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Cancer Patients Demand Improved Care Navigation and Coordination
30 Aug
Summary
- Australians diagnosed with cancer face overwhelming challenges navigating complex care system
- Patients seek greater coordination, access to navigators, and tools to self-manage care
- Survey aims to capture patient experiences to inform improvements to national cancer plan
As of August 2025, the 150,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer each year continue to face significant challenges in navigating the complex healthcare system. Beyond the initial shock and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, many patients find themselves lost in a maze of appointments, specialist care, and confusing medical terminology.
Dr. Susannah Morris, a health consumer advocate, shares her own experience of being overwhelmed by the process, despite her academic background and understanding of the healthcare system. She emphasizes that the current system is organized around providers and pathologies, rather than the individual patient, making the experience much harder than it needs to be.
To address these issues, the non-profit organization All.Can is calling for Australians affected by cancer to contribute their experiences through a survey. The goal is to capture the lived experiences of patients and inform the latest refresh of the Australian National Cancer Plan. Patients have expressed a need for greater coordination of care, access to navigators, and tools to help them self-manage their journey, in addition to addressing the financial implications of cancer treatment.
Experts highlight the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and the importance of recognizing the long-term needs of patients, particularly those living with "treatable, not curable" conditions. A more person-centered approach to cancer care could ease the burden on individuals and families, ensuring that quality of life is prioritized alongside quantity of life.
