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New resources support Australians impacted by inherited cancer risk

Cancer Australia

Key Facts:

• Inherited Cancers Australia, supported by Cancer Australia, has launched nine educational resources and ten videos to help Australians affected by inherited cancer risk make informed decisions about their health.
• The resources cover a wide range of cancers — including breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, melanoma, stomach and bowel — and address both men and women across all age groups.
• Topics were identified through community consultation and include family communication, cultural perspectives on genetic testing, fertility and reproductive choices, mental health, and managing menopause and body image.
• The resources align with the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control and the Australian Cancer Plan, supporting greater awareness of inherited cancer risk and genomics-informed care.
• All materials are available on the Inherited Cancers Australia website at https://www.inheritedcancers.org.au/inherited-cancer-experience.
• Interviews with case studies available by contacting [email protected]  

Australians with inherited cancers, as well as those at risk of developing them, now have a suite of resources available to help them make informed decisions relevant to their personal situation.

Inherited Cancers Australia, with the support of Cancer Australia, have produced 9 educational resources and 10 videos informed by the lived experiences of Australians affected by inherited cancer risk, including those with an inherited cancer gene mutation (pathogenic variant) or an inherited cancer diagnosis.

Inherited cancers affect both men and women, young and old. Inherited cancer gene mutations can be passed on between generations and sexes. The types of cancers involved include breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, melanoma, stomach and bowel. People from some communities have a higher risk of particular cancers than the general population.

Most importantly, these new resources directly address the topics and needs identified by the community through consultation. These include family communication, cultural perspectives on genetic testing, men’s experiences, fertility and reproductive choices, sexuality and relationships after surgery, managing menopause, supporting body image, mental health and navigating supportive care.

The resources support the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control’s focus on awareness and education, helping people better understand inherited cancer risk and genomics-informed care.

The suite of resources on inherited cancers can be found on the Inherited Cancers Australia website at https://www.inheritedcancers.org.au/inherited-cancer-experience.

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

“Whether you’re male or female, old or young, you may be at risk of inherited cancers.

“These new educational resources produced by Inherited Cancers Australia will help anyone with a known family history of inherited cancer, anyone living with inherited cancer risk or anyone with an inherited cancer diagnosis.

“The lived experience of people with inherited cancer is shared in these new video resources. They provide the personal insights of people living with inherited cancer risk or a diagnosis of inherited cancer – insights that are generous, brave, considered and practical.”

Quotes attributable to Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Dorothy Keefe:

"The use of genomics in cancer care is changing the way we prevent, screen, diagnose and treat cancer.

“The educational resources produced by Inherited Cancers Australia are some of the early fruits of the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control, developed as part of the Australian Cancer Plan. They will be immensely valuable to anyone living with inherited cancer risk or a diagnosis of inherited cancer.”

Quotes attributable to Inherited Cancers Australia CEO, Sarah Powell:

"Living with inherited cancer risk is not one-size-fits-all. These resources and videos explore the perspectives and considerations of people from diverse communities, with their voices at the centre of the project.

No one should be disadvantaged by their genes. This project makes the often unseen parts of living with inherited cancer risk more visible and turns lived experience into practical support, helping people understand, manage and communicate their risk.”

About us:

Cancer Australia is the Australian Government’s national cancer control agency, leading and coordinating evidence-based action to reduce the impact of cancer and improve outcomes. In 2026, Cancer Australia marks its 20th anniversary and continues to drive national reform through delivery of the Australian Cancer Plan. 

Contact details:

Cancer Australia 

Susie Dobson 0437706033

[email protected],.au

Inherited Cancers Australia 

Lisa Caterina 0421 364 898

[email protected]