Cancer touches the lives of most Queenslanders in some way. With one in two Queenslanders likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, this can have profound, long-lasting impacts on health and wellbeing.
There has been significant progress in cancer care, but not all Queenslanders have seen the same improvements in cancer outcomes. There are differences in cancer survival for some Queenslanders including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living in rural and remote communities and people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
To achieve greater equity in cancer outcomes we have to ensure cancer services are safe, inclusive and supportive of diverse needs across all stages of life.
Cancer care in Queensland
Each year
33,000Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer.
Queenslanders have a
50%chance of developing cancer during their lifetime.
Through advances in care
66%of Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer survive 5 years post-diagnosis.
More than
55,000cancer patients received treatment in Queensland Health facilities in 2022/23 increasing to 68,000 by 2032.
The Queensland Cancer Strategy
The Queensland Cancer Strategy 2024 will guide the development of a more connected cancer system.
The strategy presents a unique opportunity to grow a broad network of cancer services across the state, ensuring that all Queenslanders have access to world-class cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and support services as close to home as possible.
Read the strategy
Read the First Nations cancer care framework
How was the strategy developed?
Development of the strategy has been a collaborative effort.
- Stage 1 – generating ideas. More than 1,000 Queenslanders shared their ideas in a consultation survey during March and April 2024. Findings from the consultation survey can be found in the Queensland Cancer Strategy - Consultation Findings Report.
- Stage 2 – consolidating ideas and evidence into a draft strategy. Development of the draft included input from cancer care leaders, carers and people affected by cancer.
- Stage 3 – consultation and finalisation. More than 270 individuals and groups gave their feedback on the draft strategy by participating in webinars, workshops and an online survey.
The Queensland Cancer Centre
The new Queensland Cancer Centre at the Herston Health Precinct will provide Queenslanders with access to contemporary and world-leading therapies. The centre of excellence will also enable greater ‘home-grown’ research and its translation into local health solutions.
To manage growing cancer service demand, the Queensland Government will take the necessary steps to ensure quality cancer care is accessible to all Queenslanders, no matter where they live. This includes:
- At least 150 beds
- A new statewide cancer centre in Metro North
- A review of cancer services infrastructure needs for metro, rural and regional Queensland
- Better planning that meets clinical needs
- Partnerships with nearby health, research and education facilities.
Investment and implementation
To complement our existing investment in cancer care every year and the record-breaking investment in the Queensland Cancer Centre, $20 million has been allocated in the Queensland Budget for the 2024-25 financial year to advance the implementation of the Queensland Cancer Strategy:
- $3.4 million to enhance consumer and carer experiences through personalised care coordination throughout the cancer journey
- $3.8 million for better access to cancer screening, prevention and early detection services, including a trial of a Women’s Comprehensive Breast Clinic to provide public diagnostic services for symptomatic women
- $5.7 million to grow cancer services by investing in the foundations that will enable networked approaches to service delivery across the state
- $4.5 million to better support people and families after cancer treatment by establishing targeted survivorship services, including culturally appropriate, co-designed survivorship support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, and for young people and children
- $2.6 million to advance a coordinated and statewide approach to research, innovation and education.
Initial implementation of this strategy will be guided by a Queensland Cancer Strategy Implementation Plan.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or you'd like more information, please email queenslandcancerstrategy@health.qld.gov.au
Last updated: 16 June 2025