Cancer is categorised as category one, ‘urgent’ in health services across Australia.
This means it is a high priority condition. While most cancer cases require prompt action, some cancers progress at a slower rate. Every cancer is different. Therefore every treatment plan is also not the same, so any delay to commencing planned treatment will have a different impact depending on the individual and disease characteristics. Your doctor wont unnecessarily delay treatment where it will impact on your outcomes.
The Optimal Cancer Care Pathways are cancer tumour specific guides that explain each step of the diagnosis, treatment and end-of-life or survivorship phases. Each steps describes the possible interventions by a doctor as well as recommended timeframes for receiving care.
It is normal to feel anxious or concerned about your cancer treatment at a time like this. If you are concerned you should speak to your treatment team so they can explain how any changes or delays might work. You can also talk to the psychosocial support team within your treatment centre.
Cancer Council and other organisations offer various supportive care resources and programs to assist people with the psychosocial impacts of a cancer diagnosis. To find out more, or to speak to our trained staff please call us on 13 11 20.
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