Optimal care pathways: A national policy to improve quality of cancer care and address inequalities in cancer outcomes

•OCPs take a whole-of-pathway approach to improve outcomes for all Australians.•OCPs are part of a history of cancer care policy reform in Australia.•Government endorsement and stakeholder engagement aids implementation.•Positive impacts of OCPs were found on care quality and cancer survival.•Similar pathway policies may be considered in low and high resource countries.