🎉Exciting News for the breast cancer community - newly released Optimal Care Plans!
It’s a big moment - two new Optimal Care Plans have officially been released for older Australians and First Peoples!
We are so excited to share this news with you all! 🎉
For those who might not be familiar, an Optimal Care Plan (Optimal Care Pathway) is a nationally endorsed guide that outlines best‑practice cancer care across the entire journey, from prevention and early detection through diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, survivorship, and end‑of‑life care. These plans are designed to support clearer pathways, more consistent care, and better outcomes for people affected by cancer. Whether you’re a patient, carer, health professional, or community supporter, these resources help make the cancer care journey more informed, connected, and empowering.
đź“… November 2025 saw the release of the very first Optimal Care Plan for older Australians with cancer, developed by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), to improve cancer care and outcomes for older Australians affected by cancer. This new OCP aims to improve cancer care and outcomes for older Australians affected by cancer. It maps the unique needs and best practice approaches for older people with cancer, from prevention and early detection through to treatment, survivorship and end-of-life care.
📅 Yesterday on January 21st, we saw the release of the new and improved (2nd edition) Optimal Care Plan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. This important tool designed to support culturally safe, community‑centred care for anyone working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - whether in clinical, community, or outreach settings - this handbook offers practical guidance to help strengthen conversations, improve understanding, and support early detection and treatment pathways.
Stay tuned, we hear the Optimal Care Plan for people identifying as LGBTIQ+ is coming next!
✨ Why these new Optimal Care Plans matter:
- Brings the latest evidence-based guidance into one accessible place
- Helps people understand what to expect at each stage of care
- Supports more coordinated conversations with healthcare teams
- Strengthens confidence and self-empowerment during a challenging time.
Thank you to everyone whose expertise, lived experience (including some in our very own network!), and collaboration helped shape these resources - this is a real step forward for the breast cancer community ❤️
Check them out, share with anyone who might benefit and let us know your thoughts on these in the comments below!
👉Optimal care pathway for older people with cancer
👉Optimal care pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer
