Breakthrough - September 2024 - Cancer Council Victoria

Message from Todd

Todd Harper

I’m delighted to share the latest updates and breakthroughs made possible by your kind support. 

It was wonderful to see Melbourne and many other parts of Victoria awash with yellow this Daffodil Day. Getting the opportunity to catch up with many of you and thank you in person for your kind support at our Daffodil Day flower stalls throughout the city is always a highlight. And if I didn’t catch you personally, then please know how grateful I am for your support.

Thank you for your continued kindness.

Todd Harper AM

CEO, Cancer Council Victoria

Your generosity in action

With you by our side, we’re here for all people facing cancer at all stages of their cancer journey. Here’s how your kindness has supported Victorian families this year :

The 5-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with cancer has increased 49% over the past 30 years.

We have distributed 57,992 cancer information booklets to people affected by cancer since January.

More than $573,933 raised for cancer research this Daffodil Day by Victorians who donated, fundraised or purchased daffodils.

Curiosity leads to discoveries delivering tomorrow's cures

Your support for Prof. Dawson’s curiosity-led research has achieved major breakthroughs already, now he’s turned his attention to improving immunotherapy outcomes.

On the 13 11 20 cancer support line, we always have time

Laura, one of Cancer Council's 13 11 20 nurses, says the information and support she provides is essential to bridging a gap in the cancer care ecosystem.

A sea of yellow this Daffodil Day

Daffodil Day ambassadors, Rob and James Farnham, sons of Australian music icon, John Farnham, brought a message of hope through cancer research all the way to the Logies.

Brands off our kids

Cancer Council’s Centre for Behaviour Research in Cancer explored the impact of unhealthy food marketing to teenagers on social media, the results were revealing

Girls' Night helping fund research into women's cancers

Every spring, women like Amanda and her friends come together to raise money for cancer research to kick women's cancers out.

Regional clinical trials provide quality care at a local level

The collaboration and expansion of regional clinical trials signals promising developments to come for improving equity and access for regional cancer patients.

Win's gift for a cancer free future

Win is leaving a lasting legacy to honour her daughter Natalie while contributing to improving treatment and outcomes for other young women.

Healthy recipes for spring

Find healthy and tasty Springtime recipes like these delicious Zucchini Corn Fritters on our LiveLighter website.

Thank you for supporting people affected by cancer

Over the last couple of months, Victorians have run marathons, hosted afternoon teas, purchased daffodils, taken a cold-water plunge or shaved their heads (and so much more!) in support of people affected by cancer. Our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful people giving their time, experiences, funds, and voices to support the work of Cancer Council Victoria.

Get involved

Girls' Night In

Let's lift women up and bring women's cancers down.

Learn more

Relay for Life

Together we celebrate survivors, remember loved ones, and fight back against cancer.

Find a Relay

The Longest Day

The ultimate golf challenge designed to test your skill, strength and stamina whilst raising vital funds for Cancer Council’s life-saving research.

Learn more

Use your lived experience to help others

As a Cancer Connect Volunteer, you’ll be matched with someone who’s had a similar cancer experience in terms of cancer type, treatment choices, and whether they’ve been on a clinical trial.

Volunteers provide free phone support to people who are going through a similar cancer experience.

Become a Cancer Connect volunteer and use your experience to help others.

We are looking for people who:

have had a cancer diagnosis
have cared for someone with cancer
carry a gene that increases their cancer risk
have been on a clinical trial

Join our next volunteer training session in October and get started!

Learn more

Introducing Cancer Council x Laura Byrne

Laura Byrne is an Australian award-winning podcaster, radio host, author, and much-loved media personality.

Laura knows the importance of protecting her whole family from damaging UV rays over a hot Aussie summer. As a mum of young girls, Marlie-Mae and Lola, with an active, beach loving lifestyle, Laura likes to make sun protection fun with stylish hats, colourful sunnies and swimwear and of course, sunscreen made just for delicate skin.

This year we are partnering with Laura to raise awareness about sun safety!

Discover Laura's Favourite Picks