Optimal Care Pathway for People Living in Rural and Remote Areas with Cancer
The Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) research group are developing a new Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) for people living in rural and remote areas, a priority population recognised in the Australian Cancer Plan. This new OCP will address the unique barriers faced by people living outside major cities or regional hubs, ensuring equitable access to high-quality cancer care. The OCP resources will help rural health services to align with the goals of the 2023 Australian Cancer Plan.
This project was funded by the Commonwealth of Australia represented by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
As part of the process to develop a new Optimal Care Pathway for people in rural and remote Australia with cancer, three resources have been drafted:
- Optimal Care Pathway for people living in rural and remote areas with cancer
- Quick Reference Guide
- Guide to Best Cancer Care
ECORRA are now seeking public consultation on these documents. This public consultation is vital to ensure key stakeholders shape these resources and that the pathways truly reflect the needs of people living in rural and remote areas with cancer.
The public consultation is open for three weeks from 1 October to 22 October 2025. Public consultation is open to anyone, especially those from across the cancer sector, including people with the lived experience of cancer, healthcare professionals, policy makers, peak body organisations, cancer advocates, and cancer support services.
Don't miss this opportunity to influence cancer care pathways and ensure they adequately reflect the needs of our diverse rural and remote communities.
For more information, to access the draft resources, and to participate in consultation, click here: https://bit.ly/RuralOCP
