Inherited Cancers Australia

Teamwork makes the dream work! While Sarah and Lisa were at COSA, Robyn, our Programs & Advocacy Manager, was at the ANZGOG 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, representing the voices of inherited cancer and engaging with advocates and experts in gynaecological medicine. A huge thank you to Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) for supporting us to attend, and a special shoutout to Alison Evans for always being open to listening to the voices of our inherited cancer community. It was wonderful catching up with Dr Kristina Warton and hearing updates on the EROC Biobank Study, which many in our community have supported. We also reconnected with familiar faces—experts from our Medical Advisory Committee, speakers from our Info & Support Days, contributors to our PBAC submissions, and dedicated community ambassadors and supporters who continue to champion ICA’s mission. Opportunities like these strengthen our work and help drive better outcomes for our community! #ANZGOG2025 #CancerResearch #ICAadvocacy #inheritedcancersaus Gynaecological Cancer Research UNSW Cheryl Yim Yeh Chen Lee Cath Shannon Emma Allanson

Last week, Sarah, our CEO, and Lisa, our Partnerships & Community Manager had the privilege of attending the COSA 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference, engaging with researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocates dedicated to improving cancer support and outcomes.?? ? Across the three-day program, we heard from passionate speakers sharing their work to enhance care and outcomes for those living with cancer. Expanding our knowledge ensures we continue to advocate effectively and develop meaningful resources for our community.?? ? We appreciated the opportunity to present our national inherited cancer survey report, Breaking the Cycle, representing the inherited cancer community and sharing key insights with researchers and healthcare professionals. By bringing this data to the forefront, we reinforced the need to include inherited cancer and risk management in broader discussions on cancer care, ensuring that the specific support needs of those at increased risk are recognised and addressed.?? ? We also had the chance to catch up with fellow cancer organisations, including the incredible team at Metastatic Breast Cancer Action Australia, to exchange insights and explore ways to support each other’s work—because stronger collaborations lead to better outcomes for all impacted by cancer.?? ? A huge thank you to Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) for hosting this important event. We’re committed to applying what we’ve learned to enhance support, education, and advocacy for Australians navigating inherited cancer risk.? #COSA2025 #CancerSurvivorship #BreakingTheCycle #ICAadvocacy #inheritedcancersaus? Flinders University Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre??VCCC Alliance??

This #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate the women who shape our community—those who champion this year’s theme:?For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. Inherited cancer risk doesn’t discriminate—it can impact people of all genders. But when it comes to navigating this risk, seeking answers, and making proactive health decisions, research shows that women are often the first to step forward. Today, we honour these incredible women. They are the heart of our community—not because inherited cancer only affects them, but because they refuse to let silence be the answer. And behind every step forward, there are those who make it possible. We also celebrate the people who tirelessly work to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have the rights, equality, and empowerment to access the knowledge, care, and support they deserve. #IWD2025 #HealthEquity #ForAllWomenAndGirls #inheritedcancersaus? UN Women United Nations UN Women Australia Sarah Powell Lisa Caterina Robyn Smith Charlotte Durazza Carol Leung Laura Forrest Geoffrey Lindeman Joe Dusseldorp James Lynam Martha Hickey Emma Allanson Cath Shannon Lidia Valenzuela Deborah Homewood (she/her) John Sheehy Warren Brandt

We’re proud to announce that Inherited Cancers Australia is an Implementation Partner of the Australian Cancer Plan, working alongside Cancer Australia to improve outcomes for Australians with inherited cancer risk. Partnering with Cancer Australia on implementing the Australian Cancer Plan marks a significant milestone for our community. The Australian Cancer Plan is a comprehensive 10-year strategy aiming to achieve world-class cancer outcomes and experiences for all Australians. This collaboration strengthens our role in shaping the future of inherited cancer care in Australia. By aligning with a nationally coordinated strategy, this partnership enhances the reach and impact of our programs, helping us: ?? Amplify & enhance awareness campaigns on inherited cancer risk? ?? Ensure inherited cancer risk is recognised within national cancer training programs? ?? Expand our network of experts & healthcare professionals to improve education and support, including the inclusion of appropriate content on inherited cancer risk within relevant training programs? ?? Strengthen research & policy influence to ensure inherited cancer voices are heard? ?? Support resource development to provide culturally responsive, evidence-based information We look forward to working together to create lasting change for Australians affected by inherited cancer risk. Read more about the Australian Cancer Plan here: https://lnkd.in/eKN5Kyur? #AustralianCancerPlan #CancerAustralia #InheritedCancerAwareness #inheritedcancersaus Sarah Powell Lisa Caterina Robyn Smith Charlotte Durazza Carol Leung

TNBC doesn’t wait. Neither should we. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) affects many in our inherited cancer community—it’s more common in younger people, has a stronger genetic link, and requires a different treatment approach. This #TNBCDay, we’re shining a light on why understanding TNBC and its genetic links matters. Now, there’s a new resource to help.?OurTNBC, created by Gilead Sciences in collaboration with 20 women with TNBC, is a hub of information, lived experiences, and resources.?We’re honoured that our 3-part docuseries, Beyond the Diagnosis: Confronting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, is featured in their resource library. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gMGdkQXb #TripleNegativeBreastCancer #TNBCAwareness #KnowYourRisk #inheritedcancersaus

Better information empowers our community to navigate complex decisions with confidence.?That’s why we’ve brought together a team of specialists to guide our work—making sure the resources, programs, and support we provide are evidence-based, credible, and truly impactful for our community. We’re proud to introduce our Medical Advisory Committee, made up of experts across genetics, oncology, surgery, and women's health: ?? A/Prof Laura Forrest PhD, Committee Chair, Genetic Counsellor and Researcher in the Parkville Familial Cancer Centre ?? Dr Eryn Dow, Medical Oncologist and Clinical Cancer Geneticist at?Royal Adelaide Hospital ?? Prof Geoffrey Lindeman, Joint Head of the Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division at the WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research), and Medical Oncologist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital ?? Dr Joe Dusseldorp, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon ?? A/Prof James Lynam, Medical Oncologist and Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Calvary Mater Newcastle ?? Prof Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, and Head of Menopause Services at The Royal Women's Hospital ?? A/Prof Emma Allanson, Gynaecologic Oncologist and Head of Department at King Edward Memorial Hospital ?? A/Prof Heather Thorne OAM, National Manager of kConFab ?? Prof Finlay Macrae AO, Head of Colorectal Medicine and Genetics at The Royal Melbourne Hospital ?? A/Prof Kylie Snook, Breast Surgeon at The Mater Private Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital ?? Dr Cath Shannon, Senior Medical Oncologist at Mater Cancer Care Centre Learn more about their work and expertise here: https://lnkd.in/g2Mz6cR2 #EvidenceBased #HealthEducation #HealthEmpowerment #MedicalAdvisory #inheritedcancersaus Sarah Powell Lisa Caterina Robyn Smith Charlotte Durazza Carol Leung

Asking for clarity, expressing concerns, and standing firm when needed can help you get the care you deserve in medical appointments. But we know that’s easier said than done. That’s why we’re sharing practical tips to help you feel more prepared, confident, and in control. Because when it comes to managing ovarian cancer risk, #informeddecisions matter. Find more resources to keep you empowered and informed: https://lnkd.in/eEjDkZh4 #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth #selfadvocacy #tips #inheritedcancersaus?

Last Saturday, our Programs & Advocacy Manager, Robyn, presented at a Jean Hailes for Women's Health CPD event, speaking to over 30 GPs about the complexities of managing inherited cancer risk. Her session covered essential topics including risk-reducing surgery, screening, and support for women at increased cancer risk—but most importantly, it highlighted the real-life impact of decision-making for those navigating inherited cancer risk. For many in our community, GPs are often the first point of contact when it comes to assessing cancer risk and exploring the next steps. That’s why increasing awareness and education in primary care is so important—helping ensure more GPs have the knowledge and tools to recognise high-risk patients, provide informed care, and connect them to the right support. Thank you to Jean Hailes for Women's Health for inviting us to be part of this important conversation. #education #advocacy #inheritedcancersaus?

?? 3 days left – last chance to take our National Medically Induced Menopause Survey! ?? Too many have faced medically induced menopause feeling unsupported and unprepared. This is your chance to change that.?Your input will inform the creation of much-needed, tailored resources—something our community urgently needs. 650+ people have spoken—will you add your voice? Take the survey before it closes: https://lnkd.in/gPg26R7X Part of the Medically Induced Menopause Project by Inherited Cancers Australia, in partnership with Jean Hailes for Women's Health. #MedicallyInducedMenopause #Menopause #Resources #Survey #inheritedcancersaus

Ovarian cancer research has faced many challenges, and improving outcomes is tough without patient involvement. Research like the EROC Biobank Study is working to change that. If you’re considering risk-reducing gynecological surgery, this IG Live is for you! Join us next Wednesday at 7pm AEDT, as Robyn, our Programs & Advocacy Manager chat with Dr Kristina Warton from Gynaecological Cancer Research UNSW about how this study could be a game-changer for ovarian cancer research and why your participation matters. Head to our Instagram page and set a reminder – don’t miss out on this important conversation: https://lnkd.in/giGacK-K The EROC Biobank Study is open to those who can donate blood in Sydney, learn more about this study: https://lnkd.in/gjSUySQ7? #education #research #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth #GynCancerResearch #inheritedcancersaus