Print this pageAbout Us
The Cancer Institute NSW was established in July 2003 through the Cancer Institute NSW Act 2003 
as a response to the need to further decrease the devastating impact of cancer on our society.
The Cancer Institute NSW is charged with substantially improving cancer control in NSW. This will be achieved by:
- reducing the incidence of cancer in NSW;
- increasing the survival rate for people diagnosed with cancer;
- improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their carers; and
- become a source of expertise on cancer and provide expert advice to patients, the public, health care professionals and the Government.
The state’s first cancer plan covered the period 2004-2006 and was developed in consultation with NSW Department of Health and other key stakeholders to build on and enhance the valuable work already in progress in this State.
The NSW Cancer Plan 2007-2010 has been developed through wide consultation including a series of workshops attended by some 500 cancer health professionals, patients and carers, cancer organisations, researchers, government officials and the public. The Cancer Plan is set within the context of two broader planning processes: the NSW State Health Plan 2006-2010 and the NSW State Plan. The Plan will focus on five high priorities most likely to improve cancer results. These are:
Priority #1 Preventing cancer
Priority #2 Detecting cancer early
Priority #3 Improving cancer services and professional education
Priority #4 Accelerating improvement through research
Priority #5 Relevant data and information
The networking, interdependency and collective action are fundamental components of the NSW Cancer Plan. The 2007-2010 NSW Cancer Plan will promote greater collaboration between the Cancer Institute NSW, Area Health Services, NSW Health, general practitioners and non-government organisations charged with improving cancer results and care. Such collaboration provides great opportunity for substantially accelerating cancer control for the people of New South Wales.
The Cancer Institute NSW is funded by the NSW State Government. It is a statutory body governed by the Cancer Institute NSW Board appointed by the Minister for Health, the Hon. John Della Bosca MP and the Minister assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), the Hon. Jodi McKay MP.
Click here for a list of Cancer Institute NSW's publications.
The Cancer Institute NSW Act 2003
In June 2003, the NSW Parliament unanimously passed the Cancer Institute NSW Act 2003 in recognition of the importance of accelerating improvements in cancer control in NSW. The provisions in this Act, require the Cancer Institute NSW
"to develop, in conjunction with the Department of Health and public health organisations, a State Cancer Plan by 30 June 2004 for consideration by the Minister for Health and, in conjunction with the Department of Health and public health organisations, to review and recommend changes (if any) to the Plan for consideration by the Minister for Health at least every 2 years after that date (or within such other period as may be determined by the Minister of Health)."
The Act defines "cancer control" as
"any cancer related activity in the field of human health such as research, the practical application of research, innovation, treatment and care (including palliative care, supportive care and complementary health therapies), prevention, screening, diagnosis, provision of information, training and education."
Governance
The Cancer Institute Board, consisting of 11 members, including the Chief Cancer Officer, was appointed by the Minister and governs the affairs of the Cancer Institute NSW.
The Cancer Institute Board reports to the Hon John Della Bosca MP, Minister for Health and the Hon. Jodi McKay, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer).
Advisory Committees and Working Parties provide advice and assistance to the Cancer Institute NSW in carrying out its functions.
The Chief Cancer Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Cancer Institute NSW, with the support of the Chief Operating Officer, Ms Beth Macauley.
