The Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship (ARCCS), launched in partnership between Cancer Council NSW and UNSW, officially opens today. It’s the first research facility in the world dedicated solely to understanding and improving life after cancer – by putting the person, not the disease, at the centre.
Australia has become a global leader in cancer survival, with more than 1.6 million Australians living with or beyond cancer. Survival rates will continue to rise thanks to major advances in research, prevention, early detection and treatment. Yet many survivors face long-term physical, psychological, financial and social challenges arising from their treatment. The ARCCS will lead world-class research to improve outcomes for survivors - informing practice, services and policy across Australia and ultimately helping people to not just survive after cancer, but thrive.
The $40 million partnership between brings together research expertise and community connection to support the health and prosperity of all cancer survivors, irrespective of stage or type of cancer.
Led by international cancer expert Professor Bogda Koczwara AM, the centre will advance research that informs health systems where surviving cancer means thriving beyond it. Systems where survivors and their communities can adapt, recover and flourish, ensuring no one is left behind due to lack of access, resources or stigma.
A key focus will be partnering with consumers, primary care and industry to design, test and implement new models of survivorship support. The centre will also prioritise addressing inequities in regional and rural communities, through shifting viewing cancer in isolation to understanding it within the spectrum of a person’s health, life circumstances and complex needs.
Cancer Council NSW CEO Professor Sarah Hosking said: “We have made extraordinary progress in our work to tackle cancer to date, and, thanks to incredible advancements, more people are surviving cancer than ever before. Through our existing work to support those living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, we have identified a distinct need for research tailored to people navigating this ‘new normal’, to enhance quality of life. We want people to not just survive but thrive, with and beyond cancer.
“The launch of the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, under the leadership of Professor Bogda Koczwara, is a vital step for Cancer Council NSW as we work to ensure better support, better care and ultimately better quality of life for cancer survivors, through an evidence-based approach and world-class researchers. This 10-year partnership between Cancer Council NSW and UNSW is a testament to the incredible progress we have made in improving survivorship rates and demonstrates our commitment to drive life-changing solutions for those living beyond a cancer diagnosis.”
Director of the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship Professor Bogda Koczwara said: “Thanks to better diagnosis and new treatments, for many, cancer is not the death sentence it once was, and there is so much hope for a life after cancer.
“This centre is for those affected by cancer. And it is here because we understand that cancer survivorship comes at a price. It can lead to physical, psychological, emotional and financial problems. We must create a world where each and every cancer survivor is supported through the delivery of personalised care.”
If you need to talk about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
Media welcome to attend launch. Case studies available.
When: Thursday 5 February 2026, from 9am
Location: UNSW Health Translation Hub, 55 Botany Street, Randwick
Speakers include:
- Doctor and author Ben Bravery
- Cancer survivor, UNSW Professor and Cancer Council NSW Board Member Phoebe Phillips
- Cancer researcher Peter Spolc
- Founder of Sisters’ Cancer Support Group Thit Tieu
- Broadcaster and cancer survivor Julie McCrossin
Contact details:
UNSW: Ashleigh Steele, +61 421 208 805 or [email protected]
Cancer Council NSW: Claudia Bernardi, +61 422 571 005 or [email protected]