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Boosting Health Services: Greater Access to Cancer Treatment for Territorians

Office of the Chief Minister

The Territory Labor Government is improving health services with new precision medicine coming online for some Territorians suffering rare cancers.

The Northern Territory Government has joined the National Genomic Cancer Medical Program (NAGCMP) along with other Centres of Excellence around Australia, meaning medical oncologists in the Northern Territory will lead ‘cutting edge’ clinical trials that will treat up to 50 NT locals.

The NAGCMP program is a jointly funded national, five-year, $50 million agreement, with the Commonwealth investing $475,000 per year just for the NT, and the Northern Territory Government joining the program and investing $100,000 per year.

As a member of the Australian Genomic Cancer Medical Program, the Northern Territory will be given the ability to collaborate with partners across the country and translate precision medicine research advances into the healthcare system across Australia.

A new Cancer Clinical Trials Nursing Coordinator position recently funded by the Territory Labor Government will assist oncologists in providing this ground-breaking treatment for Territorians with rare cancers.

Quotes from the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

"Every Territorian, no matter where they live, deserves access to high quality health services and by joining the Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Centre Inc, medical oncologists in the Northern Territory will lead ‘cutting edge’ clinical trials that will treat up to 50 NT locals.

“This program, along with the multi-million dollar Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre, will provide greater access to cancer services for all Territorians closer to home and ensure services expand in line with increasing demand into the future.

“Participating in the program will give Territorians the option to participate in clinical trials for world-class treatment, giving those with rare cancers more options in the Territory.”

Media Contact: Leanne Hudson 0427 687 079

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