What was the Submission About?
This submission was written in response to a national review looking at whether the Australian Government should fund a genetic test called POLE genotyping. This test helps doctors better understand certain types of endometrial cancer, which can lead to more accurate and personalised treatment. Deakin Institute for Health Transformation explains why public funding for this test would benefit Australians—especially those living in rural and regional areas who often have less access to specialist services.
Key points included
- Make POLE testing publicly funded. The submission recommends that the government cover the cost of POLE genotyping so that all women diagnosed with endometrial cancer can access this important test. Public funding would remove financial barriers and ensure that no one misses out on the benefits of more accurate cancer information simply because they cannot afford it.
- Improve accuracy of cancer diagnosis and treatment. POLE testing provides doctors with clearer, more detailed information about the type of cancer a woman has. This allows for treatment that is better tailored to each person’s individual situation, helping to avoid unnecessary or overly aggressive treatments and improving overall outcomes.
- Ensure fair access for women in rural and remote areas. The submission highlights that women who live outside major cities often face delays, long travel, and reduced access to specialist testing. Public funding for POLE testing would help reduce these challenges by making the test more widely available and ensuring that women in all locations receive the same high standard of care.
- Strengthen pathology and testing services across Australia. To support POLE testing, the submission calls for improvements in laboratory capacity and access—especially in regional and remote areas. Strengthening these services would help deliver faster results and ensure that women receive consistent, high quality care regardless of where they live.
- Introduce a national rollout plan. The submission recommends a coordinated national plan to guide how POLE testing will be implemented across Australia. This includes supporting the health workforce, improving infrastructure in regional areas, and providing assistance—such as transport support—when local testing is not available. A national approach would help ensure the test is delivered fairly, efficiently, and sustainably.
In summary
Overall, the submission emphasises that publicly funding POLE testing would lead to fairer, timelier, and more accurate cancer care for women across Australia. By improving access to advanced testing, strengthening laboratory services, and coordinating a national rollout, the recommendations aim to ensure all women—no matter where they live—can benefit from the latest cancer diagnostics. The goal is to create a more equitable health system where every woman with endometrial cancer receives the right information and the right treatment at the right time.
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