Senate Inquiry Report Released with 41 Recommendations

NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (NECA) welcome the release of the Senate report into ‘equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for individuals with rare and less common cancers, including neuroendocrine cancer’. The inquiry, initiated by Senator Wendy Askew on 14 June 2023, sought to address the significant barriers faced by patients in obtaining timely and effective cancer care.

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry included:

Equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for individuals with rare and less common cancers, including neuroendocrine cancer, with particular reference to: 

1. barriers to screening and diagnosis, including the impact of factors such as:
2. i. geographic location,
   cost,
   iii. cultural and language barriers,
   iv. type of cancer, and
   v. availability of treating practitioners; 
3. barriers to accessing appropriate treatment;
4. the adequacy of support services after diagnosis;
5. the adequacy of Commonwealth funding for research into rare, less common, and neuroendocrine cancer; and
6. any other related matters.

The Inquiry was comprehensive, with 5 public hearings conducted in Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart, Canberra and Adelaide and received 149 submissions in total. 

The final report has been published, with 41 Recommendations aimed at improving equity, access and outcomes for rare and less common cancers, including neuroendocrine cancer patients. Notably, 31 of these recommendations pertain to Neuroendocrine Cancer and align closely with the  2022-2025 National Action Plan for Neuroendocrine Tumours. 

Importantly, the Committee acknowledges the significant inequity in reporting, experience, and outcomes for people diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer (and other rare and less common cancers) 

We are committed to working closely with the government to act on these recommendations, which align with our NET National Action Plan. Our efforts will focus on continuous lobbying and advocacy to ensure full implementation of the recommendations occur, so patients receive the equitable care and treatment they deserve.  

The full list of recommendations and complete report are available here.  

We extend our gratitude to Senator Wendy Askew and the entire Committee for their dedication and thorough examination of the issues at hand. Their careful consideration of the recommendations, once implemented, will significantly impact the lives of those affected by rare and less common cancers including neuroendocrine cancer.  

We will persist in our collaboration with government, ensuring that the findings of this inquiry lead to real and positive changes in the diagnosis and treatment of this often-overlooked cohort of cancer patients across Australia.