Victoria Premier Visits World-Leading Cancer Center to Research a Comprehensive Care Facility for Victoria

The Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, today visited San Diego’s world-leading Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, and said it showed what could be achieved through a comprehensive approach to cancer research and treatment.

On his visit to the Center, Mr. Brumby said improving cancer services was one of the Victorian Government’s top priorities, which was why the Government was investigating establishing a world-class cancer precinct at Parkville.

“When I became Premier, I nominated tackling cancer and the epidemic of preventable chronic diseases as one of our Government’s key priorities,” Mr. Brumby said.

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

Mr. Brumby said the Victorian Government had announced $5 million in planning money last year for a world-class cancer precinct at Parkville. A proposal is expected by the end of the year.

The proposed precinct will bring together parts of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and health research facilities from the University of Melbourne.

Mr. Brumby said cancer survival had increased from 48 per cent in 1990 to 61 per cent in 2004 in Victoria.

“These improvements are encouraging, but there is always more to do,” Mr. Brumby said.

“That’s why our Government kick started our Victoria’s Cancer Action Plan which aims to increase cancer survival rates for Victorians by a further 10 per cent by 2015 – 2000 Victorian lives that would have otherwise been lost.”

Key elements of the 2008-09 State Budget cancer package 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 regional cancer services;

— $18.4 million to implement workforce initiatives to enhance Victoria’s screening, risk assessment and treatment capabilities;

— $24 million to cut major risk factors and avoidable cancer deaths by investing in prevention, early screening and early diagnosis; and

— $25 million to the development of the Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre to bring together all facets of cancer care, research and training at the Austin Hospital.

“This year’s State Budget also included $73.5 million for Stage 2 of the Sunshine Hospital redevelopment, which will include four specialist radiotherapy bunkers, making it the first public radiotherapy service in Melbourne’s west,” Mr. Brumby said.

Further elements of the Cancer Action Plan will be released later this year.

Mr. Brumby said Victoria’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre would be modelled on overseas centres and offer integrated cancer services from research through to treatment.

“A Comprehensive Cancer Centre will expand Victoria’s cancer research capacity and will link with broader biomedical research, like that being undertaken by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, increase treatment options; and allow further clinical trials of ground-breaking research,” he said.

“The Moores Cancer Centre here in San Diego shows what can be achieved by bringing together research and treatment in one precinct,” Mr. Brumby said.

“This centre was established in 1978 and has been a world leader in fast-tracking leading-edge research into cancer diagnosis and treatment.”