New report reveals investment in cancer research tripled, but strategic partnerships critical to filling gaps

Medical: Investment in Australian cancer research has increased more than 3-fold in the past 15 years but experts say more investment is needed to tackle the nation’s leading cause of death.

According to Cancer Australia’s latest audit, $934 million was invested in cancer research from 2018 to 2020 compared to $292 million between 2003 and 2005.

In November 2022, Cancer Australia led a consultation on the draft Australian Cancer Plan (ACP) designed to improve outcomes for people impacted by cancer.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said “Every Australian affected by cancer should have access to the best treatment and supportive care.”

Professor Dorothy Keefe CEO of Cancer Australia commented “It is our aim that the Australian Cancer Plan resonates with every person affected by cancer in Australia, and everyone engaged in the cancer sector.”

Professor Keefe said findings from the audit provide the cancer research sector  with an opportunity to analyse our national research efforts and gain evidence-based insights to inform future cancer research investment and focus, and ACP implementation. 

According to this new audit findings, the federal government was the largest funder of research projects and programs, accounting for 58% of direct funding, with NHMRC providing almost half (46%) of this funding.

A caveat to the audit data is that it does not capture clinical trials activity funded by the industry.

But with cancer remaining the nation’s leading cause of death, Professor Keefe, said the funding should not stop there.

“While there have been significant improvements in diagnosis, treatment and survival for a number of cancer types, there are areas where continued efforts are needed,” Professor Keefe commented.

“We know that research, evaluation and the use of data help our health system to meet current and future health challenges for all Australians affected by cancer. We maximise the value of our investment by filling research gaps and catalysing research growth in priority areas through strategic collaborative partnerships with other government and non-government funders of cancer research.”

Approximately 2,163 Australians are expected to have been diagnosed with cancer in 2022. This number is projected to continue to rise and by 2031, around 5,475 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in Australia. 

The Cancer Australia audit found between 2012 and 2020, more than 4,800 cancer research projects and programs were funded across the country, with a total value of $2.12 billion.

NSW, Victoria and Queensland received 89% of direct funding to cancer research projects and programs during that eight-year period.

Total funding increased for all states and territories except Tasmania.

The audit’s findings will provide evidence-based insights to inform future cancer research investment and focus, Professor Keefe said.

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