Prostate Dvd and Action Plan Aim to Reduce Incidence of Deadly Cancers

Media release

From Premier of Victoria

Tuesday, 27 May, 2008

PROSTATE DVD AND ACTION PLAN AIM TO REDUCE INCIDENCE OF DEADLY CANCERS

A$150 million Brumby Government cancer action plan and a new DVD launched today aim to help reduce the incidence of prostate and other life-threatening cancers.

Premier John Brumby said today that apart from skin cancers, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men with around 4000 Victorian men diagnosed each year, with the majority aged over 65.

Speaking at the launch of a new prostate cancer information DVD by the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser today, Mr Brumby said improving cancer services is one of the Victorian Government’s top priorities.

“Cancer is the leading cause of death for Victorians, with one in three affected by the disease,” Mr Brumby said.

“About 4000 Victorian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005, and nearly 800 died.

“Chances of surviving prostate cancer are increased by early detection so men over 50 years should include testing in their regular checkups.

“And tools like the Prostate Awareness Australia DVD will help inform newly-diagnosed men about the disease and the treatment options and provide a pathway through coping with the disease to recovery.”

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government’s $150 millionVictoria’s Cancer Action Plan 2008-2011 will be launched later this year and will invest in innovative prevention, treatment and research and help build the cancer workforce in order to reduce the burden of cancer.

Key investments will include:

• $78.8 million for the Victorian Cancer Agency to increase research capacity and translate findings into improvements in patient care, outcomes and survival;
• $28.8 million to increase the number of patients assessed and treated by specialist multidisciplinary teams, with a focus on supportive care and supporting regional cancer services;
• $18.4 million to implement workforce initiatives to enhance Victoria’s screening, risk assessment and treatment capabilities; and
• $24 million to cut major risk factors and avoidable cancer deaths by investing in prevention, early screening and early diagnosis.

Mr Brumby said that while cancer survival has increased from 48 per cent in 1990 to 61 per cent in 2004 in Victoria, the health system must continue to work on finding new treatments.

“We know there’s more to do which is why this Government has invested $600 million per year since 2000 to provide treatment in public hospitals,” Mr Brumby said.

“And the Victorian Cancer Agency Consultative Council was created last year to help turn laboratory breakthroughs into bedside treatments to improve treatment of cancer.
“We’ve also appointed leading cancer surgeon Professor Robert Thomas as the state’s first Chief Clinical Advisor for Cancer and announced several exciting initiatives including $5 million planning money for a world-class cancer precinct at Parkville and new regulations around the use of solariums that will save the lives of Victorians.”

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Cancer Agency facilitates and directs cancer research and in 2007-08, provided funding grants totalling $270,000 for two research projects towards improving the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancers.

He said the recent State Budget also included $73.5 million for Stage 2 of the SunshineHospital redevelopment, which will include four specialist radiotherapy bunkers. The radiotherapy service will be the first public service in Melbourne’s west.

The Budget also put $25 million toward the establishment of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre at the AustinHospital.

Media contact:Tim Pigot 0419 817 098