Cancer Council is the largest non-government funder of cancer research in the country, and thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we have been able to invest almost $250 million in Australian cancer research in the past 5 years alone.
Investment in research has helped increase cancer survival rates from 49% in the 1980s to 69% today. Because of research, more people are surviving cancer than ever before. And every day, brilliant Australian researchers are working to unlock more of cancer’s secrets.
The impact of your fundraising
on cervical cancer research
Thanks to vital research helped funded by our incredible Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea hosts, Australia is on track to be the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by as early as 2028. Thank you for making this possible!
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide, and in Australia, around 930 women are expected to be diagnosed this year alone.
This amazing breakthrough has come about thanks to advances in cancer research, successful cervical cancer screening programs and the HPV vaccine, all of which would not have been possible without your support.
Professor Karen Canfell has been one of the researchers helping lead the way in eliminating cervical cancer, hear more from her below:
The journey to eliminating cervical cancer
1980s
German researchers show that most cases of cervical cancer are caused by a common virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV).
1990s
With funding for research, Australian researchers Professor Ian Frazer and Dr Jian Zhou begin developing a vaccine for HPV.
1991
National Cervical Screening Program launches across Australia. Regular Pap smear tests every two years help reduce cervical cancer rates by 50% in women aged 25 years and over.
1998
Professor Frazer and Dr Zhou successfully conduct the first clinical trials of their HPV vaccine.
2005
Professor Karen Canfell and her team start looking at improving Australia’s cervical screening program, considering HPV vaccination and new screening methods.
2007
Australia introduces a National HPV Vaccination Program, initially to high school girls and women up to age 26. It’s now provided to boys and girls at high school to protect them against HPV related cancers.
2017
Professor Canfell and her team’s research underpins a new cervical screening program, introduced in Australia.
2019
Australia predicted to become the first country to approach cervical cancer elimination.
2020
WHO adopts Australian resolution strategy and announces global elimination strategy
Helping Australia eliminate cervical cancer
"To live in a country that has innovated to the point where we could potentially eliminate this disease is so exciting but also really motivating.”
– Kirsty was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She had to have her uterus cut in half and was told she may be infertile, but luckily, she was able to have a family.
