A national cancer control program: the 'Down Under' experience with breast cancer.

ABSTRACT

The use of national, coordinated and comprehensive strategies supported by evidence and focused on a specific cancer is one model for improving cancer control. The National Breast Cancer Centre (NBCC) was established in Australia in 1995 to coordinate breast cancer control initiatives across the country and has successfully achieved a number of world-firsts in this thirteen year period. Crucial elements of the initiative have included broad consultation with key stakeholders, evidence-based focus, addressing recognized gaps in care, multidisciplinary input including consumer involvement, innovative approaches, and independent operation notwithstanding government funding. The NBCC's experience has been extended to ovarian cancer control and may be useful for others intending to establish national programs in cancer control.