The Australian Government today launched the National Cancer Data Framework, marking a major step forward in improving accessibility, consistency and comprehensiveness of cancer data in Australia.
Developed by Cancer Australia in partnership with Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the National Cancer Data Framework sets the strategic direction and priorities for collecting, managing and using comprehensive cancer data.
This initiative is a key action of the Australian Cancer Plan, demonstrating the Government’s ongoing commitment to delivering world‑class care and outcomes for every Australian affected by cancer.
While Australia delivers some of the best cancer care in the world, gaps and inconsistencies in data collection and reporting make it challenging to build a complete picture of cancer control.
The new Cancer Data Framework maps out a national, unified approach to cancer data. It will enable a consistent approach across all Australian health systems, national screening registers and cancer registries – enhancing collaboration and improving cancer care, research and policy nationwide.
By ensuring cancer data is collected and reported in a nationally consistent manner, the sector will be able to answer key questions about cancer control, measure adherence to optimal care pathways and identify disparities in cancer care.
Central to this work is a strong commitment to Indigenous Data Sovereignty. The Cancer Data Framework embeds principles recognising the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to govern the collection, access and use of their data, supporting self‑determination and tailored responses to close the gap in cancer outcomes.
The new Cancer Data Framework has been developed in consultation with all states and territories, First Nations communities, clinicians, researchers, people affected by cancer and support organisations.
It has been formally endorsed by the Minister for Health and Ageing and every state and territory health minister.
Implementation of the Cancer Data Framework is already underway, thanks to strong collaboration across the cancer sector.
The National Cancer Data Framework can be found at www.canceraustralia.gov.au/national-cancer-data-framework.
Quotes attributable to:
The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing:
“I am delighted to announce the National Cancer Data Framework, the first of its kind, which will help Australia’s health and cancer sectors ensure we have robust data and evidence needed to drive world-class cancer outcomes.”
“Improving cancer data is a whole-of-sector responsibility. The Cancer Data Framework will drive data-informed decisions in patient care, service delivery and research throughout our cancer care system, leading to better outcomes for all Australians affected by cancer.”
Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO, Cancer Australia:
“Better connected cancer data, as envisaged in the Australian Cancer Plan, will transform how we understand and address cancer. The National Cancer Data Framework provides a clear direction to enhance the quality, consistency and accessibility of cancer data at every stage of the cancer control continuum.”
“By enabling us to identify gaps, measure progress, and respond swiftly to emerging challenges, Australia’s health systems will have a comprehensive view of cancer care, ensuring that no one is left behind. We thank the sector and our partners at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Cancer Council Australia for their vital contributions in shaping Australia’s cancer data future.”
Dr Zoran Bolevich, CEO Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
“The launch of the National Cancer Data Framework marks a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s cancer data. By providing a clear roadmap for action, the Framework will enable better insights to inform and help improve cancer prevention, treatment and outcomes for all Australians.”“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is proud to be a key partner in this initiative and is committed to working closely with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing; Cancer Australia; Cancer Council Australia; state and territory cancer registries and other key stakeholders to progress action on the framework.”
David Swan, Interim CEO, Cancer Council Australia:
“Cancer Council proudly welcomes the launch of the National Cancer Data Framework. We’re excited to see the coordinated use of health data in Australia as a national priority, to work towards our vision of a more efficient and cost-effective health system and close the gaps in cancer outcomes hampered by poor availability and accessibility to data.”
“We look forward to working with the Australian Government and the cancer care sector on delivering high-quality, scientific evidence that facilitates improved cancer outcomes in Australia with real-time health system monitoring and population health research. By addressing data barriers, we can look forward to a more equitable cancer healthcare service for all Australians.”
