Media contributions
1Media contributions
Title Cancer control measures save 230,000 lives Degree of recognition National Media name/outlet News GP Media type Web Country/Territory Australia Date 10/07/25 Description But to bolster the results, experts say GPs must be supported to undertake cancer prevention, early diagnosis and patient support...
Experts say GPs need adequate support to face the challenge.
Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care, Professor Mark Morgan said the study’s results are positive but there is more work to be done.
‘This research shows age adjusted mortality rates from cancer across Australia have reduced by 11% for women, from a 1985 figure of 116.5 per 100,000. The reduction for men has been 20%, from a much higher baseline of 188.3 per 100,000,’ he told newsGP.
‘This is a good news story. It can be attributed to reduced smoking and other prevention, cancer screening programs and improved cancer survivorship.
‘There is more to be done. We know that engagement with cancer reduction strategies is not uniform for all populations and is well below ideal across the board.’
Professor Morgan said ‘GPs have a central role in reducing the impact of cancer’ and he points to the RACGP Red Book as being instrumental in pulling together evidence for screening and preventive healthcare activities across the life course.
He also believes GPs could be better supported to carry out their key role in cancer prevention and care.
‘GPs could be supported in their work to reduce the impact of cancer if health assessment item numbers could be billed for a wider range of ages,’ Professor Morgan said.
‘Imagine offering a comprehensive birthday check up to implement Red Book recommendations and to identify individual risk factors. Prevention would take front stage instead of being an opportunistic add on.
‘Using item numbers equivalent to the over 75 health assessment provides an opportunity to work with the wider GP practice team.’
Associate Professor Rhee agrees ‘ongoing and enhanced support is vital’.
‘GPs and general practice teams need to be kept abreast of the latest advancements in screening and prevention,’ he said.
‘New prevention and screening initiatives may require additional staffing or resources, and it is important that they are funded properly.
‘Investment in continuous professional development and resources will help empower primary care to meet these future challenges effectively.’
Producer/Author Karen Burge URL https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/cancer-control-measures-save-230-000-lives-study?utm_source=racgpnewsgpnewsletter&utm_campaign=newsgpedm&utm_medium=email Persons Mark Morgan