Breakthrough - September 2025

Message from Todd

Todd Harper

I’m delighted to share with you the latest cancer news and updates made possible by your generous support.

This year has seen significant progress in our shared focus on saving lives – the introduction of Australia’s first ever National Lung Cancer Screening Program starting this July is just one example, and our team is involved in supporting the rollout. 12,000 lives are expected to be saved over the next 10 years by this initiative alone.

With studies showing our cancer prevention efforts to date have saved more than 230,000 lives, a dedicated lung cancer program detecting Australia’s most deadly cancer in its early stages will have a huge impact.

This has been made possible by your support for our vital work in early detection.

Your generosity in action

With you by our side, we’re here for all people facing cancer at all stages of their cancer journey. Here’s how your kindness is supporting Victorians every day.

$26M

invested in cancer research projects in 2024.

More than
200,000
lives have been saved since the 1960s thanks to innovative cancer control measures.

We've seen an increase of
48%
in referrals to our Financial Counselling Program from 2023 to 2024.

A blooming great Daffodil Day

Hope was in full bloom all over the state this August with thousands giving their all for people affected by cancer. To everyone who donated, dressed in yellow, held a morning tea, took a cold plunge for the Daffodil Day Dip, volunteered, or bought bunches of daffodils, thank you for making this an unforgettable Daffodil Day!

Research offering hope for mesothelioma patients

Associate Professor Susan Harden and her team at Monash University are leading vital research to improve the quality of care and access to the best possible treatments for people affected by mesothelioma.

Contact 13 11 20 for cancer information and support

Call 13 11 20 for cancer support and information

Our cancer experts, including counsellors, are here for all Victorians to help with any cancer related questions.

Here we answer some of the questions we’re commonly asked.

Butterfly effect - Girls' Night In supporting women with cancer

Cathy, Georgia, Karen, Mimma and Sandra are five close friends with a cause equally close to their hearts. Each touched personally by cancer, they’ve turned their individual experiences into a powerful collective called the ‘Pink Butterfly Ladies’ raising critical funds for Cancer Council Victoria to support women’s cancer research.

40 years of Quit's tussle with tobacco

Remember the days when restaurants were split into no-smoking and smoking sections? Divided only by an ineffective rope, everyone inhaled dangerous tobacco smoke with their entrée whether they wanted to or not. Victorians too young to remember this, may not realise just how much they’ve benefitted from the relentless work led by Quit over the past 40 years.

National Lung Cancer Screening Program now available

Eligible Australians aged 50 to 70, with a history of smoking are now able to screen for signs of lung cancer through the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP).

This is the first screening program in almost 20 years, allowing health professionals to detect lung cancer early and help save hundreds of lives every year.

Leave a Legacy of Hope

Imagine a future where no one has to hear the words, “You have cancer.”
By leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria, you can help make that future a reality.

Your legacy will fund life-saving research, prevention programs, and compassionate support for families facing cancer. It’s a powerful way to honour your life, your values, and the people you love.

Even a small portion of your estate can make a lasting impact.
Let hope be your legacy.

To learn more, visit cancervic.org.au/support-us/bequests or call 9514 6100.

Learn more

Leave a gift in your Will

Thank you for supporting people affected by cancer

Over the last couple of months, Victorians have run marathons, hosted afternoon teas, or shaved their heads (and so much more!) in support of people affected by cancer. Our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful people giving their time, experiences, funds, and voices to support the work of Cancer Council Victoria.