The Australian government has released Cancer Australia's National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control, marking a significant step toward improved cancer outcomes through personalised cancer care.
Genomic medicine is at the cutting edge of medicine, using a person's own DNA to better identify disease risks, prevent illness, make earlier diagnoses and personalise treatment.
It has the potential to deliver vital insights into the way gene mutations drive cancer behaviour. The role of genomics in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment is expanding rapidly, with broad implications for patient care.
The Framework will guide health professionals, researchers, health services, and policymakers in safely and effectively incorporating genomics into cancer care. Cancer Australia's vision is to make genomics a standard part of clinical practice, ensuring high-quality, culturally safe cancer care is accessible for all Australians.
The Framework sets out specific goals for the future of genomics-informed cancer care and lays out actions for implementation across the cancer care continuum and the broader health system.
Goals within the Framework emphasise the need for evidence-based genomic testing to guide personalised prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
They also highlight the importance of building workforce capability in genomics and cultural safety and educating and empowering communities to understand the role of genomics in cancer care.
Best practice cancer care needs to be underpinned by cancer genomic research, clinical trials and data that accurately represents Australia's diverse population.
The development of the Framework was informed by extensive public consultation, including a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and a rigorous review of national and international evidence.
A National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control was identified as a priority action under the Australian Cancer Plan. The Framework provides a policy basis for equitable access to genomic medicine for all Australians affected by cancer.
The Framework is available on the Cancer Australia website.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER BUTLER:
"Australia is at the precipice of transforming the potential of genomics into concrete improvements in cancer care, research, policies, and service delivery."
"Through this Framework, we continue our commitment to providing national leadership in the development and use of genomic medicine, and in delivering world-class outcomes for every Australian affected by cancer."
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DOROTHY KEEFE, CANCER AUSTRALIA CEO:
"Some Australians are more at risk of developing cancer than others. Genetic testing can help determine an individual's risk of certain cancers, and create personalised prevention, risk-reducing and early detection strategies."
"For a person diagnosed with cancer, genomics can be used to guide diagnostic and personalised treatment decisions to deliver better outcomes."
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO JACINTA ELSTON, CANCER AUSTRALIA'S ADVISOR ON ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CANCER CONTROL:
"By integrating genomics into every stage of cancer care, we can improve outcomes for all Australians, especially those in underserved communities.
"The opportunities presented by medical advancements in genomics have the potential to transform cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer, as it will for all Australians."
Key Facts:
The Australian government has released Cancer Australia's National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control. This marks a significant step toward improved cancer outcomes through personalised cancer care.
Genomic medicine is at the cutting edge of medicine, using a person's own DNA to better identify disease risks, prevent illness, make earlier diagnoses and personalise treatment.
It has the potential to deliver vital insights into the way gene mutations drive cancer behaviour.
The role of genomics in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment is expanding rapidly, with broad implications for patient care.
About us:
Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Guided by the Australian Cancer Plan, Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.
