Media release
27 February 2007
National Breast Cancer Centre and new Centre for Gynaecological Cancers to work together
The National Breast Cancer Centre has welcomed the opportunity to work with the new Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, to be established under the auspices of Cancer Australia, as outlined in today’s announcement from the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott.
The announcement came as part of the Government’s response to the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee Report on the Inquiry into Gynaecological Cancer in Australia Breaking the silence: a national voice for gynaecological cancers.
Dr Helen Zorbas, director of the National Breast Cancer Centre, said, “We look forward to working closely with Cancer Australia and other key stakeholders to improve outcomes for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and to contributing to an overall program of work for gynaecological cancers.”
Dr Zorbas acknowledged the hard work and commitment of all those involved in the Senate Inquiry in identifying key issues and raising the profile of gynaecological cancers in Australia.
“We welcome the opportunity to extend our experience in breast and ovarian cancer to benefit women with all gynaecological cancers,” said Dr Zorbas.
Since its establishment in 1995, National Breast Cancer Centre has provided leadership in the translation of evidence into clinical care, consumer information and improvements in health service delivery. National Breast Cancer Centre’s model for its work in breast cancer has been successfully applied to ovarian cancer.
Its collaborative approach, including partnerships with ovarian cancer consumer groups, gynaecological cancer experts, health professionals and governments, has informed the Ovarian Cancer Program since 2001.
National Breast Cancer Centre has also led the way in promoting multidisciplinary care, the importance of psychosocial aspects of patient care and appropriate communication skills for all health professionals involved in cancer care.
The National Breast Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with consumers, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve health outcomes in breast and ovarian cancer.
Media contact: Bree Stevens 0438 209 833