Research into low survival cancers received a boost in March, with an announcement of $2.5 million from the Victorian Government and Cancer Council Victoria to investigate cancers with a five year survival of less than 50%.
The funding will support eight new research projects to generate breakthroughs in cancers such as lung, pancreatic, brain, mesothelioma and stomach cancer, among others.
Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper said the lack of research investment over many years directly relates to the lack of improvements in survival outcomes for patients affected by these cancers.
Cancer Council will also invest in early career researchers working on low survival cancers to encourage them to pursue careers in this type of research.
“We know that to improve survival for low survival cancers comprehensive research investment is required. Cancer Council Victoria is committed to investing in this area of research to provide hope for people affected by these cancers, and is proud to be announcing $1 million in research funding”
Cancer Council Victoria has also announced two post-doctoral fellowships into low-survival cancers today, to the amount of $151,000, to support Victorian scientists who have recently completed a PhD.
To find out more about low survival cancers visit: www.cancervic.org.au/research/forgottencancersprogram