What we do

Our mission: Prevent cancer. Empower people. Save lives. 

Our values: Excellence. Integrity. Compassion. 

Every year, more than 35,500 Victorians will be diagnosed with cancer, and 11,000 will die from cancer. The number of cases will increase as our population grows and ages. Survival will also improve as we get better at  early detection and  treatment of cancer.

Since our establishment in 1936, Cancer Council Victoria has developed an international reputation for our innovative work in  cancer researchprevention and  support. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we play a leading role in reducing the impact of all cancers on all people.

 

Download our Strategic Plan 2024-2027

How we create change

  • We are a leading cancer charity, working with, and for, the community across all cancers and for all people.  

  • We are evidence-based, ensuring that quality research and evidence underpins everything we do. 

  • We work in partnership with donors, funders, health professionals and other stakeholders to reduce the impact of cancer.  

  • We are committed to reducing health inequities, ensuring that our work meets the needs of Victoria’s diverse communities.  

  • We embrace storytelling, backed by data and research, to amplify the voices of those affected by cancer and to deeply connect with Victorians. 

  • We draw on our more than 85 years of history and experience as Australia’s longest running cancer charity.  

  • We inspire and nurture dedicated and passionate employees, volunteers, and supporters.

Our strategy statement

Every day we strive to prevent and reduce the devastating impact of all cancers on communities through research and impactful, evidence-based programs, campaigns, and advocacy. 

Our goals and priorities

Prevent

Reduce cancer risk and inequities by influencing systems, practices, and policies.

We will:

  • Advocate systems, practices, policy and regulatory reform in tobacco, e-cigarettes, ultraviolet radiation, diet, obesity, physical activity, alcohol.
  • Lead the implementation and evaluation of innovative prevention campaigns and programs for risk factors such as tobacco, e-cigarettes, ultraviolet radiation and obesity.
  • Empower health professionals, government, and communities to support and implement initiatives to reduce cancer risk.

Detect

Save lives and equitably improve cancer outcomes through screening, early detection, and immunisation.

We will:

  • Develop, deliver, and evaluate initiatives to equitably eliminate cervical cancer.
  • Advocate programs and initiatives that will address the growing burden of liver cancer.
  • Develop, deliver, and evaluate campaigns and programs to drive participation in bowel screening.
  • Advocate and deliver evidence-based initiatives that increase earlier detection of cancer.

Care

Reduce the burden of cancer by supporting, educating, and empowering people and influencing policy change.

We will:

  • Increase awareness and trust in our 13 11 20 Cancer Support service as a central point of navigation for people affected by cancer.
  • Evaluate and embed the voices of people affected by cancer, and of health professionals and community leaders.
  • Advocate policy, system and law reforms that will improve the experience of navigating cancer and ensure optimal care.
  • Reduce the emotional, financial, and social burden of cancer for people affected by cancer through tailored support services.

Research 

Discover and improve prevention, detection, treatment, and care opportunities through ground-breaking cancer research.

We will:

  • Maintain our scientific leadership in research.
  • Fund innovative and impactful research across a wide range of disciplines and cancer types.
  • Create rigorous, timely evidence to inform the most effective practices, laws, policies, programs, and campaigns.
  • Enhance and promote our data platforms to ensure they are of maximum value to the research and public health sectors.

 

Download our Strategic Plan 2024-2027

Where the money goes

You can  find out more about Cancer Council Victoria's work and how we make a sustainable and tangible impact in the fight against cancer.