New Charity Alliance
4 February 2011 at 9:38 am
Seven leading cancer charities have united in what is described as an Australian first to drive critical attention and progress towards cancer research in Australia.
To be officially launched today (Friday 4th February) as part of World Cancer Day, the new charity alliance will be known as the Cancer Research Leadership Forum (CRLF).
The Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Andrew Giles says the alliance is a significant step forward for the often fragmented Australian Not for Profit sector as it aims to maximise efficiencies, collaboration and the sharing of resources between cancer charities.
The Cancer Research Leadership Forum consists of Bowel Cancer Australia, Cancer Council Australia, Cure Cancer Australia, Leukaemia Foundation, Melanoma Institute, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia.
Andrew Giles says that with funding provided by the Macquarie Group Foundation, the CRLF will work together to develop a national cancer research plan and consider opportunities for co-funded research amongst the group.
He says the Cancer Research Leadership Forum will also advocate for increased research funding from the government and educate consumers about the importance of ongoing cancer research.
The new alliance says it is estimated that within the next 30 years there will be 27 million new cases of cancer diagnosed, with 70% of diagnoses in the developing world.