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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Reducing patient accessibility barriers in the clinical setting
Hannah McPierzie is a globally respected presenter, disability advocate, and educator who offers a unique perspective on disability and communication. She lives with Neurofibromatosis Type 2, a rare degenerative condition, and has two auditory brainstem implants. After 15 years teaching in the disability sector, Hannah acquired disability herself in 2020, when life-saving surgery left her deafblind.
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Interview with Kylie Ward, CEO Australian College of Nursing
Kylie Ward, CEO Australian College of Nursing spoke with Anne Dao from Australian Health Journal, at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week Expo on the vital role of the nursing professional.
Australian College of Nursing oversees 390,000 nurses in Australia and is the national leader in the nursing profession.
Changes in nursing policy are needed in areas of aged care, chronic disease and workforce sustainability. There are forecasts of shortages in nursing by the year 2025 of 80,000 and by 2030 the number growing by 125,000.
Kylie also mentioned the new Nursing Trailbrazers Award that has been recognised by Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt. The 4 finalists have been recognised for influencing models of care, and implementing game changing initiatives across the country. They will be presented at the Nursing Now Australia event held by the ACN on 9th April.
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Contrasting Population Needs and Alternative Funding Models
Dr Jaspreet Saini is a GP with a decade of experience, practicing in West Pennant Hills and Rooty Hill, New South Wales. He began his medical journey at Monash University, followed by internships and residency at Blacktown Hospital, in Western Sydney. Instead of confining himself to a single specialty, he pursued general practice to explore various facets of medicine.
