What difference will CanNET make?

CanNET is about a new way of working that challenges existing professional and organisational boundaries. The establishment of a cancer service network in each jurisdiction requires systems and processes to link groups of health professionals and organisations across the cancer care spectrum.

It will improve cancer outcomes by ensuring that all care is even more consumer-centred and that high quality, clinically effective cancer services are provided equitably across a region.

We know that people in rural areas diagnosed with cancer may not access multidisciplinary assessment at the time of diagnosis and often have sub-optimal outcomes.  CanNET will help address these disparities by better engaging general practitioners to support prompt investigation of symptoms, early diagnosis, and timely referral to a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits for people affected by cancer

The state and territory CanNETs will introduce service improvements to ensure people affected by cancer:

• receive timely and best practice assessment and treatment, as close to home as possible without compromising outcomes,
• have access to a Directory of Cancer Assessment Teams, to ensure their care is planned by a multidisciplinary team,
• have their psychosocial needs acknowledged and have access to appropriate levels of support,
• receive their care from suitably trained health care providers, and
• are more informed about the treatment choices they make.