Cancer research grants announced
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced $5.6 million in funding for new research and clinical trial initiatives to reduce the impact of cancer on all Australians.
In South Australia, the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS) will receive $3.7 million in for its work on better treatment for blood cell cancers such as leukaemia, and inflammatory diseases.
The program funding is spread over five years starting in 2010 and will support the Centre, which has about 120 staff.
The Rudd Government will also make available through Cancer Australia a total of $1.9 million funding for four national cancer clinical trials groups.
The funding part of the Rudd Government’s $20 million investment in clinical cancer trials over the next two years through the Support for Cancer Clinical Trials and Boost Cancer has also funded the establishment of a new Primary Care Cooperative Cancer Clinical Trials Group to focus on prevention, detection and care of people with cancer.
The Rudd Government has set in place substantial strategies to combat cancer and to better care and support for people living with cancer, including:
• $87.4 million over three years for a national bowel cancer screening program;
• $50 million over three years to establish a Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Sydney;
• $31 million over five years to subsidise breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomy as a result of breast cancer;
• $15 million over five years to set up two dedicated prostate cancer research centres;
• $12 million through the McGrath Foundation for breast care nurses in 44 locations;
The Rudd Government is confident that its coordinated effort, working in cooperation with the states and territories, researchers, funders of cancer research, universities, policy makers and people affected by cancer will provide lasting benefits for all Australians.
