Cancer Voices’ action relates to policy and service innovation or improvement, and also to “on the ground” issues experienced by our members and others – their carers, friends and families.

Cancer Voices NSW (CVN), the peak independent organisation for people affected by cancer in NSW, works closely decision-making organisations makers which are able to make a difference for those we represent.   This is to ensure that the informed consumer voice is heard, especially when advocating for innovative improvements in cancer treatment and care.  Examples being:

o   Linking consumers through the CVN rural and remote Area Cancer Services Program, now LHDs, to facilitate attention to their local service and support issues.

o   Advocating for and participating in the development of a consumer initiated directory to find cancer specialists associated with multidisciplinary teams, CanRefer

o   Successfully advocating for funding of regional cancer centres and participation in their planning and development – eg Central Coast

o   Gaining commitment by the NSW Minister for Health through a public campaign, to review , reform and refund palliative care services in NSW

o   Developing (with the Cancer Council NSW) a Consumer Advocacy Training program to enable meaningful engagement in the fight to improve cancer rates of survival, treatment, care and systems.

o   Developing (also with the Cancer Council NSW) a Consumers in Research Training Program.  CVN ensures graduates have the opportunity to apply their expertise by developing a “matchmaking” service for institutions/committees seeking valuable consumer input to their projects.  This service has been very successful; to date there are 83 research projects within 21 organisations for which CVN provides consumer input.