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As a medical oncologist working in a rural private practice in Australia, Dr. Christopher Steer expresses that one of the biggest challenges in cancer care is a limited workforce. Lacking personnel at every level of cancer care makes it difficult to provide high-quality, timely care, especially in a rural region. In this episode, Dr. Steer also mentions the importance of advocacy work in improving patient care. A particularly salient issue in Australia is the lack of coverage for cancer therapeutics by private insurance companies—which affects about 40% of patients with cancer in the country. Dr. Steer emphasizes the need for patients and providers alike to use their voices to make meaningful improvements in cancer care.
“Adequate assessment yields appropriate treatment. Ask the patients. Personalize their care. That will give them the best [outcomes].”
Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog.
Guests:
Christopher Steer, MBBS, FRACP
Medical Oncologist,
Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre
Associate Professor
University of New South Wales
Adjunct Professor
John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research
La Trobe University
Additional Resources:
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
