Get involved and help Queenslanders living with cancer by volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation. Join us to make a greater impact and connect with like-minded people.
Every contribution helps support those living with cancer. Whether a one-off donation or monthly gift, your support ensures funding stability for long-term goals and future generations.
Leave a legacy by including a gift in your Will, starting a tribute page for a loved one, or funding a research grant for early-career cancer researchers driving clinical innovations.
Organise a fundraising event in your community, either as a team or an individual. You can join one of our existing fundraising events or you might like to come up with your own way.
When organisations work together, we can have a greater impact for every Queenslander going through cancer and help amplify our message for all Australians.
However you get involved, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer. See the results of what we’ve all achieved.
Contributions go towards world-class research, prevention programs and support service.
After losing her beloved dad to cancer over five years ago, Hayley wanted to do something momentous to keep his memory alive and raise much needed funds to help others affected by cancer. In order to make a big fundraising impact Hayley decided she would shave off her hair as part of Cancer Council Queensland’s Do It For Cancer. She set up an online fundraising page and in honour of her dad, Phill, it was called: Phill The World With Hope. Hayley aimed to raise $5000 over eight months. Incredibly, her message was shared far and wide. Not only did she reach her fundraising goal, but she smashed it out of the water raising $21,590! Hayley will be forever grateful to her amazing supporters and donors which came in from all corners of world, including a generous $10,000 donation from Thiess – Phill had worked for them for 20 years. After eight months of successful fundraising, Hayley completed her Shave in December surrounded by her supportive family and friends. ‘We started this fundraiser as a celebration of dad’s incredible life and living for five years without him. He was beyond amazing, and we wanted to share with the world just how unique and special he was by sharing his stories. Also, we really wanted raise money and awareness for all those affected and connected to cancer.’ ‘On a Sunday morning, we all banded together as a family in a sea-side apartment to celebrate my eight-month long fundraising journey and the amazing result reached. Dad loved the ocean so much, so it was unquestionably the place to carry out the shave!’ ‘With deep emotion I grabbed the scissors and took the first chunk of hair. Flowing on with smiles, tears and cheers, 14 members of our beautiful family each cut a piece of my hair until there was none left to snip. Even my three-year-old had a crack at the cut. It was my husband Jade’s honourable job to then smooth out the left-over strands and give me the best and very first ever number – two all over!’ ‘It was the most liberating, surreal and incredibly moving feeling to have all my family so involved in the process. An eight-month long investment of so many blended emotions it’s an experience I will forever hold deep in my heart and soul. I know for absolute certain that dad would be winking at me with incredible pride. All for you Dad. Always. I’ve never actually admitted it, but I’m damn proud of me too!’ ‘It has never been about me losing the wavey mane. I don’t need or care for the hair. It was all about helping those that who need the support, guidance, and protection in the most challenging and soul crushing time of their life. Cholangiocarcinoma did that to our Family. It fiercely took away the absolute heartbeat of our family. A feeling no one should ever have to experience alone.’ P.S. Want to share your Do It For Cancer story with us and inspire others to get involved? Fill out the ‘Share your story’ form on our website.
Cancer survivor and fundraising marathon walker, Jennifer Rooks has raised over $10,000 for Do It For Cancer this year! She did this by walking over 1,000 kms over eight weeks trekking through the stunning scenery of the Italian countryside.
Walking solo, Jennifer began her adventure at the Grand Saint Bernard Pass and finished at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.Over the last six years she has also completed annual fundraising walks across Ireland, UK, France, Portugal, Spain and Australia while raising funds for Cancer Council Queensland to help support others affected by cancer.‘Everyone has been touched by Cancer. I have lost two brothers to cancer and have another brother and myself who have also battled the disease’, said Jennifer.In 2019, Jennifer had been looking after her husband following prostate surgery when she developed a cold and chesty cough which wasn’t clearing. A series of tests confirmed a thyroid cancer diagnosis, and she was booked in for surgery straight away.‘Apart from a cold, I wasn’t sick and had no indication something was wrong. Thankfully, the doctors said that because it was detected early, I required no chemo or radiation. I now just live with medication and have regular blood tests. I have been one of the lucky people and already I am looking at life with a new set of glasses,’ she said.‘Walking is good for the heart, health, mind and the soul. I will turn 68 years while walking in Italy, solo and carrying a backpack. My aim is to remain active in body and mind and keep walking as far and as long as possible.’For my 70th birthday in 2024 I am considering walking the John Muir Way across Scotland and reverse across the UK on Hadrian’s Wall.When Jennifer returns home, she will be publishing a book again about her adventures and donating a percentage from the book sales to her Do It For Cancer fundraising page.When she isn’t trekking around the world fundraising, Jennifer lives in Ipswich with her family and is always busy volunteering, fundraising and helping others. She also spends a large amount of time on the Atherton Tablelands with her son and grandchildren.‘My aim is to continue to walk, to continue publishing the walking diaries and to continue suggesting that people walk and talk about the walks they do. There is nothing better than being out in the fresh air either solo or with a friend.’‘I have raised the money for Cancer Council Queensland with the help of many families and friends and people I have never met but now have a connection with them.’P.S. Want to share your story with us and inspire others to get involved?
Share your story with us
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer about three months ago.After several tests, it was decided the best course of action would be radiation treatment five days a week for four weeks.Like many Queenslanders, I live in a small regional town. Travelling for treatment every day was not an option for me.From home, the trip would’ve been 130km each way over roads that seem to be eternally under construction, and I now know my body wouldn’t have been able to handle the journey. Once the side effects from treatment settled in, well… let’s just say my car’s upholstery wouldn’t have fared well.This is where Cancer Council Queensland stepped in and had my back.The nurse at my local hospital linked me up with their accommodation, making it possible for me to travel into the city for treatment on Monday, stay in their unit throughout the week, and travel home on Friday.My home away from home had all the mod-cons you could want: kitchen, dining, ensuite and even a washing machine! But the best bit was, the unit remained mine even when I went home for the weekend… it was my own ‘home away from home’.Needless to say, the accommodation was marvellous. But it was meeting others who shared what I was going through that compelled me to write this letter.The day I arrived I was told there was a meeting that evening at the recreational area. Naturally, I bowled down there to see what it was all about. It was nothing formal. Someone had cooked a stew, and we all just sat around and talked.I initially felt quite depressed, but the discussions with the other patients lifted my spirits like nothing else. They were just ordinary people who discussed their illnesses and diagnoses openly and freely, and some were quite sick indeed – sicker than me.I found comfort in listening to their stories and getting to know them. Their hopes, dreams and aspirations I found enlightening and personally, uplifting. It was the best tonic one could ask for.I cannot stress the importance of these meetings enough. Because of them, I discovered I was not alone. Should you ever be diagnosed with a similar complaint, I urge you to attend them.As for the staff there, what can I say? They were brilliant. Katie, Robyn and Anthea, all three are just wonderful people. They were there always in the background if you needed anything. Whatever you wanted was never a problem. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.To sum up, my stay at Cancer Council Queensland’s accommodation was fantastic. I met people who normally I would never meet, learned and enjoyed their company, and received gratefully all they could tell me, as well as the reassurance that I was not alone.Although the outcome of my treatment is still unknown, as strange as this may sound…I actually enjoyed every moment of this experience. For that, I thank every person I met through Cancer Council Queensland’s accommodation lodges.Alan is back at home, letting his body settle down as he awaits his treatment results in October. He will celebrate his 80th birthday next month.
Learn more about our Accommodation
Every once in a while, you come across an extraordinary person who is not only a joy to be around but has the ability to lift the spirts of others. Cooktown resident Margaret, who stayed at our Marylyn Mayo Lodge in Cairns, is one of those people.Margaret stayed at the lodge for five months in 2021, after being diagnosed with omentum and peritoneal cancer and required surgery and chemotherapy treatments.After Margaret’s initial feelings of ‘shocked and concern’ she quickly reached out to her family for support. The lodge is designed for carers to stay, so thankfully Margaret’s two sisters from NSW – Shirley and Patricia, were able to fly up and stay with her to provide all the support she needed.Lodge residents can face an extremely challenging time during their stay, not only because they’re away from home but they also attend (and recover from) various medical treatments. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep the spirts high and the mood fun, but fun-loving Margaret managed to do just that!Marylyn Mayo Lodge Coordinator Annick Dubois, said Margaret and her sisters really lifted the lodge with their help and positivity.’Her sisters not only looked after Margaret, but all the other residents as well! Shirley cooked meals for everyone, which shows the positive impact carers can have on those going through cancer,’ said Annick.’Almost every afternoon all the lodge residents gathered together in the recreation area. They had barbeques, [and] some of them were singing and playing guitars. Everyone’s spirits have been lifted and it’s been all worth it to see all the cancer patients having such a good time considering what they are going through.’Margaret was impressed with the support they received from Cancer Council Queensland.‘The staff have been outstanding! They guide people to talk about lots of different issues. They are helpful in many situations; nothing has been too much trouble,’ said Margaret.‘The rooms are well equipped and always clean with a fridge, microwave, television, cookware, cutlery, air con, fans, parking, pool and laundry. It was always a relief to come back to the lodge after appointments and have somewhere safe and relaxing to stay.’’I would not have managed without Cancer Council’s help and accommodation. The cost of staying for the many months and dealing with everything would not have been possible, even with my sisters’ help,’ she said.Margaret’s sister Patricia told us they would not have managed without the help of everything Cancer Council Queensland has provided.’We were always met with caring, kind and accommodating staff – from the admin officers, cleaners, drivers, and volunteers,’ Patricia said.’Over the five months that she has spent there Margaret had the best experience she could have had from staff and volunteers who put in 110% effort all the time. That’s without mentioning the cost efficiency of staying at the lodge and the convenience of being located near the hospital.’’The difference Marylyn Mayo Lodge made to Margaret’s life is almost indescribable,’ said Patricia.We are happy to report that Margaret has been doing well since leaving the lodge. She has registered with Home to Treatment and doctors have been happy so far with her results.At Cancer Council Queensland we all wish Margaret the very best for the future. Your positive energy and beaming smile have uplifted the spirits and hearts of so many.Thank you, Margaret!About Cancer Council Queensland’s accommodation lodges:Cancer Council Queensland’s accommodation lodges support people who need to travel to access treatment.The lodges offer comfortable self-contained units and studio-style apartments close to major hospitals and treatment facilities.To find out more about Cancer Council Queensland’s lodge facilities click here.
Professor Ullman
Cancer Council Queensland has announced the next round of Accelerating Collaborating Cancer Research (ACCR) Grants. Two Queensland-based cancer research projects will be awarded $2 million each over the next four years. Professor Amanda Ullman and Professor Kwun Fong, both from The University of Queensland were presented with the awards this month by Cancer Council Queensland’s CEO Ms Chris McMillan. “The successful grant recipients Professor Amanda Ullman and Professor Kwun Fong are at the forefront of cancer research. Their teams’ research provides hope for the 30,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year,” Ms McMillan said. Professor Kwun Fong said that he felt very humbled and grateful to receive the grant. “We are incredibly thankful to Cancer Council Queensland and the generous people who support them, which makes this award possible.” “This vital support will help us accelerate our lung cancer screening and early detection research in order to save lives,” said Professor Fong. The $4 million award consists of each project receiving $500,000 annually over four years, (comprising of $350,000 per annum from Cancer Council Queensland and a $150,000 per annum contribution from the Administering Institution of each recipient). For an overview of the research projects receiving essential funding, see below.
Lead Investigator: Professor Kwun Fong
Administering Institution: The University of Queensland
Professor Fong’s team will undertake the first ever implementation research of feasibility and effectiveness of CT screening, in conjunction with smoking cessation, for detecting curable lung cancers in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“From this research, we will learn whether there is a place for mobile lung cancer screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities if the Government decides to introduce a national lung cancer CT screening program for at-risk people. The research will also tell us if and how mobile screening may be effectively delivered for these communities,” said Professor Fong.
Lead Investigator: Professor Amanda Ullman
Professor Ullman and team will undertake the world’s first clinical trial of a central line lock (T-EDTA), that may prevent complications such as infections, blood clots and line blockage for children with cancer. “Our clinical trial includes over 800 children from across Queensland, and is a collaboration involving clinicians, scientists from five hospitals and three universities. We will work together to identify if this new lock solution is effective, and if it is, we will implement it across healthcare,” said Professor Ullman. Cancer Council Queensland looks forward to seeing the outcomes of Professors Fong and Ullmans’ work over the next four years. We would also like to extend a massive thank you to all our supporters, fundraisers and donors who have helped make the ACCR grant scheme possible. Together, we are all working towards a cancer free future for all Queenslanders.
Update: The Accelerating Collaborative Cancer Research (ACCR) grants scheme is no longer accepting new applications. Our Next Generation Cancer Research Fellowships mark a new era of cancer research at Cancer Council Queensland. Replacing the ACCR grants scheme, these fellowships fund early career cancer researchers who are on the front-line of clinical innovations in cancer detection and treatment.
Learn more about the latest cancer research projects conducted and funded by Cancer Council Queensland.
One in eight Queensland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and one in 41 women will die from the disease.When is the last time you checked your breasts?Before you had children? Last month? Yesterday? For some of us, we can’t even recall the last time we took a few minutes to conduct a personal check for any changes. Yet, a simple breast check could save your life.October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and early detection remains one of the most important factors in improving survival rates for breast cancer.More than 3,300 Queenslanders are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Queensland – of those diagnosed 3,321 are female – and around 550 die from the disease.Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in Queensland women.It sounds simple and common sense, but not enough women are doing it– get to know your breasts, and if you notice any changes, make an appointment with your GP straight away.The Queensland Government’s latest figures show that in 2015-2016, 56% of women aged 50-74 years participated in the BreastScreen Queensland program.So, to the women of Queensland, we urge you to do all you can check you are up to date with your recommended screenings.Women should consult their GP if they notice a persistent lump, lumpiness or thickening of their breast, changes to the nipple or discharge, any change to the shape, feel, size or colour of the breast, dimpling, puckering, or any unusual breast pain.Our hope is that all women get to know their breasts better, become breast aware and participate in recommended screening.Your personal health is too important to ignore.
Get to know your breasts and find what ‘your’ normal is when it comes to look and feel.
Don’t hesitate to seek health advice if you notice any changes. If there is a history of cancer in your family, talk to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about your family history and establish if a mammogram is right for you. If you are aged between 40 to 49 you are eligible for free breast screening. You also need to know what is normal when it comes to look and feel, and don’t hesitate to seek health advice if you notice any changes.
You should be having a mammogram every two years. Call Breast Screen on 13 20 50 to book a free mammogram. Get to know your breasts and what is normal when it comes to the look and feel be sure to seek health advice if you notice any changes.
Talk to your doctor to ask if you should continue to have mammograms.
Some risk factors for breast cancer are not easy to change, like being female, family history and your age, but there are some things you can do, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing your alcohol intake, that may help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Cancer Council Queensland recommends that to reduce your overall cancer risk you quit smoking, maintain a healthy body weight, eat a healthy diet, be physically active, stay SunSmart, limit alcohol, participate in cancer screening programs (if eligible) and report unusual changes to your doctor immediately.
If you, or a loved one, is affected by breast cancer, you don’t have to face it alone – we’re here to helpYou can call our Cancer Council Information and Support line on 13 11 20.
