Introduction
In 2016, it is estimated that there are 1.1 million people living in Australia who have been diagnosed with cancer.[i] With an increasing number of people living longer with cancer and other chronic diseases, there is a need to address the long-term health and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.
Method
Cancer Australia undertook a top-line literature search for high level evidence of published principles of survivorship in cancer. The extracted sources were considered with reference to: principles or elements of cancer survivorship, and definitions of survivorship.
Draft Principles were developed from the key areas and tested against four domains:
A roundtable discussion with key stakeholders in survivorship care including consumer representation was convened to consider the Principles as a framework to guide policy, planning and health system responses to survivorship.
Results
There was broad consensus for the importance of the Principles to provide high-level guidance to enable all levels of government and health service planners to develop future policy, actions and strategies to improve outcomes for people who have had a diagnosis of cancer.
Cancer Australia’s Principles of cancer survivorship:
The Principles are underpinned by elements which support personalised care, opportunities for supported self-management, an emphasis on recognising and incorporating patient experiences, and a focus on recovery, health and wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.
Conclusions
A multifaceted strategy will guide national promotion of the Cancer Australia Principles of Cancer Survivorship as a framework to guide policy, planning and health system responses to cancer survivorship.