· This year’s World Cancer Day theme is "United by Unique," focusing on individual circumstances and the need for flexible, equitable cancer care.
· The Jeannie Ferris Awards honour health professionals and consumer advocates who advance equity in cancer care across all cancer types in Australia.
· The Award now recognises efforts to improve cancer outcomes for all Australians, expanding from its original focus on gynaecological cancers.
· Nominations are open for two categories: community members with personal cancer experience and health professionals or researchers from any discipline.
· Special encouragement is given for nominations that have improved outcomes for priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
· Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO of Cancer Australia, highlights the Awards as a celebration of innovation and belief in equitable patient care for all.
On World Cancer Day, the Australian Government though Cancer Australia, is calling for nominations for the 2026 Jeannie Ferris Award (the Award), which recognises individuals who are leading the way in improving outcomes for people affected by cancer.
This year’s World Cancer Day global theme, "United by Unique," highlights how individual circumstances shape the cancer experience and calls for health care providers and systems to respond with greater flexibility and equity.
This aligns with the Award, which acknowledges health professionals and consumer advocates whose work advances equity in access to cancer care across all cancer types. The Award is named in honour of the late Senator Jeannie Ferris, reflecting her enduring legacy of advocacy for cancer awareness.
The Award criteria have been expanded from the original focus of improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers to improving equity in cancer outcomes for all people in Australia, to align with the focus of the Australian Cancer Plan.
The Award celebrates individuals who are driving meaningful progress toward better cancer outcomes for all Australians.
Nominations are invited for two categories:
Category 1: Members of the community: Individuals with personal experience of cancer, including people diagnosed with cancer, carers, family members, or community advocates who have contributed to improving outcomes for others.
Category 2: Health professionals and researchers: Professionals from any discipline – including specialists, primary care practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, and researchers – whose work in cancer care or research has advanced equity and improved health outcomes.
Nominations are particularly encouraged for those whose work has led to improved outcomes for priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Quotes attributable to Cancer Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dorothy Keefe:
“The 2026 Jeannie Ferris Awards are a powerful celebration of those who are reimagining cancer care through innovation and an unwavering belief that every person deserves the same chance to receive optimal patient care.
“On World Cancer Day 2026, under the global theme ‘United by Unique’, we are reminded that while every cancer journey is deeply personal, we are united in our commitment to care that truly reflects people’s needs and experiences. This theme speaks to the heart of the Jeannie Ferris Awards — honouring those who champion people-centred, equitable cancer care, so that no one is left behind.
“Their efforts remind us that equity in cancer care isn’t just a goal – it’s a commitment to ensure every Australian, no matter their story or circumstance, can thrive.
“If you know someone whose contributions bring us closer to this goal, please nominate them.”
Nominations are open until 5:00 pm (AEST) on Friday, 10 April 2026 with forms and detailed submission guidelines available on the Cancer Australia website.
This year’s recipients will be announced at a presentation at Parliament House later this year.
About us:
Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. The agency works to reduce the impact of cancer and improve the well-being of those diagnosed by providing leadership in national cancer control, promoting best-practice care, and guiding improvements in cancer outcomes. Cancer Australia leads the implementation of the Australian Cancer Plan, a 10-year national strategy designed to improve outcomes and achieve equity in cancer care across the country. www.canceraustralia.gov.au
Contact details:
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