Research is the key to finding answers to our questions about what causes cancer- what causes cell damage, why cells turn cancerous, how cancer grows and spreads and how we can most effectively attack it.
Cancer Council are the leading funders of independent cancer research, and related activities in Australia, granting more than $49 million to cancer research, research scholarships and fellowships in 2010.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women – the risk of being diagnosed before age 85 is one in nine. Although survival rates are good, researchers are continuing to refine treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
Our research is making a difference
An example of our research was the collaboration between Cancer Council researchers and researchers at Adelaide’s Hanson Institute has discovered a biological mechanism that could lead to lifesaving treatment for breast cancer.
The DNA regulator (MicroRNA) appears to be an important factor in the spread of breast cancer, creating pathways for cancer cells to move around the body. Researchers are now working toward finding ways to block this pathway and preventing cancer from spreading
Learn more about Cancer Council’s research highlights.
Help us continue our research programs
The money raised by Pink Ribbon Day can help us continue our vital work.
Find out how you can get involved today.