60-years ago today, Cancer Council Queensland was founded by a small group of volunteers who were committed to making a difference in the lives of their community affected by cancer.
Today, Cancer Council Queensland is the state’s leading not-for-profit for cancer information, support and research – dedicated to helping the 30,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year.
Over the years, Cancer Council Queensland has pioneered life-saving research, successfully fought for law changes to minimise cancer risk and launched the 13 11 20 service – the gateway to cancer information, advice and emotional and practical support.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said that after a challenging year in 2020, taking the opportunity to celebrate milestones like their 60th Anniversary is vital.
“Our 60th Anniversary a is chance for us to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of our employees, volunteers, donors and supporters,” Chris McMillan said.
“All have contributed to our identity and successes and we’re still here today ensuring no Queenslander faces cancer alone because of the hard work, dedication and generosity of our community.
“By working together over the past 60 years, we have reduced the burden of cancer and remained dedicated to improving quality of life for people living with cancer, through research, patient care, prevention and early detection.”
From a small group of volunteers in 1961 to the world-renowned organisation they are today. Cancer Council Queensland’s vision for a cancer free future has revolutionised cancer control in Queensland.
In the past 60-years over 100,000 Queenslanders have taken part in Cancer Council Queensland research and around 250,000 Queenslanders are alive today following a cancer diagnosis in the past 30 years.
To mark their 60th Anniversary Cancer Council Queensland is visiting each Queensland region to celebrate with the incredible communities who have supported them over the years.
“To celebrate we’re venturing on a regional tour to catch up with those who has been integral to the growth of Cancer Council Queensland over the years,”
“Hearing the stories of our volunteers, the incredible work they have carried out in their local communities, and their commitment to easing the burden of cancer across Queensland, has been insightful and heart-warming.”
Thousands of Queenslanders donate and volunteer for Cancer Council Queensland each day, helping the not-for-profit to improve cancer control.
Cancer Council Queensland has offices statewide and operate emotional and practical services including transport to treatment and five accommodation lodges, providing regional cancer patients with a home-away-from-home when they access treatment services in Queensland’s major cities.
Cancer Council Queensland’s 60th Anniversary is not only about celebrating their past, but also their present and future. Looking ahead to the future is critical, to ensure Queenslanders impacted by cancer are supported for as long as services needed.
Cancer Council Queensland supports all Queenslanders coping with all types of cancer – providing support to fit their needs, be it emotional or practical.
If you or a loved one needs support following a cancer diagnosis, please call 13 11 20 or visit cancerqld.org.au.
Key Queensland Cancer Statistics:
- Around 30,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer each year
- Around 9,400 Queenslanders die from cancer each year
- On average one Queenslander is diagnosed with cancer every 20 minutes
- One in two Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85
- Approximately 252,740 Queenslanders are alive today after a cancer diagnosis in the past 30 years
- Around 4,180 Queenslanders are diagnosed with Melanoma each year
- Around 360 Queenslanders die from Melanoma each year
