The latest milestone in the Australian Cancer Plan brings genomics-based screening and treatment closer to all Australians.
The use of genomics in the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer will become more accessible to all Australians with the release of a national framework earlier this month.
Genetic testing can help determine an individual’s risk of certain cancers and create personalised prevention, risk-reduction and early detection strategies.
Federal health minister Mark Butler launched Cancer Australia’s National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control, the latest milestone in the 10-year Australian Cancer Plan.
Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe told Oncology Republic the framework was developed in close consultation with stakeholders around the country. She said it was encouraging to see awareness growing about the availability and capability of genomic testing, and the framework would support even greater use.
“Having the framework actually enables us to go out to the education sector, the research sector, the practising sector, and say, look, here’s the framework of what cancer genomics is and looks like. How are you educating your workforce to interact with it and use it properly for the benefit of our patients?” she said.
“We’re already seeing risk prediction using family genomic abnormality or genomic differences in certain cancers.
“You can actually measure, in an asymptomatic, non-ill person, because they’ve got a family history, that gene or genetic abnormality, and then have a preventive treatment strategy. And that’s already happening.”
She said the framework also supported the significant forward steps already being made in improving cancer outcomes through personalised cancer care.
“There are patients whose lives have been greatly extended and improved by finding a mutation in their cancer that’s enabled a treatment to be given, but there are many more that we haven’t yet been able to help,” Professor Keefe told OR.
“This is a revolution that’s already started, and we’re trying to plot a course to make the most of it for all Australian cancer patients.”
Genomic medicine uses a person’s own DNA to better identify disease risks, prevent illness, make earlier diagnoses and personalise treatment.
It has the potential to deliver vital insights into the way gene mutations drive cancer behaviour. The role of genomics in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment is expanding rapidly, with broad implications for patient care.
The framework sets out specific goals for the future of genomics-informed cancer care and lays out actions for implementation across the cancer care continuum and the broader health system.
Goals within the framework emphasise the need for evidence-based genomic testing to guide personalised prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
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They also highlight the importance of building workforce capability in genomics and cultural safety and educating and empowering communities to understand the role of genomics in cancer care.
The development of the framework was informed by extensive public consultation, including a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and a rigorous review of national and international evidence.
Cancer Australia’s advisor on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer control, Jacinta Elston, said integrating genomics into every stage of cancer care would help improve outcomes for all Australians, especially those in underserved communities.
“The opportunities presented by medical advancements in genomics have the potential to transform cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by cancer, as it will for all Australians,” she said.
Mr Butler said Australia was at the “precipice of transforming the potential of genomics into concrete improvements in cancer care, research, policies and service delivery”.
“Through this framework, we continue our commitment to providing national leadership in the development and use of genomic medicine, and in delivering world-class outcomes for every Australian affected by cancer,” he said.
The framework is available on the Cancer Australia website.
