The difference between rare and common cancers, and why it matters.

The term ‘rare cancer’ actually encompasses hundreds of different cancers. Although each type affects a small number of people – which is why it’s called ‘rare’ – collectively they add up.

Approximately 42,000 Australians are diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer each year. Some 17,000 people lose their lives – that’s 46 people every day.  

While about one quarter of cancer diagnoses in Australia are rare or less common, they cause a third of all cancer deaths.

The way forward

We envision a world where there is equity in experience and outcomes for every person diagnosed with cancer in Australia. There is no single action that will deliver this – it requires strategic investment, systemic and policy reform, and collective action.   

That’s why we launched the ‘Rare Cancer Moonshot’; to galvanise efforts across government, patient organisations, healthcare, research, industry, and the community to radically accelerate progress so that by 2035:  

• More than 90% of people diagnosed with cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis, regardless of rarity; and  

• There is true equity of experience for everyone with cancer. 

Your support helps us raise voices, raise spirits and raise awareness.

Your impact

When you make a tax-deductible donation to Rare Cancers Australia, you’re not just giving money.  

You’re creating hope. And, you’re letting people living with rare and less common cancers know they are not alone.  

We are collaborative and thrive on bringing people together at our events. We are also profoundly grateful to everyone in our community who chooses to donate or fundraise for us. Your support helps raise awareness of rare cancers and the challenges people diagnosed with them face, while also providing tangible support that can change lives. 

We use your donations to provide: 

• limitless support for people diagnosed with rare and less common cancers, and their families. Our support is as unique as a person’s cancer and our Specialist Cancer Navigators are there every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond 

• crisis funding to help people who are having difficulty managing daily living costs alongside the unexpected expenses that come with cancer 

• support for people to crowdfund for the huge out-of-pocket costs of their cancer diagnosis, like treatments not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), through our Patient Treatment Fund 

• advocacy to change the story for people diagnosed with rare cancers, shining a light on the inequities and working with decision-makers across the sector to create a better world for rare.