Specialist calls for cancer centre network

A leading cancer specialist says a national network of cancer centres is needed to reduce the death rate.

Professor Chris O’Brien left his position as director of the Sydney Cancer Centre in 2006, when he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. 

He says his personal experiences led him to criticise standards of treatment.

Professor O’Brien is calling for a national network of specialist cancer centres, with at least one in each state.

He says they would help to combine research and treatment, including alternative therapies, providing patients with better care, and helping Australia retain the best doctors in the field.

He also says Australians should not accept the current mortality rate of 40,000 cancer deaths per year.

“If those deaths were due to motor vehicle accidents, or work related accidents, or an infectious disease, there would be an incredible hue and cry,” he said.