Making a difference in 2023

During 2023, with community advocates, we put cancer back on the political agenda, we’ve helped cancer patients handle the cost-of-living crisis, and we’ve delivered important cancer information resources to help everyone get the support they need.

Our annual report provides information on the impact of cancer on individuals and the community across NSW and how Cancer Council is working to reduce this impact. Below are key highlights.

New vaping reforms

New vaping legislation came into effect on 1st January 2024, stopping the import of non-prescription e-cigarettes at our borders, ending the flood of these inherently harmful products into the country.

This change is one we at Cancer Council NSW have long advocated on. Community advocates showed their support by writing to MPs asking them to support vaping reforms.

Cancer and the community

We joined forces with passionate community advocates like Fiona and Maureen to launch the Here for Change campaign before the NSW election. We urged the government to invest more in preventing cancer, improve early detection of bowel and other cancers, make cancer care more accessible, and support people living with cancer.

Together, we achieved:

5,000 petition signatures: Showing strong community support for our demands.
58 MPs voiced their support: Highlighting the importance of our campaign to elected officials.
176 MPs met with advocates: Ensuring their voices were heard directly by decision-makers.

Partnering with the RFDS

Cancer Council NSW partnered with the Royal Flying Doctors Service South-Eastern Division (RFDSSE) to reduce cancer risks in remote communities. Through Tackling Tobacco we upskilled the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) staff, who helped 270 people in 30 remote towns to quit smoking with free nicotine replacement therapy packs. These outcomes show the importance of tailoring approaches to each community to ensure we can make the best possible difference.

What next?

While we celebrate our achievements, there is still work to be done.

Support the Reconciliation Action Plan to reduce health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Improve LGBTQIA+ cancer experiences and access to tests, treatment and support based on individual needs.

Encourage women and people with a cervix to get tested for cervical cancer to help raise the survival rate through the promotion of the self-collection option.

Join our advocacy community and be the change our communities need.