The US Supreme Court has made it clear – human genes cannot be patented. We now need to bring Australia into line with this landmark decision by changing the Patent Act to exclude genes as patentable material.
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - and we'd love for you to be part of our fundraising effort. We're aiming to make it our biggest and best year yet. To find out how you can get involved visit the website here.
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Cancer Council's new GP portal
A new comprehensive online directory of the latest evidence-based cancer information and resources for GPs and their patients. Get the latest information at gp.cancer.org.au
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Annaleise was just four months old when a family member noticed a lump under her left ear. Read how Annaleise finds motivation every day.
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An unforgettable evening
Ronan Keating will once again join forces with Cancer Council Australia to stage the Emeralds and Ivy Ball on September 27th, at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont. Entertainment will include Ronan plus special guests to be announced. Buy your tickets here.
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The US Supreme Court has made it clear – human genes cannot be patented. We now need to bring Australia into line with this landmark decision by changing the Patent Act to exclude genes as patentable material.
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Cancer Council Australia
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New food labels will guide healthier choices
14 June 2013 | Media releases
Australians will be able to make more informed, healthy food choices following a whole-of-government decision today to support a new voluntary labelling scheme on packaged food products.
Cancer Council Australia welcomed the decision, made by an intergovernmental forum on food policy, which included a requirement that the new health star rating scheme be mandatory if it is not widely adopted…
Read moreCancer Council welcomes landmark US ruling on gene patents
14 June 2013 | Media releases
The US Supreme Court’s ruling that human genes cannot be patented provides a clear precedent for the Australian Government to change the Patents Act, Cancer Council Australia said today.
Cancer Council CEO, Professor Ian Olver, said the ruling – on the fundamental premise that the genetic materials were not inventions – provided long-awaited…
Read moreNew food labelling scheme must be supported says Cancer Council
13 June 2013 | Media releases
Australians will benefit from a clearer, more interpretive food labelling system if members of an intergovernmental forum meeting in Sydney tomorrow [14 June] support the new Health Star Ratings front-of-pack-labelling scheme, Cancer Council Australia said today.
Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Ian Olver, said tomorrow’s meeting was…
Read moreWorld No Tobacco Day an ideal time to commit globally to plain packaging
31 May 2013 | Media releases
Cancer Council Australia and the National Heart Foundation of Australia have commended the Irish Government for moving towards plain packaging of tobacco products, and call on future Australia governments to continue defending our landmark laws from international legal challenges.
Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Ian Olver, said World…
Read morePatent system changes a step in the right direction
30 May 2013 | Media releases
New safeguards announced by the Federal Government will help to protect consumers from commercial monopolies over vital services such as genetic testing for cancer risk, Cancer Council Australia said today.
Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Ian Olver, said he welcomed a bill that would clarify the application of Crown use provisions to help ensure…
Cancer Council Australia welcomes $16.1 million investment in bowel cancer screening
15 May 2013 | Media releases
Cancer Council Australia has welcomed a budget commitment of $16.1 million over four years to support the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, and calls on all eligible Australians to take the screening test.
CEO Professor Ian Olver said the new funds would help ensure that the program kept pace with increasing pathology and postage costs, and enable better…
Read moreThe US has decided you can’t patent a gene - it’s time for Australia to do the same
Cancer Council Australia welcomes the unanimous decision by the US Supreme Court that natural human genes cannot be patented. The court ruled that as “products of nature”, human genes lay outside of what can be patented...
Continue reading The US has decided you can’t patent a gene - it’s time for Australia to do the same
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Ireland’s World No Tobacco Day move makes plain sense
On Tuesday the Irish Government announced that it would introduce legislation to mandate the plain packaging of tobacco products. Congratulating the Irish is a great way to celebrate World No Tobacco Day (31 May).
Continue reading Ireland’s World No Tobacco Day move makes plain sense
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Australia's Biggest Morning Tea turns 20 - a time to reflect on progress in cancer control
Rumour has it there is a single cure for cancer locked away from those who need it. This is one of the most popular cancer myths propagated online. But how can this be?
Continue reading Australia's Biggest Morning Tea turns 20 - a time to reflect on progress in cancer control
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Does an aspirin a day keep cancer away?
Could cancer prevention be as simple as taking aspirin? Studies have shown that aspirin may be able to prevent some cancers. But before we add reducing cancer risk to aspirin’s credentials, it’s important to consider the evidence.
Continue reading Does an aspirin a day keep cancer away?
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Downsizing in the Big Apple
New York was one of the first US cities to propose a tax on sugary drinks - it was never implemented. However, in recognition of the problem of overweight and obesity among NYC residents, the city health department has a strong focus on addressing this issue.
Continue reading Downsizing in the Big Apple
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