Australia's Queensland Government has unveiled its strategy to enhance cancer services across the state, with a focus on personalised and coordinated care.
The government will invest more than A$1.73bn ($1.13bn) in the ‘Queensland Cancer Plan’ over the period of 2024/2025.
This plan outlines a comprehensive approach to transform cancer care by improving access to treatments and improving services, particularly in regional areas, as well as enhancing care for children and First Nations peoples.
It is a ten-year strategy prioritising patient access to tailored care throughout their cancer journey.
A central aspect of the plan is the expansion of innovative therapies, including Car T-Cell therapy for challenging cancer cases and patients with limited treatment options.
The strategy was developed with input from over 1,000 Queenslanders, including health professionals, caregivers, patients, and other key stakeholders.
Queensland Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service Minister and Women Minister Shannon Fentiman said: “This record-breaking investment and strategy will enable key initiatives to be delivered, including lifesaving therapies, and bringing more services closer to home.
“I’ve met with patients who have received life-saving treatments, like our Car T-Cell therapy that is now available in Brisbane and Townsville, and I’m excited to see that this will soon be expanded to other hospitals.
“With more than 33,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year, our top priority is for every Queenslander to be able to access the best possible care, no matter where they live.”
The newly announced cancer care plan will also be supported by the government’s A$1.1bn investment in the development of the new Queensland Cancer Centre, with its new visuals recently revealed.
This 150-bed facility in Brisbane will provide a range of cancer treatments, such as cellular therapy and nuclear theranostics.
Expected to open in 2028,Queensland Cancer Centre will also introduce proton beam therapy, a precise form of radiation treatment that is particularly advantageous for paediatric cancer patients.
In December last year, the Queensland government selected Lendlease as the preferred contractor to lead the new cancer centre's design phase.
