INTERNATIONAL BRAIN TUMOUR AWARENESS WEEK - MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING, HON NICOLA ROXON MP
1 to 7 November 2009
This week marks International Brain Tumour Awareness Week. The International Brain Tumour Alliance and the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia are to be commended for their efforts in supporting, providing advocacy and coordinating information groups for brain tumour patients, carers and health professionals both across the world and in Australia.
The fight against cancer is a priority for the Australian Government and the Government acknowledges the burden of cancer on patients and their families. In the 2009-10 Budget, the Government committed $2 billion to build a world-class cancer system in Australia, focused on investing in 21st century cancer infrastructure and supporting cancer medicines and care. These investments build on the package of initiatives funded in the 2008-09 Budget, targeting research, early detection, treatment and support programs to improve the wellbeing and outcomes for patients affected by cancer, their carers and families.
The Australian Government is also supporting research and clinical trials to improve outcomes in people affected by brain cancers. In the 2007 round of the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme the Australian Government, through the Diagnostics and Technology Branch of the Department of Health and Ageing and Cancer Australia, awarded funding of over $0.5 million to a three year research project in the field of brain tumour research.
The Australian Government also provides funding through the Support for Cancer Clinical Trials program to build Australia?s capacity to conduct industry-independent cancer clinical trials. Under this program in 2008, Cancer Australia funded the establishment of the Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology (COGNO). Following its establishment, COGNO was awarded further funding in 2009 to continue its important work in conducting clinical trials in brain tumours.
During 2009 International Brain Tumour Awareness Week events will take place around the world, including in Australia, to raise awareness of brain tumours and to raise funds for brain tumour support and research. The efforts of all involved in these events are greatly appreciated and I congratulate the International Brain Tumour Alliance and the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia for their leadership in this area.
NICOLA ROXON
BTAA display at Canberra Hospital for International Brain Tumour Awareness Week 2009.
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