Acknowledgements omitted
The congress provides a unique opportunity to learn from leading international experts, share research and care practices, and connect with over 460 delegates from 27 countries.
From Australia to Zimbabwe, and everywhere in between.
And at the heart of this congress is the young people.
This gathering of brilliant minds from around the world provides a great opportunity to discuss progress made but also the challenges.
I note the theme is around equity, ethics and what's emerging in the cancer treatment and practices for young people.
We know that adolescents and young adults with cancer have unique and complex medical and psychosocial needs.
Cancer is a complex and it affects people differently at different ages.
Young people's needs are not the same as those of older adult patients, or younger children. They need specialised care, tailored to them.
But it goes beyond clinical care.
It requires a truly remarkable community of support that also includes families, friends and volunteers.
I am so pleased there are organisations like Canteen, who have provided decades of support, service and compassion for young people and their families.
The Albanese Government recognises the significant impact cancer has on adolescents and young adults.
It's why we invest in programs that put young people at the front and centre of support services and treatment.
I can't express my thanks and admiration enough for the health professionals and health workers who work tirelessly to provide the best possible care for young people with cancer.
And for the young people who are in the fight of their life and are making the time to share very personal stories about their cancer journey, in the hope that it helps others going through similar situations.
Sharing your lived experience is important, it makes an enormous difference.
As you know only too well, a cancer diagnosis is shocking and disruptive at any age but particularly for young people navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood.
In Australia, approximately 1,200 young people between 15 and 25 are diagnosed with cancer each year, amongst all the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development that takes place around that time.
Specialised care is an essential component of optimal cancer care pathways for young people.
It gives them very best chance of survival.
Australia's Youth Cancer Services program is a game changer.
It focusses on the unique challenges of young people with cancer who need hospital-based care.
I'm pleased that the recent independent evaluation of phase 4 of this program shows how effective it is in delivering the services and compassionate care young people and their families rely on.
It's about nationally coordinated cancer services, comprehensive medical and psychosocial assessment.
It's about care coordination, multidisciplinary expertise, and access to psychosocial support.
It's about fertility preservation and clinical trials.
It really is the whole package.
I'm pleased to report that this initiative has been highly successful, reaching more than 75% of all patients requiring inpatient care.
Of course, I want it to reach 100% of young people and that remains the goal.
I can say though, that the program's success has created a blueprint for the delivery of care to young cancer patients.
So, I am really pleased to announce that our government is providing an additional $1.9 million to the Youth Cancer Services program to support acute cancer care roles across the country.
The additional funding is over the next four years and is on top of the more than $24 million that we have already committed.
I want to thank Canteen for everything they are doing to make the diagnosis of cancer in young people the beginning of holistic and compassionate care.
Because knowing there is a reliable and responsive system in place gives great comfort at a very difficult time.
It's about tailored, age-appropriate support which extends beyond brilliant clinical treatment, and it makes all the difference.
I also want to thank Cancer Australia, Canteen and many others for their great work on the Australian Cancer Plan.
It provides an overarching approach to cancer control that meets the needs of all Australians, including young people, now and in the future.
The plan has really been a great achievement for the sector and provides all governments with a solid basis for investment and activity to make a difference to cancer outcomes.
Following the launch of the plan, we announced funding of $166 million for a new Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program.
This program will help improve cancer outcomes across Australia, from cancer prevention and early detection through to recovery, treatment, survivorship and end of life care.
It's about establishing a new equitable and sustainable model of cancer nursing and navigation services in Australia.
Because providing high-quality, culturally safe, integrated and multidisciplinary person-centred cancer care, nationally is a priority-no matter who you are or where you live or how old you are.
I'm delighted that Australia is playing such an active role in youth cancer initiatives.
And working with Canteen, I thank the Teenage Cancer Trust from the United Kingdom and Teen Cancer America for their tireless work.
Together you are helping to boost international improvements in treatment and support through the Global AYA Cancer Congress conference series.
I hope you enjoy the Congress and that you are able to bring more awareness of your research and experience to even more people.
Thanks, and all the best for a great Congress.
