Our work related to cancer

The Australian Brain Cancer Mission is investing $126.4 million to support research into brain cancer. It aims to double the survival rates and improve the quality of life of patients with brain cancer.

The Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program aims to ensure all people with cancer have access to high quality and culturally safe care.

We are reviewing the BreastScreen Australia Program to consider new evidence, support consistency in service delivery, and increase program participation across Australia.

BreastScreen Australia is a joint initiative of the Australian and state and territory governments and aims to reduce illness and death from breast cancer by detecting the disease early. Women over 40 can have a free mammogram every 2 years and we actively invite women aged 50 to 74 to screen.

This program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can do a free test at home every 2 years. Learn about the program and how to do the test.

The National Cancer Screening Register records personal data from our cancer screening programs. We govern the National Cancer Screening Register under strict protocols to ensure your personal information is safe.

The National Cervical Screening Program reduces illness and death from cervical cancer. Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age are invited to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years through their healthcare provider.

This toolkit helps healthcare providers engage under-screened and never-screened women in cervical screening, and support them if they choose to participate.

This program helps with the cost of an external breast prostheses after breast cancer surgery. Eligible women can receive a reimbursement of up to $400 for new or replacement external breast prostheses.

This pilot program aimed to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to do the bowel screening test. It provided resources for families and communities, and primary health care professionals participating in the pilot program.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is a screening program using low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT) scans to look for lung cancer in high-risk people without any symptoms. It aims to find lung cancer early and save lives. Screening for eligible people starts from July 2025.

Australian governments run a number of health screening programs that look for early signs of certain diseases. These population-based programs are offered to everyone in defined target groups. Screening helps reduce the risk of Australians developing or dying from these diseases.

The Radiation Oncology Health Program Grants Scheme helps public and private radiation oncology providers in areas of greatest need to purchase eligible radiation therapy equipment.