MISSION TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SARCOMA AND CLINICAL TRIAL FUNDING Research lagging for sarcoma, despite accounting for one third of adolescent cancer deaths
With
Associate Professor Jeremy Lewin, Medical Oncologist,
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Medical Director,
Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service &
Research & Education Lead – Sarcoma, VCCC Alliance
Dr Vivek Bhadri,
Paediatric and Adolescent Medical Oncologist
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse & Westmead Public Hospital &
Board Director
Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA)
AUSTRALIAN HEALTH JOURNAL SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney & Melbourne | September 2025
Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, remains the deadliest cancer for children and young adults, accounting for nearly one third (30%) of cancer-related deaths among those aged 15–24 and one tenth (10%) of those aged 0–14. Further, still severely under-diagnosed, sarcoma only accounts for one sixth (15%) of all cancer diagnoses in the 15 – 24 age group, and less than a tenth (8%) among children under 10.
Despite this, public awareness and research funding for sarcoma funding remain critically low, with sarcoma receiving just $4.6m in funding for research in 2018-2020 – compared to the tens of millions other cancers receive. Sarcoma gets only a tiny fraction of funding for research that more common cancers receive, despite having the same costs to conduct studies.
The lack of funding reflects long-term survival rates for sarcoma which remain concerningly low, at just a 50% 10-year survival rate, while five-year survival rates for common cancers such as prostate and breast cancer have increased to over 90% in the past four decades (96% and 92% respectively).
Accounting for just 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses, sarcomas are rare and complex cancers that form in bone, cartilage or soft tissue8. There are over 100 different subtypes of sarcoma, which each require their own diagnostic and treatment pathways, which is why continued research is essential to improving patient outcomes.
Research indicates sarcomas are misdiagnosed in nearly one third (30%) of cases, emphasising the importance of ongoing research to support diagnostic developments, alongside improvements in patient treatment and management pathways.
Source: Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA) media release 1 July 2025
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Rural allied health mentorship program creates opportunities for students and practice
Melanie Roll, a director and physiotherapist at Gen Health Hamilton, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of allied health professionals. Gen Health’s support begins with a work experience program for local secondary school students, where they can observe a variety of health services and participate in an annual careers night to explore allied health career pathways.
Upon moving to tertiary education, students are offered placements through a five-week program designed to transition them from observation to supervised practice and ultimately to seeing their own patients. In their final study year, they can apply for the mentorship program, which aids the transition into private practice.
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Raising awareness, engagement and inclusion of Allied Health
Anita Hobson-Powell holds the position of Chief Allied Health Officer for the Australian Government within the Department of Health and Aged Care. With a background as an exercise physiologist and extensive experience leading allied health professional associations*, she has been entrusted with three main priorities. First, she aims to raise awareness about the significance of allied health professionals and their role in the healthcare system. This involves ensuring that decision makers and individuals engaging with health services understand the contributions of allied health professionals.
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Developing the nation’s first Health and Medical Research Strategy
Professor Steve Wesselingh serves as the CEO of NHMRC, having initially trained as an infectious diseases doctor. His career includes prominent roles such as Head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Alfred Hospital, Director of the Burnett, Dean of Medicine at Monash University, and the inaugural Director of SAHMRI. Under his leadership, NHMRC plays a critical role in funding health and medical research, allocating approximately a billion dollars annually to investigator-led projects, clinical trials, and various strategic initiatives. NHMRC also collaborates internationally with organisations such as the MRC and the EU, and manages grant allocation for the MRFF, which distributes $650 million each year.
