As a medical oncologist working in a rural private practice in Australia, Dr. Christopher Steer expresses that one of the biggest challenges in cancer care is a limited workforce. Lacking personnel at every level of cancer care makes it difficult to provide high-quality, timely care, especially in a rural region. In this episode, Dr. Steer also mentions the importance of advocacy work in improving patient care. A particularly salient issue in Australia is the lack of coverage for cancer therapeutics by private insurance companies—which affects about 40% of patients with cancer in the country. Dr. Steer emphasizes the need for patients and providers alike to use their voices to make meaningful improvements in cancer care.

Guest: 

Christopher Steer, MBBS, FRACP Medical Oncologist, Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Associate Professor University of New South Wales Adjunct Professor John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research La Trobe University

Quote: 

“Adequate assessment yields appropriate treatment. Ask the patients. Personalize their care. That will give them the best [outcomes].”

Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog.

Additional Resources: 

NOC Preview: Financial Advocacy Guidelines to Mitigate Financial Toxicity - [MINI PODCAST]

Providing Comprehensive Financial Advocacy Services in Rural America

Improving Access to Clinical Trials for Rural Populations

#ACCCNOC: Financial Advocacy and Building Sustainable Navigation

Virtual Infusion Services: Bringing Cancer Therapies Closer to Rural Patients