Cancer Council Queensland was established in 1961as the Queensland Cancer Fund, in response to a desperate need in the community. Cancer mortality was on the increase and available resources could not cope with the problem. A small group of concerned people decided to form the organisation and began planning a strategy for raising funds to combat the disease and provide adequate treatment facilities for cancer patients.
Cancer Council generated tremendous public support from the start, raising almost 500,000 pounds in the 1961/62 financial year. By the second financial year, the organisation had already provided a linear accelerator and simulator (very expensive but vital radiation equipment) for the Queensland Radium Institute. Cancer Council Queensland also made a grant for the commencement of the internationally recognised malignant melanoma project at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The first trustees and office bearers not only aimed to raise funds to advance cancer research and treatment but also set out to counteract the stigma attached to the disease. In the 1960s, the word 'cancer' evoked a sense of fear and hopelessness arising from the widespread belief the disease was inevitably fatal. As advances in science and technology increased the range of procedures and brought new hope to cancer patients, Cancer Council Queensland encouraged the community to adopt a more positive attitude to cancer based on an awareness of the problem and how it might be tackled.
Cancer Council Queensland began as a voluntary organisation and, although it now employs staff, it continues to rely heavily on volunteers and depends on public goodwill and support for its research, programs and services. Headquarters were established in Brisbane and the first regional office in Townsville opened its doors in the 1970s. There are now six offices in the major regional areas throughout the state. There are more than 51 volunteer branches across the state - west to Mt Isa, north to Cooktown and south to Tweed Heads.
Cancer Council Queensland is not government funded and relies entirely on public support through donations. It is a member of Cancer Council Australia (formerly The Australian Cancer Society) and is affiliated with the International Union Against Cancer.
Cancer mortality is now decreasing, but with the ageing of the Australian population, the incidence of cancer continues to rise and demand for Cancer Council’s research projects, programs and services has continued to increase. It is with the support of the Queensland public the organisation has been able to increase its services to the community to meet the demand and committed itself to this task until a cure for cancer is found.
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