Government funds new program to assist people at risk of cancer

9/11/00
Familial cancer patients and their families will benefit from a new State-wide program launched today by Health Minister
John Day.
The Familial Cancer Program will provide services and counselling to individuals and their families who are at a high risk of malignancy.
Mr Day said the community demand for familial cancer services had grown to such a size that there became an increasing need to establish an independent program.
"Up until now, services had been provided by the Genetic Services of Western Australia," he said.
"However, the increasing demand has made it necessary to establish a specifically-focussed program to address this important issue."
To this end, the State Government will allocate $700,000 in recurrent funds to the program.
Mr Day said the program was of the upmost importance, as cancer had a major impact on our community in terms of incidence and mortality.
"In Australia 800 people each week die of cancer and more than one in four people will eventually develop cancer," he said.
"Similar programs have already been established in other States in Australia and are proving to be essential components of the health care system.
"The program will offer members of high-risk families intensified screening or surgical intervention to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
"Family members who do not carry the familial cancer mutation are spared the fear and anxiety associated with the risk of developing cancer, and the inconvenience and cost of regular screening.
"This precise identification of people at high risk of familial cancer is cost effective health care, allowing accurate targeting of preventative efforts."
Mr Day said there had been an improvement in cancer survival since 1982, which had led to the prevention of over 1,000 deaths among people who were diagnosed with cancer after 1994.
"Many of these prevented deaths included the familial cancers - breast and bowel," he said.
"This indicates that familial cancer services are vital components of health care in our State for now and in the future."
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600