PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Howard, John

Period of Service: 11/03/1996 - 03/12/2007
Release Date:
15/03/1999
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
11246
Released by:
  • Howard, John Winston
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BUILDS ON COMMITMENT TO CANCER RESEARCH

I am pleased to announce Commonwealth funding of $3 million for

the Integrated Cancer Programme to support cancer research and bolster

the fight against this devastating disease.

Cancer touches the lives of every Australian family. By the age of

75 years, one in three men and one in four women will be diagnosed

with cancer. Research is the key to cutting back its reach and impact.

The Integrated Cancer Programme is a joint initiative between the

Sydney Cancer Centre and the Centenary Institute. This Commonwealth

funding will allow the Programme to expand its research and ensure

that the new cancer research discoveries are applied directly to the

clinical care of patients fighting the disease.

Cancer is one of the six National Health Priority Areas. The Commonwealth

provides extensive support for cancer control. For example, it gives

state and territory governments more than $55 million to conduct

breast and cervical cancer screening programmes. It also provides

$0.8 million and $2 million per annum respectively for the

National Cancer Control Initiative and the National Breast Cancer

Centre. These centres are funded to enhance Australia's efforts

in cancer control. The National Health and Medical Research Council

is also providing $23 million in 1999 for health and medical

research relating to cancer.

The Integrated Cancer Programe brings together an exciting mix of

basic cancer research, applied laboratory research and clinical research,

the results of which will be applied through multi-disciplinary cancer

treatment and education. This work, assisted by Commonwealth funding,

will be of immense benefit to sufferers and will help to maintain

Australia's position at the forefront of medical research and

treatment of cancer.

The health of all Australians is extremely important to the

Commonwealth Government and, for this reason, I am keen to lend support

to worthwhile endeavours like this. I also expect that the NSW Government

will match our commitment by providing a further $3 million to

the Programme.

My Government will continue its focus on health issues that potentially

affect everyone, paying particular attention to diseases like cancer

that have such a major impact on sufferers and their families.

11246