Cancer Council NSW

Cancer Council NSW is a community funded, community focused cancer charity dedicated to the defeat of cancer.

Through the development of prevention strategies, research into new treatments and cures, and by providing clinical and emotional support to those affected by cancer, we work towards realising our vision of a society where lives are not cut short by or their quality diminished by cancer.

We have the broadest reach of any cancer organisation in New South Wales and have been a trusted cancer charity for more than 50 years.

Here is a short snapshot of some ways we work to defeat cancer:

• Around 1 in 2 people in NSW will develop cancer in their lifetime. This year alone, more than 39,000 people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer.

• We receive no direct government funding for our various programs, and we rely on the ongoing and generous donations from the community to fund our work. We have received NSW Health and the National Health and Medical Research Council funding for some specific projects (less than 1% in 2010/11).

• Our total research expenditure for 2010/11 was more than $16 million. We committed $8.5 million to new external research, comprising 18 Project Grants and 3 Strategic Research Partnership Grants.

• The experienced oncology nurses on our Helpline respond to over 16,000 calls each year seeking information about cancer, its treatment and effects

• We provide around 244,000 Understanding Cancer booklets on 40 different topics to hospitals, treatment centres, libraries and cancer patients and their families annually.

• More than 37,000 volunteers work with Cancer Council NSW in our mission to defeat cancer, including many thousands of supporters who volunteer for events such as Daffodil Day. The latest volunteer satisfaction survey showed that 97% of our volunteers derive a sense of accomplishment from their role with Cancer Council.

• More than 10 per cent of adults in NSW participate in our population-based research projects, providing information about their lifestyle and needs.

• We work with community organisations and transport providers, providing funding for free daily shuttle services between home and the nearest treatment centre for patients and carers. Last year, we funded more than 700,000 patient transport kilometres, including in regional areas of NSW.

• More than 560 people in NSW are now trained as advocates. Last year, advocates made 138 face-to-face and 598 written submissions to parliamentarians regarding cancer control issues.

• Our Cancer Council Connect service put more than 500 cancer patients in touch with trained volunteers who have had a similar cancer diagnosis and treatment.

• More than 700 childcare services in the state have qualified as Cancer Council SunSmart. This program supports childcare services to develop and implement a sun protection policy that reduces children's exposure to UV radiation and reduces the risk of skin cancer.