MISSION TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SARCOMA AND CLINICAL TRIAL FUNDING Research lagging for sarcoma, despite accounting for one third of adolescent cancer deaths
With
Associate Professor Jeremy Lewin, Medical Oncologist,
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Medical Director,
Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service &
Research & Education Lead – Sarcoma, VCCC Alliance
Dr Vivek Bhadri,
Paediatric and Adolescent Medical Oncologist
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse & Westmead Public Hospital &
Board Director
Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA)
AUSTRALIAN HEALTH JOURNAL SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney & Melbourne | September 2025
Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, remains the deadliest cancer for children and young adults, accounting for nearly one third (30%) of cancer-related deaths among those aged 15–24 and one tenth (10%) of those aged 0–14. Further, still severely under-diagnosed, sarcoma only accounts for one sixth (15%) of all cancer diagnoses in the 15 – 24 age group, and less than a tenth (8%) among children under 10.
Despite this, public awareness and research funding for sarcoma funding remain critically low, with sarcoma receiving just $4.6m in funding for research in 2018-2020 – compared to the tens of millions other cancers receive. Sarcoma gets only a tiny fraction of funding for research that more common cancers receive, despite having the same costs to conduct studies.
The lack of funding reflects long-term survival rates for sarcoma which remain concerningly low, at just a 50% 10-year survival rate, while five-year survival rates for common cancers such as prostate and breast cancer have increased to over 90% in the past four decades (96% and 92% respectively).
Accounting for just 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses, sarcomas are rare and complex cancers that form in bone, cartilage or soft tissue8. There are over 100 different subtypes of sarcoma, which each require their own diagnostic and treatment pathways, which is why continued research is essential to improving patient outcomes.
Research indicates sarcomas are misdiagnosed in nearly one third (30%) of cases, emphasising the importance of ongoing research to support diagnostic developments, alongside improvements in patient treatment and management pathways.
Source: Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA) media release 1 July 2025
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From University to Pharmacy Industry
The transition from full time academic study to industry can be both rewarding and challenging. Intern programs and an association for pharmacists, makes the transition easier.
The National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) represents students from 17 universities nationwide studying either an undergraduate or postgraduate program. The association advocates for Australian pharmacy students to ensure their future is prosperous and their status, rights and privileges are protected.
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Inaugural Rural and Remote Health Awards
Rural communities are a foundation of the economy and society and must be kept healthy.
There are significant personal, professional and financial rewards for rural healthcare professionals. However, there are also challenges – isolation, long hours, confusion about where to turn for support.
To acknowledge and celebrate the work of Rural and Remote Health Professionals, Rural Health Pro have launched the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards.
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