Plus, celebrating 20 years of cancer research and innovation in NSW

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Cancer Institute NSW

The latest news, insights and research in NSW cancer control

MESSAGE FROM THE NSW CHIEF CANCER OFFICER

Hi everyone, 

It was incredible to see more than 700 people register their attendance for our inaugural NSW Cancer Summit.  

Some of the world’s most talented and driven cancer control leaders and community advocates filled the International Convention Centre Sydney with a collective determination to build a better future for people impacted by cancer. 

The NSW Cancer Summit’s themes of equity, innovation and personalised care shone through in every presentation, panel and conversation. The program featured more than 60 local, national and international speakers who presented key advancements in our understanding of cancer. This included support for Aboriginal communities and cutting-edge developments in prevention, risk-based screening, precision medicine and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and real-world data.   

We are proud to have delivered such an inspiring program. The calibre of work showcased at this landmark event was world-class. It is not lost on me that opportunities like these – to unite our cancer community to accelerate solutions - are rare and I’m absolutely honoured to have shared two days among such bright, passionate minds in our field. 

Leading into the NSW Cancer Summit, the Institute’s Aboriginal Strategy Engagement Team hosted the first NSW Aboriginal Cancer Network Gathering where more than 150 clinical, research, government, non-government and community representatives had the opportunity to share ideas to help inform state-wide efforts to improve cancer outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  Some of the important insights were shared at the NSW Cancer Summit, sparking important conversations and inspiring so many of us in the room. 

I want to thank everyone who brought these events to life. You can find out more about the NSW Cancer Summit and highlights on the Institute’ website. 

Warm regards,

Professor Tracey O’Brien AM
NSW Chief Cancer Officer
Chief Executive, Cancer Institute NSW

MORE STORIES BELOW:

FOR CANCER RESEARCHERS

The Institute is delighted to announce the 20th annual NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research are taking place this November, a celebration of excellence in cancer research and innovation. 

This prestigious event pays tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of individuals and teams within the cancer research community and those supporting innovation and cutting-edge delivery of care.  

Nominations are open across eight award categories and close on Monday 8 September. 

CERVICAL CANCER 

Australia is well on its way to become one of the first countries to eliminate cervical cancer, however, inequities still exist in access to life-saving cervical screening. 

In NSW, cervical cancer screening rates are lower among women and people with a cervix from Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as people with disability.  

To increase equitable access to and uptake of cervical screening in these populations, applications are open until 8 September for the Institute’s Cervical Screening Integration Grants. This Grants scheme will support eligible organisations to integrate cervical screening into existing health services.   

CERVICAL CANCER 

“This initiative will play a vital role in breaking down barriers to traditional screening, empower women to take control of their health and ultimately improve long term health outcomes.”  

Chief Executive Officer of Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, Debbie McCowen 

To further improve cervical screening rates in NSW, the Institute recently awarded 11 Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants. The $1.6 million grants scheme will help community organisations deliver tailored solutions to improve awareness and reach of cervical screening in priority populations. 

Community organisations will use the grants to develop culturally appropriate education, increase training for staff, identify priorities and tailor action plans to support women and people with a cervix to do the Cervical Screening Test.  

CERVICAL CANCER 

A new digital resource on colposcopy is now available in 11 languages, improving access to crucial information on early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. 

A colposcopy is a medical procedure that’s performed following an abnormal Cervical Screening Test result.  It allows clinicians to closely examine the cervix using a magnifying, diagnostic tool, helping to find any problems early so they can be treated quickly. 

The resource is designed to help people with a colposcopy referral understand its importance in cervical cancer prevention and how to navigate the procedure. It can be downloaded, printed and listened to in audio form.  

BREAST CANCER

Almost half of eligible women in NSW are overdue for a breast screen. We're continuing to make it easier than ever to access this life-saving service. 

Two new BreastScreen NSW clinics have opened for appointments in Blacktown  and Mona Vale, delivering vital breast screening services to the thousands of women who work and live in these community areas. 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Health care contributes to 7 per cent of our nation’s carbon footprint.  As Australia’s largest health system, NSW has a significant role to play when it comes to climate change. 

The Institute is pleased to be one of nine recipients of the 2025 NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund. Supported by a $25,000 grant, we will partner with one local health district Clinical Trials Unit to pilot a project that looks to repurpose clinical trial kits. 

Clinical trials use an abundance of consumables that contribute to waste, as a significant amount go unused. This initiative aims to reduce medical waste by diverting unused clinical trial consumables from landfill, ultimately enabling research teams to maximise resources. 

Following the pilot, the Institute aims to expand this initiative to additional local health districts. 

CANCER INFORMATION 

Regular exercise can help prevent cancer.

We know it can be a challenge to fit the recommended one hour of moderate activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity into your day, especially when it’s cold.

Build exercise into your routine in a way that feels good and is right for you.

The Institute website has helpful information on the health benefits of exercise and tips on how to get more movement into your every day.

CANCER PREVENTION

Two of the Institute’s behaviour change campaigns have been announced as finalists in the 2025 Australian Effectiveness (Effie) Awards.

These mass media campaigns aim to educate and motivate young people to be sun-safe and vape-free.

Known globally as one of the most prestigious awards in the marketing industry, the Effie Awards recognise campaign effectiveness, awarding those that deliver exceptional results.

This email was brought to you from Cammeraygal country

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which the Cancer Institute NSW offices reside on, the Cammeraygal (Gammaraygal) people. 

We pay our respect to these Elders past and present. We also acknowledge the strength and identity of all Aboriginal people.

If you were forwarded this email from a friend or colleague and would like to receive future news and updates from the Cancer Institute NSW, please subscribe. 

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