Helping people affected by cancer
Helping to prevent cancer and detect it early
Raising funds for cancer research, education and prevention, and patient support programs
Linking with the best while remaining independent
The Cancer Council Victoria's core business is cancer control.
We conduct and support research, as well as delivering statewide support and prevention programs and advocacy to reduce the physical and emotional burden of cancer. Our leaders are of international standing and we are significantly and positively influencing the cancer agenda in Victoria and beyond.
We are a non-profit organisation and rely on the generous support of donors and volunteers.
We are governed by a Council of 50 people, with delegated authority to an Executive Committee (Board) and several other sub-committees. Our Director is a public health research scientist. We employ just over 300 people.
Although constituted by the Cancer Act (1958) in Victoria and required to report to Parliament, we are not classified as a ‘public entity' nor are we part of the Public Service in the state. Our accounts are audited by the Auditor-General and are published in our Annual Report.
Our work is for the benefit of all Victorians. This means supporting people with and at high risk of cancer, and their families and friends.
We run the Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20) and run support services aimed at reducing the burden for people affected by cancer.
The helpline is the main entry point for access to support services. It is staffed by trained oncology nurses who, in addition to their own deep store of knowledge about cancer, can access a comprehensive database of research information and details of statewide and local services that might be of relevance to a caller. If necessary, they may search this database as they speak with callers.
Calls to the helpline may result in referrals to a Cancer Connect volunteer who has previously had the same cancer as the caller and been trained to offer support by telephone. Or they may be referred to a local support group, or be enrolled in a Living with Cancer educational group for survivors and carers, or join a Look Good Feel Better program. Sometimes issues of financial hardship are discussed, in which case the caller may be eligible for financial assistance from the Cancer Council.
More on how we help people affected by cancer
We build on our record of leadership, collaboration and coordination, and on our strengths in behavioural science and education to emphasise prevention in the broadest sense-prevention of the occurrence of cancer, prevention of its spread, and prevention of avoidable distress associated with it.
Our education programs explain how people can reduce their risk of cancer. Our research contributes to cancer knowledge, so that the burden of cancer will not be as great for future generations.
Our prevention programs include Quit, PapScreen Victoria and SunSmart.
The Victorian Family Cancer Genetics Service is a service for families at increased risk of bowel cancer, breast and ovarian cancer or melanoma because of an inherited gene change.
The Cancer Council assists in the development of local, national and international strategies to combat cancer. This includes advising government and participating in the development of initiatives and policy.
We also collaborate with other groups in several programs which advocate for policy and behavioural changes. These include Kids - Go for your life, the Parent's Jury and the Obesity Prevention Policy Coalition.
The results of our research are critically reviewed and communicated to professionals working in the cancer field and beyond.
The Cancer Council has two major inhouse research units: our Cancer Epidemiology Centre, which includes the Victorian Cancer Registry and Health 2020 (the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study); and our Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer;
In addition to these inhouse research units, we fund scientists working in laboratories in universities and hospitals around Victoria. This research program is administered by our the Research Management Unit, working closely with our Medical and Scientific Committee, and Human Research Ethics Committee. In the Centre for Clinical Research in Cancer clinical research is facilitated through our hosting of the Victorian Cooperative Oncology Group and clinical trials support spread over 18 centres around Victoria.
The VicHealth Centre for Tobacco Control is a research and policy unit housed at the Cancer Council which conducts research into the legal, economic and social aspects of tobacco use.
Our status as a ‘cancer campus' is enhanced by the close association we maintain with a number of independent cancer research organisations which we administer or support in other ways. They include:
Also located within the Cancer Council is the Victorian arm of Cancer Australia, a national organisation established to guide improvements in cancer control at a national level. We also provide a base for staff of the Victorian Cancer Agency, a new, independent body established in Victoria to coordinate and promote the rapid translation of cancer research into improved clinical care.
Our fundraising programs include Relay for Life, Pink Ribbon Day, Daffodil Day, Girls Night In, the Arts Awards, Special Efforts (where supporters create their own fundraising event), Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and the Raffle.
We have a range of programs for people who wish to Donate, including a comprehensive Bequests program.
We maintain valued partnerships with government, business and professional groups.
We work closely with cancer clinicians and researchers, nurture a strong public profile and preserve our independence from government and corporations to maximise our capacity to influence the public agenda on cancer.
Our dedicated volunteers significantly contribute to our work at all levels of the organisation.
Our values are leadership, integrity and compassion. These are manifested in:
We are centrally located on the edge of the CBD and close to many of Melbourne's major public teaching hospitals, universities and internationally renowned medical research institutes.
A hugely popular relay-style event that raises money for cancer research.
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