This year, approximately 17,600 women in Victoria will be diagnosed with cancer, and around 5,200 will die from the disease. More than 5,300 Victorian women will be diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancer.
However, thanks to wonderful generosity like yours, the rate of women dying from cancer is declining. Since 1994, the rate has been consistently decreasing by 1.4% per year.
By living a healthy lifestyle and participating in recommended screening programs, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer and increase their chances of discovering it early.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common new cancer in Victorian women.
Five-year survival rates for breast cancer have increased to 93% – from 72% twenty years ago.
Most changes in the breast (in fact 9 out of 10) aren't due to breast cancer. But if you do notice a change, it's important to get it checked by a doctor.
A mammogram is the best way to catch breast cancer early. Early detection of breast cancer means treatment has a much better chance of success.
Three simple steps that could save your life:
- Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts.
- See a doctor if you notice any unusual breast changes.
- If you're aged 50 to 74, have a free mammogram at BreastScreen every 2 years.
Currently only around 50.5% of eligible Victorian women, trans and gender diverse people aged 50-74 participate in the breast screening program.
Gynaecological cancers
Gynaecological cancers include cancers of the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovary, placenta, uterus (endometrium), vagina and vulva.
In 2022, 1,610 Victorian women were diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer and 551 women died from a gynaecological cancer.
Cervical cancer
Most people (over 70%) who develop cervical cancer in Australia are either overdue for or have never had a Cervical Screening Test.
Regular Cervical Screening Tests are the best way to protect against cervical cancer, but currently only around 66% of Victorian women and people with a cervix are regularly participating in the National Cervical Screening Program.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who've ever been sexually active should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years, even if they have been vaccinated against HPV. This gives you the best protection against developing cervical cancer.
Did you know that you can now self-collect your next Cervical Screening Test? The test is quick, easy, private and accurate. Most people eligible for cervical screening can choose the self-collection option for their next Cervical Screening Test. Find out more about self-collection.
Anyone with symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain should see their health care professional immediately, regardless of when they were last screened.
Our research
In the past decade, people like you have helped us fund over $1.6 million into research at Victorian-based laboratories looking at new approaches to prevention, detection and treatment of gynaecological cancers.
Our research initiatives, along with improvements to the National Cervical Screening Program and HPV immunisation program, have resulted in cervical cancer being on track be eliminated in Victoria as early as 2035.
We’ve also spent more than $12.3 million on breast cancer research in the past decade, leading to improved early detection methods and treatment options.
In addition to behavioural science and epidemiological studies carried out by our in-house researchers, Council Victoria also funds the best and brightest research teams across the state. You are helping us fund grants for more than 45 research projects across a wide range of cancer types and research disciplines.
In a worldwide breakthrough in 2017, our very own epidemiologists helped find new genetic variants to explain why women with a family history have a higher risk of breast cancer. Working with 300 different institutions across six continents, researchers found 72 new genetic variants that predict the risk of developing breast cancer. The findings will help inform improved risk prediction, both for the general population and for BRCA1 mutation carriers.
Amanda's story
"In 2008 I held my first ‘Girls Night In’ Fundraiser. Since then I have raised more than $20,000 for the Cancer Council. I began fundraising in honour of my mother who has now had breast cancer twice (and lives to tell the tale!). Her first diagnosis was in 2004 and her second was in 2013. Fundraising seemed like a small effort to contribute to a big cause."
Amanda
Cervical cancer survivor
