Professor O’Brien, a highly respected paediatric oncologist and haematologist, was appointed the state’s Chief Cancer Officer in July. She will meet with Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) Interim Chief Executive Brad Astill and key FWLHD staff and health partners to discuss local cancer outcomes and how the Institute can continue supporting the local health district in lessening the impacts of cancer in the Far West.
“NSW is recognised as a global leader in cancer care, with survival rates among the best in the world, but there is still much more we can do to lessen the impact of cancer,” Professor O’Brien said.
“However, cancer continues to impact too many people in our community with one in two people across NSW diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
There are also communities that continue to experience poorer cancer outcomes, including Aboriginal communities, people living in regional rural and remote NSW and multicultural communities. Working closely with these communities to ensure equitable cancer outcomes is a priority of our state’s new Cancer Plan”.
“In the Far West Local Health District, it is projected that this year alone, 260 people will be told they have cancer, and 75 people will lose their lives to the disease. Part of the Institute’s work is supporting local health districts to deliver effective, efficient, affordable cancer treatments.
“I am looking forward to visiting the Far West Local Health District and meeting Mr Astill and his team to discuss local cancer treatments, patient care and support, as well as cancer prevention and screening programs. A priority in the NSW Cancer Plan 2022–2027 is the prevention of cancers, which is one of the most effective ways to achieve the Institute’s vision of ending cancers as we know them.”
FWLHD Interim Chief Executive Mr Brad Astill said the district collaborates with our health care partners to improve cancer screening, diagnosis and referral pathways for cancer treatments. FWLHD is looking forward to Professor O’Brien’s first visit to Broken Hill as CEO of Cancer Institute NSW.
The Institute has developed a Snapshot Report on Cancer in the Far West, which details Far West Local Health District’s projected cancer incidence and mortality in 2022, the most common cancers and highlights how residents in the district can reduce their risk of developing some of the most common types of cancer.
The NSW Government invests around $175 million each year, through the Cancer Institute NSW, to improve cancer care in NSW and lessen the impact of cancer for people across the state.
