Australia has made great progress in cancer care through early detection, public health initiatives, and better access to high-quality treatment. Despite having some of the best cancer outcomes worldwide, inequalities still exist in Victoria’s cancer sector. A lack of quality data on priority populations makes it difficult to fully understand and address gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and support.
The Cancer Equity Framework was created to help tackle these disparities by embedding equity into cancer care, research, education, and training. While some programs address inequities, the healthcare system—especially cancer services—needs more resources to support disadvantaged patients. A broad, system-wide approach is essential to reduce these gaps.
Applying an equity lens in cancer research and services can drive systemic change and improve outcomes. While various health equity resources exist, no comprehensive tools currently embed equity across cancer research, training, and service delivery.
The Cancer Equity Framework offers a strategic approach to shifting perceptions, enhancing knowledge, and improving practices to ensure better cancer treatment and outcomes for individuals facing disadvantage and discrimination. Aligned with the Optimal Care Pathways, this framework addresses every stage of the cancer journey—from screening and prevention to early detection, diagnosis, treatment, managing recurrent disease, and end-of-life care.
By applying the Cancer Equity Framework, we aim for health services, researchers, and education providers to consistently integrate an equity lens into cancer care. This will lay the foundation for a long-term vision of greater inclusion and improved health outcomes for those currently underserved by the cancer care system.
