that South Australia has recorded its lowest rate of smoking among school students since 1984.
