Overview

The Cancer Council Victoria is a non-profit organisation involved in cancer research and cancer support, prevention and advocacy.

From our Carlton offices we're close to many of Melbourne's public teaching hospitals, universities and medical research institutes. We're also involved with advising government and liaising with business and professional groups to help create strategies to fight cancer.

We maintain a strong public profile and preserve our independence to maximise our ability to influence the public agenda.


Values

We value leadership, integrity and compassion, which are manifested in our:

  • Professor David Hillindependence
  • cooperative external relationships 
  • evidence-based work 
  • whole-of-community approach and access for all 
  • sharing of knowledge 
  • good management of funds 
  • treating staff and volunteers with recognition, dignity and respect 
  • excellent research practice 
  • honest, accurate information 
  • respect for people's cancer experiences.


Support Services

Telephone helpline staffWe support people with (and at high risk of) cancer and their families and friends.

Our Telephone Helpline (13 11 20) is the main entry point for accessing support services. Trained oncology nurses operate it and can use a comprehensive database of research and details of statewide and local services for callers.

Calls may be referred to a trained Cancer Connect volunteer who has experienced the same cancer as the caller. Referals are also made to local support groups, or education programs for survivors or carers. Some callers may be eligible for financial help.


Prevention and early detection

We promote behaviours that help prevent cancer occurring and spreading with education programs, which include Quit, PapScreen Victoria and SunSmart. The Victorian Family Cancer Genetics Service is for families at increased risk because of an inherited gene change.

Collaborative programs pushing policy and behavioural changes include Kids - Go for your lifeParent's Jury and the Obesity Prevention Policy Coalition.


Cancer research

Daffodils in test tubesOur main research units are the Cancer Epidemiology Centre, which includes the Victorian Cancer Registry and Health 2020 (the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study); and our Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer.

Grants are administered to scientists working in laboratories, universities and hospitals by our Research Management Unit and our Clinical Trials Office hosts and supports the Victorian Cooperative Oncology Group.

Also housed in our offices:

  • The Victorian Cancer Agency
    Coordinating and promoting the rapid translation of research into better clinical care.
  • The VicHealth Centre for Tobacco Control
    Looking at legal, economic and social aspects of tobacco use.

Close associations are kept with the Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium and Victorian Cancer Biobank.


Donations, Fundraisers and volunteers

We have a range of programs for people to Donate, including a comprehensive Bequests program.

Our fundraising events include Relay for Life, Pink Ribbon Day, Daffodil Day, Girls Night In, the Cancer Arts Awards, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and our annual Raffle.

Dedicated volunteers significantly contribute to our work at all levels. More about our volunteers.