26/10/22 - Western Australian cancer sufferers to receive patient centred care linked to research.
Fast facts
Cancer is a major cause of death by disease in adults and children in Australia
More than 145,000 Australians were diagnosed with cancer in 2020
In 2020 nearly 50,000 Australians died from cancer
Deaths from cancer are significantly higher in rural and remote areas and in vulnerable populations
Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Professor Peter Leedman AO has welcomed the inclusion in today’s Federal budget of $375m for a Western Australian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (WACCC).
“This centre will transform the way cancer treatment is delivered in this State. It will provide world’s best cancer treatment, research and clinical trials in an integrated way which will truly benefit people with cancer and their families,” he said.
Cancer researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute will be an integral part of the CCC – providing the centre access to the latest research and treatments.
Professor Leedman said Comprehensive Cancer Centres are already operating in NSW and Victoria but particularly suit a State the size of WA.
“In Western Australia we have a significant need for a CCC as numerous patients live in rural and remote communities. The WACCC will aim to improve access and equity for those patients living outside of the larger centres and improve their outcome.
“Each patient’s case from diagnosis through treatment will be coordinated, and regularly assessed by a multi-disciplinary team.
“Support services will also be integrated providing pain management, psychological support, exercise, physiotherapy and other holistic care that helps a patient manage treatment better and even stay with it for longer.
“For cancer patients the WACCC will be a truly ‘one-stop-shop’ for all their diagnostics, treatment including surgery, intensive care, specialist appointments, imaging and scanning, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, complementary therapy, palliative care and rehabilitation,” he said.
The Harry Perkins Institute plans to develop the WA CCC on the QEII medical campus. The State government has committed $2.5m for the development of a business case.
Media assets: Fly through of panned WACCC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K7x30bVG9o
Media contact: Miriam Borthwick
M 0437 411 683
E media@perkins.org.au
About the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research www.perkins.org.au
The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research is WA’s largest medical research institute that primarily investigates diseases affecting adults. With over 250 researchers located on three hospital campuses, the Perkins is uniquely positioned to fast track the development of new discoveries and treatments. By collaborating with doctors, world-class researchers, scientists and clinicians, the Perkins takes discoveries from the laboratory bench top to the bedside. The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research is proudly West Australian, providing career opportunities to our best and brightest graduates and bringing to the State world-class researchers. As a registered charity, the Harry Perkins Institute relies on grants and donations to fund its medical research.