Aim
To demonstrate how the NSW Real World Cancer Data Ecosystem supports precision cancer care by integrating population, clinical and patient-reported data to inform targeted policies, services and interventions that improve outcomes and equity across diverse populations in NSW.
Methods
The NSW Cancer Data Ecosystem links key population, clinical and service datasets, including the NSW Cancer Registry, hospital admissions, treatment data and electronically collected Patient-Reported Measures (PRMs). This integrated data asset enables system-wide monitoring of cancer incidence, survival, patterns of care and equity at state, regional and local levels.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques are applied to unstructured data sources, including pathology reports, to extract structured clinical information and reduce manual data collection. Insights generated through the ecosystem are translated into practice through the Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes (RBCO) program, which provides clinicians, health services and system leaders with regular feedback on outcomes, variation and opportunities for improvement.
Results
The NSW Cancer Data Ecosystem has enabled more targeted cancer control by identifying populations with poorer outcomes, lower screening participation, delayed diagnosis and reduced treatment access, supporting focused interventions and resource allocation. Integration of PRMs has embedded the patient voice in planning and evaluation, highlighting differences in symptom burden, treatment impact and care experience not captured by traditional measures. Over 16 years, the RBCO program has provided localised performance insights to Local Health Districts, supporting evidence-informed improvements in cancer care across NSW.
Conclusions
Precision cancer care requires understanding both clinical outcomes and the outcomes that matter most to patients. By integrating clinical, population and patient-reported data, the NSW Real World Cancer Data Ecosystem supports a learning health system that identifies variation, drives quality improvement and informs equitable cancer control. Supported by AI, machine learning and clinician feedback, the ecosystem is enabling more data-informed, patient-centred cancer care across NSW.