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.