Charter of Cancer Consumer Values

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Cancer Voices NSW seeks adoption by the "cancer world" - within which we operate - of a set of principles which recognise and protect the value, dignity and voice of people affected by cancer.

This statement is inspired by Articles VII and VIII in the Charter of Paris Against Cancer of 4 February 2000. International signatories, including consumers, were asked to take the principles home and turn them into practice. This statement is our contribution toward that aim.

Many stakeholders influence the cancer journey, especially people who have experienced cancer. We recognise that these people are uniquely motivated to assist in decreasing the impact of the disease. We recognise the value of cancer "consumers" (as in consumers of cancer services and research outcomes) as active partners in the combined effort to reduce the impact of the disease, and will promote their participation, by adopting the follwing principles:

1. All people affected by cancer, or potentially affected by cancer, are entitled to information concerning the disease, including its origin and stage, the current treatment options available and their side effects, the latest medical research results (including access to clinical trials), the costs and availability of the various treatment options plus their location, together with current standards for detection and diagnosis.

2. All cancer patients are entitled to optimal care, medical or otherwise, irrespective of stage or type of disease.

3. Open and collaborative communication between the patient and the various members of their multidisciplinary health team is essential.

4. A commitment to total patient well-being includes not only the provision of optimal medical care but also the provision of current information and psychosocial support.

5. The importance of quality of life is recognised, for all cancer patients and at all disease stages, from diagnosis to death, and in the development of new treatments, new medications and procedures and in patient care and support.

6. People affected by the disease will be informed, organised and influential, and will have a role in the decision-making processes impacting on them and at all levels.

7. The professional health and scientific community
• recognises the benefit of an informed and active consumer community
• will facilitate consumer participation in the scientific process
• will ensure comprehensive and balanced reporting of scientific and medical evidence
• will promote the scientific assessment of complementary and alternative therapies

8. The medical, research, industry and policy communities will regard cancer consumer advocates as key strategic partners in all aspects of decision-making for prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, care, support and the direction of research.