26 JUNE 2024
Rare Cancers Awareness Day
One in four cancers diagnosed in Australia are considered rare or less common, so this is no small issue. This Rare Cancers Awareness Day, you can show people diagnosed with rare, less common and complex cancers that they are not alone.
A person's cancer is as unique as their fingerprint
Imagine you’ve been diagnosed with a cancer so rare that nobody has even heard of it. That’s the reality for many people diagnosed with rare cancer. They must navigate a complex health system with limited information and little support, and often face huge financial burdens. It’s easy to see how these Australians can feel isolated, scared and lost.
Pledge your support for people living with rare, less common and complex cancers.
Other ways to show your support
Spread the word
We’ve put together some handy resources to help you raise awareness about rare cancers, using #WeAreRare. Check out our social media assets, printable posters, email footers and more.
Buy a limited edition Rare hoodie
Wear your heart on your sleeve with a special Rare Cancers Awareness Day hoodie. Available in a range of colours with a limited-edition fingerprint design, while stocks last.
Testimonials
“When I was diagnosed, we didn’t know what to do, who to contact, who to ask for help, or where to look for research. It’s like this awful diagnosis was just dropped in our lap and we were left to figure it out. We felt very overwhelmed and a bit lost.”
Noel
"Since my diagnosis over six years ago, I have observed many barriers to potentially lifesaving genetic tests, treatments, and clinical trials. Not all cancers are created (or treated) equal, especially if you have a rare cancer!"
Caitlin
“For rare cancers, there is typically no ‘rule book’ or typical standard of care.”
Tristan
“Since my diagnosis, it has been a whirlwind. I had never heard of rare cancers before my diagnosis, let alone fallopian tube cancer.”
Patricia
Download our the social media tiles below and help spread the word. Be the beacon of hope for those living with a rare and less common cancer.
Rare Cancers Awareness Day
Facebook & Instagram tiles
LinkedIn & X tiles
A person's cancer is as unique as their fingerprint
Facebook & Instagram tiles
LinkedIn & X tiles
Rare facts
Facebook & Instagram tiles
LinkedIn & X tiles
Rare challenges
Facebook & Instagram tiles
LinkedIn & X tiles
Pledge for rare
Facebook & Instagram tiles
LinkedIn & X tiles
Posters
A4
A3
Why people with rare cancers need our support
A cancer diagnosis can be abrupt, alarming and have a devastating impact on patients and their loved ones.
When patients are diagnosed, it is often accompanied by a plan. Their GP will give them information about their cancer and support services, send them for further testing, and write a referral to a specialist.
But what if the cancer is so rare that standard treatment does not yet exist?
When other cancers usually have a specific medical team or specialist, what happens when there doesn’t seem to be a designated expert for this type of cancer?
It’s a terrifying position to be in as a patient, and one that many Australians with rare, less common and complex cancers face every day.
Common challenges of rare cancer
Inequity in survival outcomes
Late diagnosis, unclear prognosis
Exorbitant out-of-pocket costs
Limited information
Less expert knowledge
Limited treatment options
Delayed access to medications
Limited rural and remote services
Focus on common cancers
About Rare Cancers Australia
Rare Cancers Australia is a charity whose purpose is to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare, less common and complex cancers.
We believe no Australian should have to go through their cancer journey alone, which is why we provide 360-degree, personalised support to patients and their loved ones.
We also drive change in access, affordability and quality of care for the patients of today and tomorrow.
Rare Cancers Awareness Day proudly partners with Icon Cancer Centre
Icon Cancer Centre is part of Icon Group - Australia’s largest dedicated cancer care provider. The Group has expanded globally into Malaysia, Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the UK. Icon has a strong history of cancer research, now operating the largest private cancer clinical trials program in Australia.
Icon has 38 cancer centres across Australia, including day oncology hospitals that deliver chemotherapy and treatment for blood disorders, radiation oncology centres and comprehensive centres that bring both day oncology and radiation therapy under one roof. Icon is committed to delivering the best cancer care possible, to as many people as possible, as close to home as possible.
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Inside Rare is our monthly newsletter sent out on the 26th of every month. The newsletter provides articles, highlights and updates on what is happening at RCA and the rare cancers community.
