Screening Subcommittee of the Australian Population Health Development Principal Committee (APHDPC)

Endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers’ Council at its 9 October 2008 meeting, the purpose of this framework is to inform decision makers on the key issues to be considered when assessing potential screening programs in Australia, particularly: criteria to assess whether screening should be offered for diseases/conditions including cancer; and the key principles for the implementation and management of screening programs.

The framework is underpinned by the principles of access and equity, fundamental elements to all population screening programs, and is intended to provide guidance and inform judgement.

Web-based PDF

Health professionals, policy makers

Publicly available - no restrictions

Free of charge

Australia

http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/pop-based-screening-fwork/$File/screening-framework.pdf

• a focus on all the health professions. The multi-disciplinary nature of the journal is reflected in the editorial board, editorial policy and balance of articles.
• a focus on regional issues and concerns. The journal primarily serves Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific Region. Nonetheless it maintains an international outlook and deals with issues of global concern.
• a focus on teaching and learning. There are demonstrated links between high quality education and improved outcomes for health care. The journal includes articles on teaching and learing, curriculum design, assessment and evaluation in support of better professional practice.
• a focus on diverse and stimulating ideas. Controversial, challenging and substantive issues facing health professional educators and students. The journal provides a forum where these issues can be examined and advanced. Contributions by junior researchers are particularly encouraged.

World Health Organisation (WHO)

WHO has developed a series of six modules that provide practical advice for programme managers and policy-makers on how to advocate, plan and implement effective cancer control programmes, particularly in low and middle income countries.

The downloadable modules are:

• Planning
• Prevention
• Early Dectection
• Diagnosis and Treatment
• Palliative Care
• Policy and Advocacy

Web-based PDF

Health educators, health professionals, policy makers

Publicly available - no restrictions

Free of charge

Europe

http://www.who.int/cancer/modules/en/index.html

Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and The Cancer Council Australia

Following the 2009-10 federal budget announcement of $560 million in capital grants for up to 10 regional cancer centres, the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and Cancer Council Australia convened a national workshop in Canberra on 4 August to develop an independent cancer sector position on generic criteria for the grants allocation process. Overarching themes throughout the workshop discussion and recommendations included the need to ensure:

• successful grant applicants guarantee recurrent funding to support the capital investment - minimum staffing and appropriate professional mix will be critical; long-term sustainability is assured;
• systemic workforce issues are resolved; genuine multidisciplinary care underpins the service;
• current and future (projected) population needs will be met;
• cross-border issues are resolved;

and

• linkages with both metropolitan cancer centres and "feeder" hospitals are in place or developed.

The workshop featured 15 presentations to provide background and context, which can be downloaded from the website.

Web based PDF report

Multidisciplinary health professionals

Publicly available - no restrictions

Free of charge

Australia

http://www.cosa.org.au/PublicationsPositionStatements/Regional_and_Rural_Report.htm

Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and The Cancer Council Australia

Report of a conference was held in Canberra in March bringing together professionals and consumers from regional and rural Australia. This was the first conference to address the disparity in cancer services between urban and regional areas.

The planned outcomes included:

• To identify a level of service that rural cancer patients have a right to expect in the areas of surgical, medical, radiation oncology, palliative care and psychosocial support.
• To identify areas in which deficiencies are perceived to occur.
• To outline strategies to redress imbalances of equity and access.
• To identify areas of knowledge such as epidemiology or world's best practice that are unavailable and commence research to address these.
• To outline a defined clinical pathway to enhance cancer services.

Web based PDF report

Multidisciplinary

Publicly available - no restrictions

Free of charge

Australia

http://www.cosa.org.au/cosa/File/publications/CancerInTheBushConferenceReportMarch2001.pdf

Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) and The Cancer Council Australia

A report identifying improved cancer control in rural and regional Australia as a high-priority area.

Web based PDF report

Multidisciplinary

Publicly available - no restrictions

Free of charge

Australia

http://www.cosa.org.au/cosa/File/publications/Mapping_regional_oncology_services_MAR06.pdf