Cancer Council Australia

Closing the gap in life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples requires a collective effort. Indigenous Australians are 40% more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians, highlighting the urgent need for action to address these health disparities. We are committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and health organisations to close the gap and ensure equal access to cancer care. We must work together toward reducing health inequities and improving outcomes for Indigenous communities. For more information about this impactful campaign, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRrFN. #CloseTheGap

As a proud member of the Close the Gap Campaign, we are pleased to share details on how you can attend the official National Close the Gap Day event. 📍 Hosted in Melbourne at the Aborigines Advancement League, the Close the Gap Campaign will launch their 2025 report. To register your in-person attendance please use the following link https://brnw.ch/21wRoqa Don't worry, if you can't attend in person, you can find the live stream at https://brnw.ch/21wRoq9. #CloseTheGap

As we observe #HarmonyWeek, we celebrate the values of inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for all Australians, irrespective of cultural or linguistic background. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. At Cancer Council Australia, we remain committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality cancer care for all, with a focus on enhancing services and support for individuals from all walks of life. We believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities to receive the care they need, and we continue working towards breaking down barriers to make that a reality. Let’s continue to build a future where diversity is celebrated and access to vital services is available to all. 💛

If you’ve recently participated in a physical activity or exercise program in your local community, you could be part of shaping an important cancer prevention policy on physical activity. Cancer Council Australia is seeking a community member to review our draft National Cancer Prevention Policy on physical inactivity and its links with cancer. We are seeking feedback on the quality of the content, the accessibility and inclusivity of the language, and to identify if anything is missing from the policy. The review process may take a couple of hours, and we will provide a two-week window to review the policy. You would also be reimbursed for your time. If you have an eye for detail and are keen to help, please email cancercontrolpolicy@cancer.org.au to express your interest. #policy #physicalactivity #wellness

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the women who are courageously facing cancer, but also the remarkable women working behind the scenes in cancer research, healthcare, and advocacy. From patients to scientists, doctors, nurses, and caregivers - women are leading the charge in cancer care and research, pushing boundaries, and making life-changing strides every day. At Cancer Council Australia, we are continually inspired by their strength and dedication, and we are committed to supporting them in every way possible. Today, we acknowledge the incredible women in every role in cancer control and strive for a future where every woman has access to the care, support, and hope she deserves. For more information about how to reduce your cancer risk and screening, visit https://brnw.ch/21wRbA3. #InternationalWomensDay

We look forward to being a part of the upcoming Cancer Survivorship Conference on 6-7th March, discussing the crucial topics of capability and capacity in both survivorship care and research. Put reminders in your diaries to tune in for our sessions! ⬇️ 🎤 Invited speaker Megan Varlow, will be talking on the ‘Work and Financial Toxicity’ plenary at 4:30 pm on 6th March. 🎤 Drew Meehan and Shona Edwards will present their poster ‘From Consultation to Collaboration: Strengthening Cancer Policy through Lived Experiences’ at 1:00 pm on 6th March. The national conference offers a unique opportunity to collaborate and explore how we can make cancer policy more effective and inclusive by amplifying the voices of those with lived experience. Be a part of this important conversation. Find out more about the event and sessions: https://lnkd.in/gaUEU_Ks #Surv25 #CancerSurvivorshipConference

Last week, we brought together colleagues from across the Cancer Council Federation and our partners for a workshop on the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program. Our focus? Digital enhancements and shaping the uplifted service blueprint, ensuring more Australians can access Navigation services and information in ways that work for them. Grounded in research and evidence-led, this work is about expanding and improving support and access for all those who need it, particularly priority populations. Cancer Council CEO Mark Nevin summed it up: "I would like to thank the program leads and everyone who contributed for their energy, ideas, and teamwork across a packed schedule. It was productive and inspiring to come together - a powerful reminder of what collaboration and teamwork can achieve in our mission to improve outcomes for all Australians affected by cancer." A huge thank you to everyone involved. Exciting steps ahead, including preparing for further consultation with the sector and consumer groups! Kerry Rowlands Dr Vanessa Johnston Gemma Lock Danielle Spence Mike Osborne Mathews George Peter Diamond Rob Tolan Melody Chew Leah Eastment

We urgently need to stop the rise in obesity rates to reduce the incidence of thirteen types of cancer. Cancer Council is advocating for the below four key policy priorities: 1. Mandate the Health Star Rating food labelling system to support healthy food options. 2. Implement government regulation to protect children from the marketing of unhealthy food and drinks. 3. Introduce a 20% healthy levy on sugar-sweetened beverages. 4. Fund the implementation of the National Obesity Strategy. By acting now, we can create a healthier future for all Australians. #WorldObesityDay

Did you know a suntan is a visible sign of damage to your skin and that it can lead to premature ageing and skin cancer? The damage happens when we’re exposed to high levels of UV radiation from the sun. Always remember the five SunSmart steps to stay protected and prevent premature ageing - Slip, Slop (SPF 50+), Slap, Seek, and Slide. Download the SunSmart app to easily check your local UV index. You can even turn on notifications to receive alerts whenever sun protection is needed - https://brnw.ch/21wQQBb #sunsafe #saveyourskin #cancerawareness

We are delighted to announce that Professor Maxine Morand AM has been appointed Chair of our Board. Professor Morand’s extensive career in public health, cancer research, health policy and governance uniquely positions her to continue the crucial work of Cancer Council Australia. Following her early days practicing as a nurse, Maxine undertook further studies that led to a research role at Cancer Council Victoria. Her leadership roles in cancer care research and policy were further cemented by her experience as CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australian and, most recently, as Board Chair of the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre. Professor Morand has been a long-term advocate for improving outcomes and care for Australians impacted by cancer. Her tenure as a Member of the Victorian Parliament, and as Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development and Minister for Women’s Affairs highlight her experience in government administration and advancing women's rights and equity, Maxine is currently an Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University. Professor Morand said “I am delighted to have been appointed Board Chair at Cancer Council Australia and look forward to working with colleagues across Australia to continue to improve cancer outcomes and the focus on cancer prevention, early detection, research and care for those Australians affected by cancer.” “I would also like to acknowledge outgoing Chair Professor Hugh Harley for his leadership and commitment to improving cancer outcomes over the past six years.” Cancer Council Australia CEO Mark Nevin added “Professor Morand’s commitment to cancer care and research is clear in her wealth of experience and strong credentials. We look forward to continuing to work towards Cancer Council Australia’s mission with her leadership and guidance. We are grateful to Professor Hugh Harley for his incredible six-year leadership as Chair of Cancer Council Australia. Under Hugh’s guidance, we have made tremendous strides in cancer research, advocacy, prevention and support, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication and vision. “We thank Professor Hugh Harley for his extensive contribution to Cancer Council Australia over the past six years as Chair of the Cancer Council Australia board.” 🌿 #Leadership #CancerCare #PublicHealth #CancerCouncilAustralia