The Cancer Institute NSW's inaugural NSW Cancer Summit will bring together more than 600 researchers, clinicians and community members to help shape the future of cancer prevention, treatment and care across the state.
Taking place in Sydney on August 13 and 14, the sold-out event will spotlight NSW's world-leading efforts to support people impacted by cancer through cutting-edge research and innovation, prevention strategies, treatment advancements and holistic care.
Hosted by Professor Tracey O'Brien AM, NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW, the program will generate discussion on topical areas of cancer including cancer control in First Nations communities, laboratory breakthroughs, precision medicine for people with cancer, technological innovations in artificial intelligence, the use of real-world data in cancer treatment and consumer perspectives of cancer care in NSW.
More than 60 preeminent local, national and international speakers will present key advancements in our understanding of cancer, including:
- Ms Nicole Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW
- Professor Georgina Long AO, Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia
- Professor David Thomas, Chief Strategy and Science Officer at Omico
- Professor Jeff Dunn AO, Chief of Mission and Head of Research, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
- Professor Lisa Horvath, Director of Research, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse
- Professor Benjamin Kile, Executive Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research
- Associate Professor Abhijit Pal, Staff Specialist Medical Oncologist, South Western Sydney Local Health District
Close to 54,000 people are projected to be diagnosed with cancer in NSW in 2025, and more than 16,000 people are expected to lose their life to the disease.
Despite these sobering statistics, NSW has some of the world's best cancer outcomes, with more than 70 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer still alive five years following diagnosis.
The NSW Government invests around $180 million each year, specifically through the Cancer Institute NSW, to improve cancer outcomes in NSW and lessen the impact of cancer for people across the state.
As the state's dedicated cancer control agency, the Cancer Institute NSW is leading a united approach to reduce the burden of cancer by coordinating priorities, resources and efforts across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and that's why events like the NSW Cancer Summit are fundamental to ensuring we continue to work together to drive change that will keep people and communities healthy and together.
"This landmark event will bring together experts working across all areas of cancer from laboratory research to patient care and beyond.
"These collaborative partnerships are pivotal in shaping how we can better deliver cancer care across the state.
"We've come a long way, with cancer survival rates improving significantly in recent decades but there is more to be done, and I am looking forward to hearing about the exciting developments in cancer prevention, treatment and care that will shape the future of cancer care in NSW."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O'Brien AM:
"Cancer is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, with someone in NSW diagnosed every 10 minutes, and a life lost to the disease every half hour.
"The NSW Cancer Summit is a powerful platform to spotlight the most innovative, collaborative and impactful initiatives transforming cancer research, prevention, detection, treatment and care across the state.
"It's a rare opportunity to unite our cancer community, from clinicians and researchers to policy makers and consumer advocates to accelerate solutions that are scalable, equitable and sustainable.
"We're proud to deliver an inspiring program that puts equity, innovation and personalised care at the forefront of discussion. The calibre of the work being showcased is world-class and reflects our collective determination to build better futures for everyone affected by cancer."
