Connecting care: Rare cancers and regional Australia

Collaboration, telehealth, and community partnerships in improving equitable access to care.

Regional and rural Australians living with a rare or less common cancer face unique barriers to diagnosis, treatment and supportive care. Drawing on findings from Rare Cancers Australia’s Lived Experience Survey, this forum explores disparities in access, highlights the role of consumer-led advocacy in driving change, and showcases practical solutions including telehealth supportive care, the Australian Rare Cancer (ARC) Portal, and partnerships with local health professionals and communities.

Topics covered will include:

• Presentation of Rare Cancers Australia Lived Experience survey results
• Rare Cancers Australia, Specialist Cancer Navigator as an example of consumer-led change
• Access to the ARC portal, RCA Knowledgebase and Medicines Access Portal
• Telehealth supportive care models
• Delays to diagnosis and referral to supportive care
• Working with community.

Chair

Dr Chloe Georgiou
Medical Oncologist, Bendigo Health

Speakers

Jaime Macedo
Cancer Navigation Program Lead, Rare Cancers Australia

Jane Weber
Senior Policy Manager, Rare Cancers Australia