🗣️🩺Cancer Australia invites your participation in the Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) templates
Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) templates have been embedded within the Australian Cancer Plan demonstrating their importance in describing a national standard of high-quality cancer care. OCPs outline consistent, safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for people with cancer with a specific cancer type or as part of a priority population group. Cancer Australia is reviewing and updating the common templates of the full OCP and the Quick Reference Guide to reflect current best practice and ensure consistency across all OCPs. The Guides to Best Practice Guide Cancer Care for consumers will be updated in the future. Your feedback as a consumer, in conjunction with healthcare professionals will help ensure the OCP templates are practical, relevant and fit for purpose to support consistent, high‑quality cancer care across Australia. You're invited to have your say via the Cancer Australia Consultation Hub by 7 August 2026 If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]🩺Lumpectomy or mastectomy? Understanding the options
Hi everyone, we wanted to share a helpful resource about a decision many people face after a breast cancer diagnosis, choosing between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. For many people, both lumpectomy and mastectomy are safe and effective options, with similar long term survival outcomes in early stage breast cancer. A lumpectomy removes the cancer while keeping most of the breast and is usually followed by radiation. A mastectomy removes all breast tissue and may be recommended based on medical factors such as tumour size, multiple tumours or genetic risk, or chosen based on personal preference and peace of mind. Importantly, the article highlights that this decision is not just medical. Feelings about body image, anxiety, future follow up, recovery and quality of life all matter. There is no single right choice, only the choice that is right for you 💙 If you are facing this decision, taking time to ask questions, understand your options and talk openly with your care team can help you feel more confident moving forward. If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to share what helped you make your decision or a question you found important to ask. You are not alone, and this community is here to support you. 🌱 This information is derived from an article written by Melbourne breast surgeon Dr George Chou, published on the Melbourne Breast Cancer Surgery website. You can read the full article here if you would like more detail: 💬 Questions you might want to ask your care team Many people find it helpful to write down questions before appointments. Some that may support your decision making include: Are both options medically appropriate for me? What additional treatments would follow each option? How might each choice affect my recovery and daily life? What are the long term follow up needs? How might reconstruction or going flat fit into this decision? There is no rush to have all the answers at once. It is okay to take time, reflect, and seek support. Don't forget our Helpline is here to chat through anything that might help make this easier for you - call us on 1800 500 258.🎉Exciting News for the breast cancer community - newly released Optimal Care Plans!
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. 📅 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 👉 Learn more about optimal care plans here
