Vision: To end cancers as we know them
The NSW Cancer Plan provides a whole-of-sector perspective on cancer control and describes how our key stakeholders across the state, including NSW Health, will work together to deliver better outcomes.
This plan was designed with stakeholders who provided their thoughts, comments and expertise.
This plan was brought to you by more than 800 people who contributed their experiences and expertise to set the direction of cancer control over the next five years.
Download the NSW Cancer Plan
Cancers in NSW
While NSW is recognised as a global leader in cancer care, with one of the highest one- and five-year survival rates for most cancers in the world, cancer continues to have a significant impact on the people of NSW.
Cancer contributes the largest burden of disease in Australia. In NSW, there remains variation in access to a range of cancer services and in cancer outcomes.
While cancer survival for Aboriginal people continues to improve, there is still a disproportionate gap in cancer outcomes. Closing the gap in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal communities is a key priority of the NSW Cancer Plan.
Other groups of people are disproportionately affected by cancer, including:
- multicultural communities
- people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
- regional, rural and remote communities
- older people
- sexuality and gender diverse people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people, known as LGBTIQ+ communities)
- people with a mental health condition
- people who are engaged with the justice system.
* Note that the NSW Cancer Plan uses the term ‘Aboriginal’ rather than ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’, recognising Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of NSW.
Although NSW remains a global leader in cancer outcomes, cancer remains a leading cause of illness and premature death.
*The figures on this page are projections for 2022. Projections of incidence and mortality are not precise predictions of the future. Models are based on projected populations and the assumption that historical trends will continue into the future. The accuracy of projections becomes less certain over time.
Cancer in Aboriginal people in NSW
The NSW Cancer Plan recognises Aboriginal communities as a priority for cancer control in our state.
The NSW Cancer Plan recognises Aboriginal peoples as the first peoples of Australia and the traditional custodians of the lands in NSW. This plan recognises Aboriginal communities as a priority.
Aboriginal people are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, are likely to be younger when they are diagnosed and are more likely to die of cancer than non-Aboriginal people.
Learn more about cancer in Aboriginal people and how we are working together to lessen the impact of cancer on Aboriginal people in NSW.
These goals set clear outcomes that will help us to achieve the vision.
Reduce inequity in cancer outcomes
Reduce the incidence of cancer
Increase cancer survival
Enhance quality of life and experience for people at risk of and affected by cancer
Three overriding principles guide the direction of the NSW Cancer Plan.
Equity of outcomes
Improve cancer outcomes in communities that continue to have poorer outcomes to help everyone achieve their best health. Focus on achieving equitable cancer outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Focus on the experiences of people with cancer and those accessing screening and prevention services, to ensure they achieve outcomes that are meaningful to them.
Work together at the system service and care team levels with clear roles, accountabilities and governance, to achieve the best cancer outcomes.
Priorities of the NSW Cancer Plan
Prevention of cancers
Screening and early detection of cancers
Optimal cancer treatment, care and support
Learn more about the priorities of the NSW Cancer Plan
Staff are engaged and well supported
- Leadership and culture
Innovation and digital advances inform service delivery
- Data and information
- Technology and innovation
The system is managed sustainably
- Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
Learn more about the system enablers
The target outcomes provide measures of success for achievement of the goals.
Achieve equitable cancer outcomes for all NSW residents.
Reduce the risk of preventable cancers for people in NSW.
Increase one-and five-year survival of NSW residents with cancer.
Increase the collection and use of people’s reported experience and outcomes to improve care and services.
Implementation and measuring progress
We will continue to measure and track our progress against the goals of the NSW Cancer Plan through the NSW Cancer Plan Performance Index, which includes a selection of high-level system indicators.
Learn more about this process
"This plan takes an equity-led approach to cancer control. It seeks to ensure each and every person affected by cancer is seen at the right time, in the right place, for the right care."