Today marks World Cancer Day which this year is aiming to raise awareness of the equity gap that affects almost every country and is sadly costing lives.
The Statewide Cancer Clinical Network is our peak body of cancer expertise in Queensland Health, bringing together clinicians and researchers from across the state to set the direction of cancer services within Queensland.
“Closing the care gap is even more poignant in Queensland, given the state is so large and dispersed,” Dr Glen Kennedy, co-chair of the Statewide Cancer Clinical Network said.
“Queensland is home to such dedicated and creative cancer care workforce, so it is critical for us as a network to bring everyone together and ensure that the innovations occurring in pockets throughout the state can be adapted for other areas to improve access.”
In his ‘day job’ as the Executive Director of Cancer Care Services at Metro North Hospital and Health Services, Dr Kennedy recently oversaw the local manufacturing of CAR-T cells, which can directly target and kill cancer.
“This game-changing technology is just one example of a local idea at our health service that we’ve been able to grow to provide innovative treatments to consumers across the state in partnership with other health services and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute,” Dr Kennedy said.
“A little ‘outside the box’ thinking, partnership and collaboration are key to making sure where you live, doesn’t determine if you live.”
Entering its tenth year, the network is:
- focussed on improving standards, access, and equity of cancer care.
- strengthening partnerships with consumers, Department of Health and the cancer industry.
- committed to implementing genomics into cancer care.
- educating clinicians through short Masterclass events.
To help ‘close the care gap’ visit World Cancer Day website or to learn more about the Statewide Cancer Clinical Network, sign-up to the network or contact Statewide_Cancer@health.qld.gov.au.
