Professor O’Brien, a highly respected paediatric oncologist and haematologist, was appointed the state’s Chief Cancer Officer in July.
Professor O’Brien and her team will meet with Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) Chief Executive, Margaret Bennett, as well as senior staff from the district, Canberra Health Services, ACT Health and the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network (PHN) to discuss local cancer outcomes and how the Institute can continue supporting the local health district in lessening the impacts of cancer in Southern NSW.
“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 Southern NSW Local Health District, it is projected that this year alone, 1,629 people will be told they have cancer, and 530 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 Southern NSW Local Health District and meeting Ms Bennett and her team, as well as representatives from the local PHN, Canberra Health Services and ACT Health, 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.”
Ms Bennett said it was a privilege to host Professor O’Brien as part of her state-wide visit.
“Cancer touches all our lives, either directly or through its impact on family and friends,” Ms Bennett said. “We’re committed to working together with the Cancer Institute NSW and the local community to look at ways to prevent and lessen the impact of cancer through regular screening and access to effective, world-class treatment.”
The Institute has developed a Snapshot Report on Cancer in the SNSWLHD, which outlines expected cancer incidence and mortality in SNSWLHD 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.