Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2022

Guiding transformative change to address inequity across the pancreatic cancer care continuum (#261)

Sarah McNeill 1 , Susan Hanson 1 , Caroline Nehill 1 , Chris Baggoley 2 , Lorraine Chantrill 3 , Dorothy Keefe 1 , Daniel Chaji 1
  1. Cancer Australia, Strawberry Hills, NSW, Australia
  2. PanKind, Manly, NSW, Australia
  3. Department Medical Oncology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

Aim

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Australia and has a five-year survival rate of 11.5%. Significant clinical, psychological, and social burdens contribute to the poor outcomes experienced by Australians affected by pancreatic cancer. In March 2020, Cancer Australia was invited to work with key stakeholders to develop the National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap. The aim was to identify key priorities for collaborative action across the pancreatic cancer care continuum to improve survival and outcomes for Australians affected by pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The Roadmap was developed through an evidence-based, collaborative and consensus approach, this included:

  • Comprehensive stakeholder consultation, including public and targeted engagement with priority populations: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living in rural and remote areas; people from culturally diverse backgrounds
  • The analysis of 680 evidence statements extracted across ten evidence and consultation activities, to identify 73 priorities
  • A two-stage Delphi priority-setting process
  • A national stakeholder priority-setting workshop to reach consensus on priorities spanning the Optimal Care Pathway.

Results

The Roadmap identified 33 priorities for collective action. These priority areas cover prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, supportive and palliative care, and pancreatic cancer research. Seven early implementation priorities are underway:  Two relating to research (in partnership with MRFF) and five relating to 1) enhanced awareness 2) surveillance, 3) early detection, 4) defined pathways for rapid access to pain management and palliative care, 5) culturally responsive models of care.

Conclusion

Collaborative investment and implementation of the Roadmap’s priorities provides opportunities for national transformational change. Designing implementation for priority populations with a focus on equitable outcomes will enable improvements for all Australians affected by pancreatic cancer.