Get Involved
World Cancer Day 2026
Cancer is more than a diagnosis - it's a deeply personal experience, and everyone's is unique
This World Cancer Day, Cancer Council and the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer are calling for government action to reduce the financial impact of cancer.
Reducing the financial burden of cancer
All Australians affected by cancer should be connected to financial support early, so they can receive best cancer care without fear of the financial impact.
Each person’s experience of cancer is unique, shaped not only by their diagnosis and treatment, but by their family, work, income, where they live and access care, life circumstances, and many other factors.
However, Cancer Council Australia’s research shows an unfortunate commonality; that nearly all Australians diagnosed with cancer face out-of-pocket expenses due to their diagnosis.
These out-of-pocket costs occur even when accessing care in Australia’s public healthcare system. Out-of-pocket costs can include both direct medical costs and indirect expenses. Out-of-pocket costs are felt at every stage of the cancer experience, from diagnosis and treatment through to survivorship care.
This World Cancer Day, Cancer Council is calling for increased access to financial counselling services for Australians affected by cancer through a mandatory industry-funded model, alongside greater investment from federal, state and territory governments.
No one should be forced to navigate complex legal or financial hurdles on top of a cancer diagnosis.
We're calling for government action so more families are connected to financial assistance and support as soon as possible.
Experiencing the financial burden of cancer? Get the support you need
Support is available for anyone currently affected by the costs of cancer via Cancer Council’s free and confidential information and support service on 13 11 20. You can find out more about support here.
Dr Peter DiamondFinancial burdens related to cancer care place significant pressure on people affected by cancer and their families at an already difficult time and are felt at every step. It’s important that conversations about the financial impact of cancer begin early, and there is government action so more families are connected to financial assistance and support as soon as possible."
Chair of Cancer Council’s Supportive Care Committee