Victorian cancer research supported

Cancer researchers are being backed by the Victorian government with $2.7 million in funding to improve cancer outcomes across the state.

In partnership with Cancer Council Victoria, six post-doctoral fellowships will be awarded to support early career researchers yet to receive significant research funding.

Announced by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas on World Cancer Day (February 4), the funding will allow for research investigating the causes, prevention, detection, and supportive care or treatment of cancer.

“Victoria has some of the best breast cancer survival outcomes globally, but there’s more to do – that’s why we’re backing our world-leading researchers, whose dedication could see the next big breakthrough in treatment and care,” Ms Thomas said.

This year’s World Cancer Day theme was United by Unique, with funding recipients focusing on a diverse range of research areas.

Research will include:

Using physical therapy to improve frailty outcomes for children with leukaemia

Preserving female fertility and long-term endocrine function following cancer treatment

Investigating how parity can protect against triple negative breast cancer

Blocking key protein interactions to treat mesothelioma

Taking the MYC out of colon cancer, and

Dissecting the role of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in gastric cancer.

The investment also supports Cancer Council Victoria’s Grants-in-Aid Program in achieving breakthroughs in cancer research.

The program funds high quality research in prevention, detection, treatment and care for people affected by cancer.

Cancer research is a major critical part of the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028, focussed on improving survival rates and achieving equitable health outcomes for people living with the disease.

The Victorian government says it has spent more than $400 million towards a cancer-free future and is striving to improve diagnoses and survival rates.

For more information, head to cancervic.org.au