National Position Statement Highlights Urgent Need
MELBOURNE — More than 21 national organisations have announced a call for sustained support for childhood cancer survivors, citing significant long-term health challenges. This collective demand is outlined in a position statement released this week, advocating for comprehensive survivorship care plans across Australia.
According to the Children’s Cancer CoLab, approximately 20,000 Australians live with the aftereffects of childhood and adolescent cancer, a number projected to increase by 20% in the next decade. Despite surviving cancer, many face ongoing health issues, with mortality rates up to ten times higher than their peers.
The Challenges Facing Survivors
Dr. Udani Reets, CEO of Children’s Cancer CoLab, emphasised the need for holistic care that extends beyond clinical treatment. “Survivors receive care plans, but these often lack a comprehensive approach that includes emotional and familial support,” she said. The position statement urges for coordinated care that addresses both physical and psychological needs, highlighting the gap in support as survivors transition out of pediatric care systems.
This initiative follows a trend of increasing awareness around the complexities of cancer survivorship. Industry experts note that while survival rates have improved, the focus must expand to ensure quality of life for survivors. Professor Brendan Murphy AC, CoLab Board Chair, stated, “Recognizing survivorship as a lifelong issue is crucial. We need national frameworks that integrate long-term care into every survivor’s health plan.”
The call for action also includes input from healthcare professionals who have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by survivors. They argue that long-term care should not only focus on medical needs but also incorporate strategies for mental health support, educational advancement, and social integration. As the survivor population grows, so does the need for tailored programmes that cater to diverse individual needs, ensuring each survivor can lead a fulfilling life post-recovery.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 6:40 pm
