A new coalition has been established to advocate for improvements in access to radiation oncology.
The Radiation Oncology Access Coalition (ROAC), supported by the Medical Technology Association of Australia, has been established with the goal of increasing the public profile and accessibility of radiation therapy.
ROAC's objectives are to secure adequate government funding for radiation therapy, careful and consultative implementation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review, complete delivery of the commitment to establish regional treatment centres and build an official understanding of the benefits of radiation therapy.
“The Radiation Oncology Access Coalition was established with the common purpose of increasing the public profile and accessibility of radiation therapy and ensuring it is adequately funded by government,” said a spokesperson for the coalition.
“Historically we have seen radiation therapy overlooked by government, despite being both a critical component of clinical best practice and generally a more cost-effective treatment option.
“Unfortunately, only 1 in 3 Australian cancer patients receive radiation therapy when this number should be 1 in 2, in line with best practice.
“We also know 62 per cent of prostate cancer patients and 48 per cent of lung cancer patients respectively aren’t receiving radiation therapy in line with best practice care.
“Access to radiation therapy only gets worse for regional and rural patients, with cancer patients 10% less likely to receive radiation therapy for every 100km they live from a treatment centre”
“For the benefits of radiation therapy to be appropriately advocated to government, it is clear a unified radiation therapy community voice is needed.
“That’s why ROAC membership, affiliation and collaboration opportunities are open to effectively anyone with an interest in increasing patient access to radiation therapy.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in increasing patient access to radiation therapy to follow ROAC on LinkedIn and visit the ROAC website to express your interest in becoming a member or collaborating with ROAC."
