Cancer Council is the largest non-government funder of cancer research in Australia, working across every aspect of every cancer, before, during and after a cancer diagnosis.

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$92 million

invested into world-class research in the past 5 years

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235

researchers funded last year

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49

active research projects in 2025

Cancer Council NSW Research Strategy: Seeds of Change

Leading world-class research to impact our communities across every stage of every cancer

Over the next three years, more than half a million people in Australia are expected to be diagnosed with cancer. That’s why Cancer Council NSW is committed to investing over $40M to lead world-class research across all cancers, at all stages.

Our goal is clear: a future where cancer no longer defines lives. Together, we can make that future possible.

Through our new research strategy, we’re setting a bold agenda: prioritising areas of greatest need, forging powerful partnerships, and championing equity so that every person, regardless of where they live or who they are, has the best chance against cancer.

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Community
Partnerships
Survivorship
Prevention & Detection
Diagnosis & Treatment
Focus Populations
Unmet Needs

Over the next three years, more than half a million people in Australia are expected to be diagnosed with cancer. That’s why Cancer Council NSW is committed to investing over $40M to lead world-class research across all cancers, at all stages.

Our goal is clear: a future where cancer no longer defines lives. Together, we can make that future possible.

Through our new Research Strategy, we’re setting a bold agenda: prioritising areas of greatest need, forging powerful partnerships, and championing equity so that every person, regardless of where they live or who they are, has the best chance against cancer.

Click the diagram to interact

Community
Partnerships
Survivorship
Prevention & Detection
Diagnosis & Treatment
Focus Populations
Unmet Needs

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70%

is the current 5‑year survival rate, up from 50% in the 1980s

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83

grants awarded over five years, totaling $42 million

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1.9 million

Australian cancer survivors in 2024

Multi-cancer detection tests

Associate Professor Julia Steinberg of the Daffodil Centre is leading new research to evaluate whether new, innovative multi-cancer detection tests could improve cancer outcomes in Australia.

Community involvement in Research

You can help make a difference to cancer research by representing the needs and issues of people affected by cancer. This helps researchers keep in touch with what matters to people affected by cancers and helps us decide which research we should fund.

Find out more