Securing a healthier future for all Australians

Policy and advocacy

As the 2025 Federal Election approaches, we must seize the opportunity to reconfirm Australia's position as a global leader in cancer control - and ultimately save thousands more lives.

Let’s strengthen Australia’s legacy of global leadership in cancer control with ongoing support and investment into cancer prevention, care and research

We are calling on the new Australian Parliament to provide continued support and investment to

Increase participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to save more lives from bowel cancer.
Provide equitable access to cancer care by reducing the financial burden of cancer through improved services and support.
Continue investment in skin cancer prevention campaigns towards a future free from skin cancer.
Address the rise of obesity to reduce the incidence of 13 types of cancer.

Almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, making prevention vital to saving more lives

According to The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, by 2034, an estimated 209,000 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer - a 23% increase from 2024. However, Australia's cancer survival rates have soared from just 49% in the 1980s to over 70% today. With almost two in three Australians experiencing chronic disease, investing in prevention measures will help save more lives.

While Australia has made tremendous strides towards reducing the impact of cancer, there’s so much more work to be done to meet new challenges. As new research and evidence emerges, so does new methods of prevention, detection and treatment, as well as improved ways to support those affected. The Australian Government can support the adoption of these advances now, to continue to improve cancer survival rates."

Mark Nevin
CEO, Cancer Council Australia

25 years of impact: Key milestones behind saving over 107,000 lives

Thousands of cancers have been detected earlier and successfully treated due to screening programs and related work supporting screening participation.
Australia is leading with its world-first tobacco control initiatives which have reduced smoking rates and saved lives.
Through prevention campaigns, we have seen a reduction in skin cancer (our ‘national cancer’). Australia was also one of the first countries to ban the commercial use of solariums in 2015.
Australia is predicted to be one of the first countries to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2035.

Australia has some of the best cancer outcomes and survival rates in the world thanks to the prioritisation of cancer research, support and policy. However, there’s still progress to be made.

To maintain our legacy of global leadership in cancer control, we must continue to invest in cancer prevention, care and research. Ongoing support and investment are key to ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of improving cancer outcomes for all.

Find out more about Cancer Council’s policy and advocacy work.

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