From diagnosis to treatment to remission or end of life —

We’re here throughout the cancer experience.

We’re here for people impacted by cancer every step of the way, making a difference today and into the future.

We protect kids and grown ups from skin cancers, so we can all enjoy the great outdoors safely. We fund research and implement cancer prevention programs to help keep families together. And we support all people living with cancer, and their loved ones, to help them get through.

Our work supports all people living with any cancer across every step of the cancer experience.

Understanding the future of cancer

If we can understand the future of cancer in Australia, we can plan how to curb its impact. 

Our research shows that the overall rate of people dying of cancer will fall by around 20% across the next 25 years (2022-2044).

But the total number of people who will be diagnosed with or die of cancer in this time period will be far greater than the previous 25 years.

This means cancer will remain a significant public health challenge in the coming decades. Which is why we’re calling on governments to invest more heavily in cancer prevention and screening programs – initiatives that we know save lives.

Learn more about the future of cancer in Australia

We’re here when life starts

Women in Australia are having children later in life. And while it’s still rare, more women are being diagnosed with cancer while they’re pregnant.

However, we still know very little about how cancer affects women and babies throughout pregnancy. So, with funding from Cancer Council NSW, Professor Elizabeth Sullivan launched a research project to learn more. So far, Prof Sullivan has found that:

1

Pregnancy during cancer is becoming more common

In 1994, 3 out of every 1000 women received a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. This rose to 4 out of every 1000 women by 2013 – a increase of roughly 3% year on year.

2

Women with cancer during pregnancy more likely to give birth early

Women who are diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy are over three times more likely to give birth preterm (before 37 weeks).

3

Babies born to women with cancer are not at higher risk of death

The risk of stillbirth and newborn death is no greater for babies born to mothers who have cancer. However, they are at higher risk of low birthweight and require greater care.

4

More work is needed to ensure equality of care and outcomes

The project team will continue researching pregnancy and cancer, looking into specific cancer types next. They also plan on investigating cancer treatment approaches for women during pregnancy.

This work is critical to ensure pregnant women receive the right care if they receive a cancer diagnosis.

Read more about this important study

We’re here to lighten the load

Cancer Council NSW exists to help people live well during and after cancer – people of all walks of life, no matter where they live in NSW.

But people’s supportive care needs vary significantly across the state. For example, people living in rural and remote areas often face longer travel distances for cancer treatment and greater out-of-pocket costs.

In 2022, we launched our Supportive Care Needs survey to learn how we can best serve the community.

Read more: Improving support for people with cancer

From the moment I called 13 11 20, I felt supported and heard. I am accessing counsellor support and we have had help with our grocery bills also, we are so grateful for that. The information booklets are phenomenal.

Survey participant

We’re here for people living with advanced cancer

“I live very much for the now.
I can’t predict the future…
but what I can do is love every day
and I truly do.”
– Anne Royters