Complete guide to Australian hospital cancer care — oncology services, national cancer screening, chemotherapy safety, radiation therapy, cancer survivorship, AIHW cancer registry, and oncology software.
Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Australia (30%). 150,000+ new cases per year. 70% 5-year survival. Three national screening programmes. This guide covers Australian cancer care.
Cancer Care Pathway
- Screening: National screening (breast, cervical, bowel) or symptomatic presentation
- Diagnosis: Imaging, biopsy, staging — target within 28 days of referral
- MDT review: Multi-disciplinary team review for treatment plan
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy
- Follow-up: Regular follow-up with surveillance imaging and tumour markers
- Survivorship: Long-term follow-up, rehabilitation, psychosocial support
- Palliative care: Symptom management and end-of-life care for advanced cancer
National Cancer Screening
| Program | Target Group | Test | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| BreastScreen | Women 50-74 | Mammography | Every 2 years |
| Cervical | Women 25-74 | HPV test | Every 5 years |
| Bowel | People 50-74 | FOBT (home kit) | Every 2 years |
| Melanoma | High-risk individuals | Skin check | Annual (high risk) |
| Prostate | Men 50-70 (discuss with GP) | PSA | Individual decision |
Chemotherapy Safety
| Standard | Description | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic ordering | Electronic chemotherapy ordering with protocols | Yes |
| Dose calculation | BSA-based, weight-based dose calculation with checks | Yes |
| Preparation | Chemotherapy prepared in isolator/clean room | Yes |
| Administration | Trained oncology nurse, patient identification | Yes |
| Extravasation protocol | Extravasation management protocol | Yes |
| Toxicity monitoring | Regular blood counts, organ function | Yes |
| Cold chain | Temperature-controlled storage and transport | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cancer burden in Australia?
- Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Australia (30% of deaths). 150,000+ new cancer cases per year. Most common: prostate (25,000), breast (20,000), melanoma (18,000), colorectal (15,000), lung (14,000). Cancer survival is improving — 70% 5-year survival for all cancers. Australia has some of the world's best cancer outcomes.
- What is the Australian cancer screening programme?
- Australia has 3 national cancer screening programmes: 1) BreastScreen Australia — free mammography for women 50-74 (every 2 years), 2. National Cervical Screening Program — HPV test for women 25-74 (every 5 years), 3. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program — free FOBT for people 50-74 (every 2 years). Screening is free and saves lives through early detection.
- What is the AIHW cancer registry?
- AIHW maintains the Australian Cancer Database (ACD) — a national registry of all cancer diagnoses in Australia. All hospitals and pathology services must report cancer diagnoses. ACD data includes: cancer type, stage, treatment, survival. AIHW publishes annual cancer statistics. The registry is used for research, planning, and evaluation.