Funding Announcement
Seven research projects have been awarded $15 million over three years from the Cancer Australia Research Initiative (CARI) to investigate early-onset cancers, defined as cancers diagnosed between ages 20 and 49. The funding is provided by Cancer Australia and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Background
Early-onset cancers have been increasing in incidence in Australia and globally since 2000, particularly bowel (colorectal), thyroid, breast, prostate, and kidney cancers.
Australia has the highest rate of early-onset bowel cancer among 50 countries, and bowel cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Australians aged 25 to 44.
According to Cancer Australia, early-onset cancers result from a combination of lifestyle, diet, obesity, and environmental exposures. These cancers are often aggressive and complex, posing challenges for detection and treatment.
Research Projects
Five of the seven projects are led by female researchers. The projects include:
- Flinders University (Associate Professor Erin Symonds): $2.7 million to identify bowel cancer risk factors in young people and develop personalized risk checks and blood/stool tests for earlier detection.
- University of Sydney (Dr. Jie-Bin Lew): STRIVE-EOC project to identify and test interventions for early-onset bowel, breast, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (Associate Professor Tracy Putoczk): Investigation of interactions between genetics and environmental triggers in early-onset pancreatic cancer.
- University of Melbourne (Associate Professor Shuai Li): Examination of new causes of early-onset breast cancer and combined risk factors.
Statements
- Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe said the funding targets areas of unmet need and aligns with the Australian Cancer Plan.
- NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh stated the research will fill gaps in understanding early-onset cancers and improve outcomes.
- Health Minister Mark Butler noted the investment will support earlier detection and better treatments for younger Australians.