Foreword from Professor Sanchia Aranda AM Australia has rich health data collections but falls behind, like many countries do, in mobilising data to improve the health of the population. Our approach has traditionally seen data as a risk to be managed rather than an asset to be leveraged. Data linkages that collate health data
impact of system improvements that seek to address disparities in cancer outcomes. The BCNA roundtable on the collection of stage and recurrence data forms part of a new and important conversation about the need for change in how we collect, collate and manage data in Australia. Let us hope the momentum generated through this conversation will be a catalyst for lasting change.
with other important information such as social determinants of health are costly to create, are subject to long delays and are established predominantly to support an individual project. Mature data environments create perpetual data linkage assets that are updated regularly and accessible for a wide range of purposes from system performance reporting to research. Such data assets allow us to examine unwarranted variations in diagnosis, treatment and care and to monitor the
Foreword from Vicki Durston, Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, BCNA
Advocacy is central to Breast Cancer Network Australia’s purpose. We have known for some time that those living with metastatic breast cancer do not feel they belong amongst the ‘sea of pink’ and often feel invisible in the wider breast cancer sector. Despite being raised as an issue throughout BCNA’s 25-year history, we remain in 2023 with no national picture of metastatic breast cancer. In bringing the sector together, we now have a resounding commitment to establish a roadmap and way forward
together. Now is the time for change, and I am excited by what could be achieved for consumers across all cancers if we get this right for those living with metastatic breast cancer.
04
National Roundtable Report
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online