Radiotherapy waiting times
The Tripartite National Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology 2012–2022 highlights the disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in accessing radiotherapy services in a timely fashion.1 The plan notes that the financial burden of cancer and expenses associated with travel to receive treatments are a barrier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer living in rural and remote areas of Australia.
Information about waiting times for radiotherapy is an important way of highlighting disparity in access where it occurs.
Data availability
There are currently no national data available for this indicator.
Data about radiotherapy waiting times is available through the Radiotherapy Waiting Times National Minimum Dataset (RWT NMDS). The dataset does not include information about Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identification.
Further information
Cancer Australia. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework. Priority 5b: Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive best practice care.
Cancer Australia. Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. Step 4: Treatment; Step 6: Managing recurrent, residual or metastatic disease.
Cancer Australia. Radiation therapy.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Australian Institute of Radiographers, Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. Planning for the Best. Tripartite Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology 2012–2022
References
1. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Australian Institute of Radiographers, Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. Planning for the Best. Tripartite Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology 2012–2022.