It is understood to be the first time a Comprehensive Cancer Network in Australia has formally incorporated dedicated cancer prevention initiatives to be delivered within local communities.
SaCCaN was launched last October under the direction of SA’s inaugural Chief Cancer Officer, Michael Osborn. Its mission is to strengthen cancer care across the state by connecting clinicians, researchers, policymakers, service providers and community organisations.
Health equity is at the centre of SACCaN’s work, with a particular focus on priority populations—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living in regional areas—to address disparities in cancer care outcomes compared with metropolitan residents.
Cancer Council SA Senior Manager Prevention Christine Morris (left) and SACCaN Chief Cancer Officer Associate Professor Michael Osborne
Cancer Council SA will serve a vital role within SACCaN over the next three years, scaling its successful screening programs, co-designing training programs with and for health professionals, and expanding its health promotion activities in communities that have low screening participation rates.
Cancer Council SA Senior Manager Prevention Christine Morris said it was exciting to partner with SACCaN to highlight the importance of cancer prevention and early detection in healthcare.
In Australia, around 30 per cent of cancers are preventable. In particular, prevention is front-of-mind for action on UV, smoking and vaping, reducing alcohol intake, health eating and increasing physical activity.
“Alongside primary prevention, we promote early detection to reduce the impact of cancer, so screening programs are very important.
“This partnership is meant to focus our efforts to prevent cancer, detect it early, provide the best patient-centred care and help people rebuild their lives after cancer.
“We are very excited to get started on implementing the prevention stream into SACCaN.”
