This page provides insight into “who does what” and links to other government cancer organisations and agencies with responsibilities for cancer control. It is not intended to be a complete list.
Department of Health
The Department of Health administers many of the Australian Government’s cancer control activities including programs aimed at improving cancer prevention and early detection. In Australia, there are three national population based screening programs: for breast, cervical and bowel cancers. The three programs – BreastScreen Australia, the National Cervical Screening Program and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – are run through partnerships between the Australian Government and state and territory governments. These programs aim to reduce illness and death from these cancers through early detection of cancer and pre-cancerous abnormalities and through effective follow-up treatment.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is a major national agency established by the Australian Government. AIHW aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians through better health and welfare information and statistics. AIHW collects and reports information on a wide range of topics and issues, ranging from health and welfare expenditure, hospitals, disease and injury, and mental health, to ageing, homelessness, disability and child protection.
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
The NHMRC is Australia's leading expert body for supporting health and medical research, developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and governments, and providing advice on ethical behaviour in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research.
State and territory government departments and agencies
Information about state and territory government cancer control programs and agencies can be found on their websites. Links are provided below:
- ACT
ACT Health - Northern Territory
Department of Health - NSW
Cancer Institute NSW - Queensland
Queensland Health - South Australia
Department of Health - Tasmania
Department of Health and Human Services - Victoria
Department of Health
Victorian Cancer Agency - Western Australia
WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, Department of Health
Other organisations
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