The Abbott Government’s 2015/16 Budget will improve cancer detection, treatment and prevention through a range of innovative new measures ensuring Australia remains a world leader in the field.

Health Minister Sussan Ley today announced a National Cancer Screening Register and a new test for cervical cancer that will increase survival rates while reducing the number of invasive procedures during a woman’s life by more than half.

Today’s announcements are part of more than $600 million worth of new cancer measures to be included in Tuesday’s Budget, which also includes the listing of new life-saving drug treatments for melanoma and breast cancer on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from July 1 2015, announced yesterday.

“The Abbott Government is serious about increasing cancer screening rates as we know that screening programmes save lives,” Ms Ley said.

“Currently there are eight separate state and territory cervical screening registers and an outdated, paper-based, bowel screening register which has created a fragmented system.

“With recent investments in cancer prevention and detection, it is essential that we have a consistent and contemporary register that supports the enhanced screening programmes.”

For more details, go to: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/health-mediarel-yr2015-ley051.htm