Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN)?
The Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) is a virtual integrated national network that connects cancer services across Australia. It brings together cancer services, existing networks, and alliances within and across states and territories to enable collaboration, sharing of expertise, and access to comprehensive cancer care for all people affected by cancer.
What are the benefits of becoming an ACCN member?
ACCN members will have access to a virtual network where cancer services, centres of excellence, alliances, and experts across Australia are connected. Members will collaborate on innovative cancer care solutions, share specialist knowledge and clinical expertise, and participate in communities of practice. This ensures that all patients across Australia, regardless of location, have access to the best available cancer care as close to home as safely possible.
Who can join the ACCN?
You can register to join the ACCN on behalf of an organisation or as an individual health professional. Eligible members include:
- Comprehensive Cancer Centres
- All cancer care centres and units, including those in metropolitan, regional, and remote locations
- Centres of excellence and clinical networks providing specialist services (e.g., CAR T cell therapy)
- Consumer representatives
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners
- Health care professionals
- Primary Health Networks
- Primary, community, and allied health services
- Regional hospitals and health services
- Medical colleges and health education institutions
- Academic and research institutions
- Clinical trials groups and networks
- Non-government organisations
- Cancer-related data collection and reporting entities (e.g., cancer registries)
What is the role of Comprehensive Cancer Centres in the ACCN?
Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCC) demonstrate world-class research, clinical trials, data collection, and multidisciplinary care across the cancer continuum. These centres drive continuous improvement in patient-centred cancer care in Australia and serve as anchors of the ACCN. They connect with other cancer centres, services, and units, ensuring a networked approach to cancer care.
Will Comprehensive Cancer Centres coordinate all patient care as part of the ACCN?
No. Cancer care will be delivered to patients as close to home as safely possible. The ACCN enables local health services to connect with Comprehensive Cancer Centres and other specialist centres of excellence for access to specialist knowledge and innovative solutions tailored to different health settings.
If a health organisation joins the ACCN, does it mean that the organisation is a Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC)?
No, membership in the ACCN does not automatically designate a service as a CCC. Members must adhere to one or more applicable standards of excellence and evaluate their performance to improve care delivery.
How will the ACCN work with existing cancer care alliances or networks?
The ACCN does not aim to duplicate existing alliances or networks but instead brings them together into a national network that enables collaboration, sharing expertise, and equitable access to cancer care.
What is the role of consumer representatives in the ACCN?
Consumer representatives provide input on policy, service provision, research, and care initiatives undertaken by the ACCN to improve experiences for all Australians affected by cancer.
Is it compulsory to join the ACCN?
No, joining the ACCN is voluntary. Members who join will have access to a national community of expertise and support for delivering comprehensive cancer care.
Will the ACCN have an accreditation function?
No, the ACCN is a voluntary, self-regulatory network and does not have a role in accrediting participating services.
Is it compulsory to adhere to all seven standards of excellence?
Members are encouraged to adhere to the seventh standard of self-evaluation, while the other six standards should be followed according to the service type. Comprehensive Cancer Centres should adhere to all seven standards.
Who governs the ACCN?
The ACCN Committee, established in mid-2023, governs the Network. It includes representatives from Comprehensive Cancer Centres, regional and rural cancer services, Primary Health Networks, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, and consumers.
Can I join the ACCN Committee?
The current membership of the ACCN Committee is fixed. Vacancies will be posted on the ACCN member portal as they arise.
How can I find out more about the ACCN and the Framework?
The ACCN Framework, which provides more information about the ACCN and its standards, is available through the member portal and the Cancer Australia website. For further questions, contact the ACCN secretariat at ACCN@canceraustralia.gov.au.