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$3.7 million for cancer research in Melborne
Tuesday, 3 August, 2010
$3.7 million for world class cancer research
Evaluating the benefits of a world-first project that uses personalised films to support young cancer patients is one of the projects sharing in $3.7 million Brumby Labor Government funding for cancer research.
Visiting the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced 24 research projects would benefit from the 2010 Victorian Cancer Agency grants, which help Victoria’s internationally-renowned researchers continue their work on cancer prevention, treatment and care.
“We are taking action to provide world-class health services and support the latest medical research into cancer treatment and prevention,” Mr Andrews said.
“That is why we are delivering $3.7 million to ensure Victoria remains a world leader in cancer research that will save lives and lead to better treatment and care for cancer patients.
“We are committed to providing the most compassionate and best support to patients and their families at every point of their cancer journey.”
Mr Andrews said one of the recipients was Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre’s David Willis, who would receive $80,000 to evaluate the impact of making and using personalised films for paediatric radiation therapy patients.
“Many children undergoing radiation therapy find it hard to explain their treatment to their school friends and family,” he said.
“This world-first initiative sees young patients produce a personal DVD, which allows them to explore a range of issues associated with their treatment and tell their story to loved ones.”
Every day around 70 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer.
Mr Andrews said the funding supported translational cancer research that directly benefited patients.
“This $3.7 million boost will fund advances in prevention programs, the discovery of the next generation of cancer treatments, and the development of the very best support services to assist patients during their time of need,” he said.
“The strength of the research being funded here today is underpinned by the outstanding calibre of individual researchers and collaborative teams that will undertake this exciting work.”
The funding includes:
- $2.4 million for seven Victorian Cancer Agency Research Fellowships allowing clinician-researchers to devote their time and expertise towards improving the care that Victorian cancer patients receive;
- $700,000 for eight Early Career Seed Grants to support the best and brightest of Victoria’s young researchers;
- $600,000 to support projects that deliver comfort and assistance to cancer patients during a time of great distress; and
- $50,000 for a project to expand the collection of information from people with rare tumours.
Mr Andrews said the $3.7 million investment demonstrated one of the many initiatives the Brumby Labor Government pledged to undertake in Victoria’s Cancer Action Plan.
“Our $150 million cancer action plan is investing in innovative research, prevention and treatment strategies to improve care and save lives,” he said.
“Tackling cancer is a top priority for the Brumby Labor Government and this plan aims to increase cancer survival rates for Victorians by a further 10 per cent by 2015.
“This is why we are committed to supporting Victoria’s very best researchers to help fast-track life-saving cancer treatment.
“I would like to congratulate the recipients and wish them every success in their endeavour to improve the care and save the lives of Victorian cancer patients.”
