In 2002 the Victorian Department of Human Services committed to a statewide redevelopment of cancer service, using ideas expressed in a Cancer Services Framework for Victoria.

The vision of the Cancer Services Framework for Victoria is the provision of integrated cancer services that provide:

• the right treatment and support to patients,
• as early as possible in their cancer journey, and
• as close to the patient's home as possible.

In response to the framework recommendations, eight Integrated Cancer Services (ICSs) have been established across the State to lead the establishment of integrated care within Victoria. These services drive the Victorian cancer reform agenda on local levels to improve the planning and delivery of cancer care so that it is coordinated, appropriate, and effective.

The ICSs oversee particular geographic areas with formal partnerships between health services, and operate across public, private and community services.

Priority Areas

Each ICS focuses its efforts under four priority areas identified for cancer service improvement. These are:

• Care Coordination,
• Multidisciplinary Care,
• Supportive Care, and
• Reducing Variations in Care.

Care coordination

Care coordination aims to create linkages between different services, improving communication and information sharing that results in a streamlined and smooth delivery of services for patients.

Multidisciplinary Care

Multidisciplinary care promotes the development of a team approach to cancer care. It brings professionals together to consider all treatment options and to develop tailored treatment plans for each cancer patient. These treatment plans incorporate all relevant aspects of a cancer patient’s physical and emotional needs.

Supportive Care

Supportive care is a broad term used to describe all the services that may be required to support people with cancer and their carers. It includes:

• symptom control,
• provision of information,
• rehabilitation,
• physical support,
• social support,
• emotional support,
• spiritual support, and
• palliative care and bereavement care.

Reducing Variations in Care

Irrespective of where a patient lives, there are standards of care that should not differ during treatment. Each ICS aims to ensure that, where possible, this occurs, with EVERY patient receiving:

• accurate and prompt diagnosis,
• treatment according to world’s best standards,
• access to a full range of services, and
• coordinated care that promotes a smooth transition or journey through and between cancer service providers, throughout their cancer treatment.

Further Information

For further information about the Victorian Government's Cancer Framework, and the Integrated Cancer Services go to the Department of Human Services website.