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The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

Optimal Care Pathways

Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) are guides to best practice care across the whole cancer continuum.

OCPs outline consistent, safe, high quality, and evidence-based care for people with cancer. They aim to improve patient outcomes by setting the benchmark for quality cancer care and ensuring that all people affected by cancer receive the best care, irrespective of who they are or where they live.

OCPs are available for cancer types and population groups.

For consumers
Guides to Best Cancer Care for people effected by cancer
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer
Quick Reference Guide - For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer

Resources

OCP Framework

View the National Optimal Care Pathways Framework

  • The Framework standardises the development, update, evaluation and uptake of Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs), including for priority population groups.

For OCP developers

View the OCP toolkit

  • Guidelines and templates for developing and updating OCPs.
Last updated 6 February 2025
Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

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