Cancer Council WA has thanked the generosity of the WA community after raising $335,000 for cancer research during the 12-hour 2023 Cancer Research Giving Day in early February.
Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid, said he was astounded at the total raised considering the current climate.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all West Australians who kindly donated more than $167,500 during last week's Cancer Research Giving Day," Mr Reid said.
"This amount was then matched by a group of our incredibly generous donors bringing the total to just over $335,000.
"We know people are doing it tough at the moment with rising interest rates, the cost of living and inflation, so we truly appreciate this generosity."
Mr Reid said stopping cancer starts by understanding it and research is the key to unlocking the answers we need for a cancer free future.
"Survival rates for some of the most common cancers including breast, melanoma and prostate cancer is more than 90 per cent, and the overall five-year survival rate for all cancers is more than 70 per cent," he said.
"This, in part, is thanks to research that informs improvements in screening, diagnosis and treatment.
"However, with 13,000 West Aussies diagnosed with cancer every year, we must continue to fund our world-class local researchers to improve diagnosis, detection and treatment for every cancer.
"Advancements in cancer research are critical for West Australians.
"The generosity of people donating to research gives hope. It allows researchers to innovate, try completely new ideas and approaches. It gives researchers the instruments they need to improve diagnostics and treatment outcomes.
"We thank all West Australians who donated to help Cancer Council unlock the answers to a cancer free future. "
