What we're doing about cancer

We fund cancer research, run programs to prevent, detect cancer early, treat cancer and support people through their cancer treatment. We also lead committees and groups to inform our decisions.

Research and data

We provide funding for cancer research to make sure we have the evidence we need to make better decisions.

Programs to help detect and prevent cancer

We run free cancer screening programs to help detect cancer before you have symptoms.

The National Cancer Screening Register

We established the National Cancer Screening Register to support our national screening programs for bowel and cervical cancer. The register is used to:

  • manage participant details, including invitations and reminders to screen
  • collect, store, analyse and report on screening program data.

The comprehensive data helps inform policy, improve program quality and service delivery.

Screening framework

    Population-based screening framework

    This framework sets out the principles of screening programs for cancer and chronic diseases. It informs decision makers about the key issues to consider when deciding whether to introduce a screening program.

    Reducing the risk of cancer

    The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to eligible people against:

    • HPV, which can help prevent cervical cancer, anal cancer and other cancers
    • hepatitis B, which can help prevent liver cancer.

    We also have strategies to help Australians minimise their cancer risk:

    Treating and managing cancer

    We work to support people with cancer and improve cancer outcomes by:

    Committees and groups

    We chair committees and groups that focus on cancer screening and improving cancer outcomes.

    Date last updated:

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