Government cancer control organisations

This page provides insight into “who does what” and links to other government cancer organisations and agencies with responsibilities for cancer control. It is not intended to be a complete list.

Department of Health and Ageing

The Department of Health and Ageing administers many of the Australian Government’s cancer control activities including programs aimed at improving cancer prevention and early detection, such as the BreastScreen Australia, National Cervical Screening and National Bowel Cancer Screening programs. The Cancer Control section provides advice to the Minister for Health and Ageing about cancer control policy.

Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia is an Australian Government agency established to help reduce the impact of cancer for all Australians. Cancer Australia provides national leadership by liaising and working in partnership with consumers and the wide range of organisations, groups and service providers with an interest in cancer control. Cancer Australia also makes recommendations to the Australian Government about cancer policy and priorities.

National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers

The National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers has been established by Cancer Australia to provide national leadership to improve outcomes for people with, or at risk of, gynaecological cancers, and increase awareness and education about gynaecological cancers for medical and allied health professionals.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

The Institute provides information and statistics in various subject areas of health and welfare. In collaboration with the Australian Association of Cancer Registries and other organisations, the AIHW produces regular reports of cancer incidence, mortality, survival, screening and other data.

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

The NHMRC is Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research and providing advice about the conduct of health and medical research. It provides substantial funding each year for cancer research for laboratory, clinical and population research projects, fellowships and programs.