Patients and caregivers have the chance to influence treatment, support services and health policy with their insights.
Australians affected by cancer are being called on to share their experiences in a new national survey designed to put patients’ and caregivers’ voices at the centre of cancer care decision-making.
All.Can Australia, a not-for-profit part of a global initiative, is leading the survey with support from the Medicines Australia Oncology Industry Taskforce (OIT).
The survey seeks insights from people with cancer at any stage, as well as their caregivers, to identify gaps in treatment, support and services – and to help shape the future of cancer care in Australia.
Professor Christobel Saunders, co-chair of All.Can Australia and president-elect of All.Can International, said the survey built on the 2018 All.Can Global patient survey, which collected the views of around 800 Australians and helped inform the Australian National Cancer Plan.
She emphasised the significance of this survey in advancing cancer care policy and delivery that was based on lived experience insights.
“This new research will build on the insights we have and capture the needs and aspirations that would have inevitably changed over time,” Professor Saunders said.
“We want to hear from more people impacted by cancer on what has and hasn’t worked for them recently, so we are guided by the most current insights.”
In line with All.Can Australia’s mission to improve the accessibility, delivery and quality of cancer care for patients, the survey aims to gain insight into:
- the cancer diagnosis process
- treatment experiences and outcomes
- the impact of cancer on daily life (including financial and psychological implications)
- accessibility and awareness of existing resources and services
- experiences of inefficiencies in cancer care and services.
Bill Petch, co-chair of All.Can Australia and CEO of Crohn’s Colitis Cure, highlighted the importance of evidence-based approach in addressing systemic inefficiencies in cancer care.
“We cannot design and deliver efficient cancer care that is attuned to our nation’s needs without reliable data that reflects patients and caregivers’ real challenges,” he said.
Related
“That’s why we’re urging the health industry and community to support and share this survey. It is an opportunity to have your say and share your experiences.
“These insights are not just valuable for All.Can Australia, but everyone, as they will shape cancer care policies that help people better navigate cancer care.”
Consumer health advocate and All.Can Australia member Dr Susannah Morris emphasised the importance of giving people with lived experience and caregivers a voice to direct industry and government attention to areas that matter the most.
“As someone who has navigated the complexities of cancer care firsthand, I know that the voice of lived experience is crucial in shaping person-centred, value-based health policies that truly address people’s needs in ways that help them live well with and beyond their diagnoses,” she said.
“By participating in this survey, patients and caregivers can help ensure that cancer care becomes more compassionate, accessible and equitable for all.”
Industry leaders have also stressed the importance of collaboration and voiced their support for the survey.
Heather Cahill, co-chair of the Oncology Industry Taskforce and Business Unit director of Oncology at AstraZeneca, noted that integrating patient experiences with clinical innovation improves outcomes.
“With the rapid innovation of the oncology field, it is only through working together – with patients, clinicians, government and industry – that we can ensure that these innovative solutions are backed by real-world evidence and are designed to drive improved outcomes for people affected by cancer,” said Ms Cahill.
Dr Katrina Vanin, co-chair and business unit director Oncology at GSK, added that understanding patient journeys helps ensure access to treatments throughout the cancer continuum.
“The better we understand the experience of patients in the healthcare system, the better we can act and advocate to ensure Australians are able to access the treatments and care they need throughout their cancer journey,” said Dr Vanin.
The survey will remain open until Wednesday 17 September 2025 and is accessible here.
