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The Federal and South Australian Government will invest a total of $84.8 million to provide new and enhanced cancer facilities and equipment for Whyalla and regional South Australia, under the regional cancer centres initiative. $69.3 million for a new regional cancer centre at Whyalla will include: a day chemotherapy centre; in-patient and palliative care facilities; a Wellness Centre; educational and research facilities; a digital tele-health network; and more accommodation for patients and staff. $5.4 million towards the establishment of chemotherapy units in the 10 other rural and regional sites: Mt Barker, Mt Gambier, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor, Clare, Murray Bridge, Gawler, Northern Yorke Peninsula, Naracoorte and Port Lincoln.
The project is in addition to the Rudd Government’s announcement of $7.6 million to build a new bunker and provide an additional linear accelerator at Lyell McEwin Hospital in northern Adelaide. This expanded facility will provide radiotherapy services for rural and regional cancer patients, and will link to the new cancer centre to be developed at Whyalla.

The Rudd Government will invest $560 million in new or upgraded cancer centres in regional and rural communities across Australia. This investment will fund around 20 regional cancer care projects around the country – including approximately eight new regional cancer centres, seven upgrades to existing facilities, and four patient accommodation projects. The Delivering Better Cancer Care document outlines what the government is doing to tackle cancer.

Mr Rudd and Mr Abbott have locked horns over health reform at the National Press Club debate, with both accusing the other of failing to make any headway to improve the system. View video segments, analysis and reactions to the Leaders' health debate. View the Consumers Health Forum comments on the debate.

Cancer Voices asked for a study that has revealed many Australian cancer patients are not receiving chemotherapy due to a big shortage of Oncologists. The Australian Medical Oncologists Workforce Study 2009. Report released March 2010. 'A Workforce Plan is needed' says the Medical Oncology Group of Australia. A newspaper report reveals that only 19% of cancer patients receive chemotherapy, yet it is estimated that roughly 50% would benefit from chemotherapy.

.The Federal Government proposes taking major responsibility for the funding and quality of our public hospital system, and to introduce a better integrated system of primary care. See details in 'A national health and hospitals network for Australia's future'. This was welcomed by the Consumers Health Forum (CHF). View the CHF response.

.This this report provide a comprehensive picture of ovarian cancer in Australia including how ovarian cancer rates differ by age, Indigenous status, country of birth, socioeconomic status and geographical area..

LIVESTRONG's Chris Brewer interviewed Cancer Voices cyclists/ survivors on video and posted it on the LIVESTRONG Blog.