Cancer Network

The Health Networks Cancer team is committed to improving the patient experience for people affected by cancer. It provides strategic direction, policy, advice and guidance on cancer control and cancer research in Western Australia and is committed to developing and facilitating implementation of the priorities of the WA Cancer Plan.

The Cancer Network works closely with the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network Clinical Implementation Unit (WACPCN CIU) (external site) at North Metropolitan Health Service and the Health Networks End-of-Life team.

The Cancer Network provides state-wide strategic direction through development of the WA Cancer Plan 2020-2025 and its priorities for implementation (PDF 2MB). It also administers the WA Cancer Fellowships program.

WA Cancer Strategic Leadership Group

The WA Cancer Strategic Leadership Group (WACSLG) was established in July 2021 to oversee implementation of the WA Cancer Plan 2020-2025 and address cancer-related matters that cross organisational boundaries and have state-wide impact.

The following representatives are members of the (WACSLG)

WA Cancer Strategic Leadership Members

Medical Advisor, Cancer Network (Co-Chair) – Department of Health Director, Clinical Planning – Department of Health Director, Health Networks – Department of Health Director, Information and Performance Governance – Department of Health Executive Director, Clinical Leadership and Reform – Department of health Executive Director, Patient Safety and Clinical Quality – Department of Health Consultant Haematology, Cancer Lead Paediatrics – Child and Adolescent Health Service Executive Director, Clinical Service Strategy and Population Health – East Metropolitan Health Service

Director of Clinical Planning – North Metropolitan Health Service Executive Director of Nursing – North Metropolitan Health Service Director of Nursing, WACPCN CIU (Co-Chair) – North Metropolitan Health Service TBA – Pathwest Executive Director, Clinical Services – South Metropolitan Health Service Nurse Practitioner, Cancer Services – WA Country Health Services Consumer Representative Cancer Subject Matter Expert

Cancer Leads

Tumour-specific cancer lead roles were established in 2005 in response to the WA Health Cancer Services Framework’s recommendation to Government to improve communication and cohesiveness of cancer services.

Cancer Leads (PDF 115KB) are expert representatives in their fields of cancer and assist the development of system-wide cancer policy, inform service provision and direction by engaging and connecting the health system, consumers and the Department of Health.

Cancer Leads
Aboriginal – Leanne Pilkington Adolescent and Young Adult – Dr Shannyn George Breast – Dr Andy Redfern Colorectal – Dr Katherine Broughton Data and Research – Dr Angela Ives Gynaecology – Dr Ganendra Raj Kader Ali Mohan Haematology – Dr Tony Calogero Head and Neck – Dr Daren Gibson  Neuro-oncology – TBA Paediatrics – Dr Nick Gottardo	Primary Care – TBA Psycho-oncology – A/Prof Moira O'Connor Rare and Familial – Dr Nicholas Pachter Sarcoma – Dr Richard Carey-Smith Screening and early diagnosis – Dr Hooi Ee Skin/Melanoma – Dr Ernest Tan Survivorship – Dr Deborah Kirk Thoracic – Dr Annette McWilliams Upper Gastrointestinal / hepatology – TBA Urology – TBA

Optimal Care Pathways (previously models of care)

Optimal Care Pathways (external site) are evidence-based, nationally-endorsed resources that describe optimal cancer care by tumour type. They map the patient journey, aiming to foster an understanding of the whole pathway and its distinct components to promote quality cancer care and patient experiences. The pathways are endorsed by the National Cancer Expert Review Group (NCERG), Cancer Australia, Cancer Council Australia, and the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC). The OCPs are being implemented nationally.

For patient information or resources about cancer, visit HealthyWA (HealthyWA).

More information

Cancer Network
Address: 189 Royal Street 
East Perth WA 6004
Phone: 9222 0202
Email: cancernetwork@health.wa.gov.au