Rare Cancers Australia

Rare Cancers Australia We work to improve the lives & health outcomes of Australians living with rare or less common cancers

Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) is a leading for-impact charity that works to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australian patients, carers and families affected by a rare or less common cancer diagnosis. We do this through:

• Patient support - we provide personalised practical, emotional and financial assistance to the rare cancer patients, carers and families of today. We help patients acc

ess specialists, treatments and research opportunities. We also deliver support groups, connect people with services and assist with fundraising.

• Advocacy - we drive meaningful change for the rare cancer patients, carers and families of today and tomorrow. We help rare cancer patients gain access to the treatments they need, and develop strong partnerships and work to influence policy in order to increase survivorship rates and patient participation in decision-making at all levels. For more information visit: www.rarecancers.org.au

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Welcome to Rare Cancers Australia’s page. This is a space where we share information, resources, advice and experiences from in and around the rare and less common cancer community. We welcome all followers and visitors and encourage discussion and engagement with the content being shared, but we do ask that posts by users are relevant and respectful. Content on this page is monitored by Rare Cancers Australia staff, and we reserve the right to remove posts that are:

• Offensive, divisive, aggressive, abusive, defamatory or intolerant

• Fraudulent, deceptive, misleading or unlawful

• “Trolling” in nature, harass others or deliberately derail discussions

• Off-topic or related to an irrelevant business

• In violation of the intellectual property right of another individual or entity

• Spamming in nature

• Considered commercial solicitation including the solicitation of donations

We also ask that you please adhere to the Facebook Community Standards: https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards

If you have any questions or concerns, please private message us. Thank you for your part in ensuring a safe and respectful community for all.

Individually, each rare cancer makes up only a small number of cases each year. That can make the experience isolating ...
19/06/2026

Individually, each rare cancer makes up only a small number of cases each year.

That can make the experience isolating and lonely, and it’s so much harder to find others who understand.

But collectively, rare and less common cancers make up 42,000 diagnoses in Australia each year – one person every 12 minutes.

For those people, the experience can start with late diagnosis through vague symptoms and a lack of awareness.

Along the way, treatment options can be limited, clinical trials harder to access, and out-of-pocket expenses huge.

On Rare Cancers Awareness Day on Friday 26 June, we’re asking you to learn more about rare cancers, helping those diagnosed feel better understood and supported.

Share on social media, show you care for rare, or wear it rare with our exclusive merchandise.

Learn more at: www.rare.org.au

When you’re diagnosed with a rare cancer, it can feel like lots of things are out of your control. But no two cancer exp...
18/06/2026

When you’re diagnosed with a rare cancer, it can feel like lots of things are out of your control.

But no two cancer experiences are the same, and you’ll have your own values, preferences, goals and wishes during this time.

Sharing these with your healthcare team can help them provide care in a way that gives you the information you need, and supports your needs, giving you back some control of your experience.

The Diagnosis booklet of our Rare Cancer Support Guide includes some lists of things to consider sharing with your healthcare team.

This includes the basics about your needs, as well as your priorities, your support networks, and your preferred communication style.

It’s OK if your preferences or wishes change along the way, too!

What would you add to the list?

Download the Diagnosis booklet to find more tips about what to think about if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer: https://bit.ly/43ODIrA

Men's Health Week is a reminder you don't have to face health challenges on your own. Our Cancer Lived Experience Survey...
17/06/2026

Men's Health Week is a reminder you don't have to face health challenges on your own.

Our Cancer Lived Experience Survey found men are less likely than women to seek support when they need it.

At the same time, two in three Australian men delay seeing a health professional when something changes.

If something doesn't feel right, see your GP or reach out to someone you trust. You don't have to navigate things alone.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, find out how we can help at: https://bit.ly/3WkmcHD

Wear it rare this Rare Cancers Awareness Day! Spark conversations and spread the word about rare and less common cancers...
15/06/2026

Wear it rare this Rare Cancers Awareness Day!

Spark conversations and spread the word about rare and less common cancers with our exclusive range of rare merchandise.

You can pick up a hoodie or beanie for the cooler months, a cap or a tee, with proceeds helping support people living with rare and less common cancers, and their families.

There’s still time to order now and receive your items in time for Rare Cancers Awareness Day on Friday 26 June – but get in quick!

Check out the range and order today at: https://bit.ly/4xskZzp

Blaze, 30, has been living with oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer, for many years.After surgeries, r...
14/06/2026

Blaze, 30, has been living with oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer, for many years.

After surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, her specialist recommended a targeted medication to help keep her tumour stable. But the treatment is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), leaving Blaze to pay $27,800 per treatment cycle.

Her adoptive father has already used his superannuation to cover more than $55,000 in treatment costs, with another round due soon. Now, the pair are reaching out for support as the cost of treatment is becoming unsustainable.

Any donation you can make will go directly towards Blaze's treatment, helping to slow her tumour growth and maintain precious quality of life.

Support Blaze at: https://bit.ly/4aGFDCY

People with cancer have a significant need for donated blood in Australia, relying on around 11,000 donations every week...
14/06/2026

People with cancer have a significant need for donated blood in Australia, relying on around 11,000 donations every week.

Many have depended on blood transfusions during treatment such as chemotherapy or surgery.

As cancer diagnoses continue to rise, so does the need for these life-saving donations. A single donation can make a critical difference for someone going through treatment.

This World Blood Donor Day, consider donating to support people with cancer.

To learn more, visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/

Bowel cancer is often thought of as an older person’s disease, but rates are increasing among younger Australians. Bowe...
13/06/2026

Bowel cancer is often thought of as an older person’s disease, but rates are increasing among younger Australians.

Bowel cancer rates are two to three times higher among Australians born in the 1990s than those born in the 1950s. It is the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25-54.

Early detection can save lives. When diagnosed at the earliest stage, up to 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated. More than 163,000 Australians are currently living with or beyond a diagnosis.

Knowing the symptoms and acting early matters. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait – speak to your GP and get checked.

Share this post to help Bowel Cancer Australia raise awareness of symptoms this

Rare cancers are more common than you think. While each cancer type may only have a handful of cases, collectively, rare...
12/06/2026

Rare cancers are more common than you think.

While each cancer type may only have a handful of cases, collectively, rare cancers make up about one in four cancer diagnoses in Australia.

Even common cancers, like breast cancer or lung cancer, have rare subtypes. Chances are, you know someone affected.

A cancer can be considered rare if:
🔹 it is very unusual and seen in very few people
🔹 it affects people much younger or older than the typical age range for that cancer type
🔹 it affects children
🔹 it is a common cancer in an unexpected location
🔹 it is a small subtype of a common cancer
🔹 it is more commonly found in the opposite s*x.

Learn more about rare cancers at: www.rare.org.au

Thank you to our campaign partner, Icon Cancer Centre - Australia for supporting Rare Cancers Awareness Day on 26 June.

When someone is diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer, it can be hard to find others with a similar diagnosis. The...
10/06/2026

When someone is diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer, it can be hard to find others with a similar diagnosis.

There could be just a handful of cases in Australia each year.

Our Rare Cancers Australia support groups provide a place for these people to connect with each other, share experiences, ask questions, offer tips and feel less alone.

This year, when you sign up for Dry July and choose Rare Cancers Australia as your beneficiary, you’re helping run our support groups, giving people connection when they need it most.

1️⃣ Sign up online at: https://bit.ly/4nDuW8B
2️⃣ Go alcohol-free this July
3️⃣ Ask your friends, family or colleagues to join you or donate.

Together, we can help people with rare and less common cancers find comfort, support and community.

When you’re diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer, how do you find others who really understand your experience? J...
09/06/2026

When you’re diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer, how do you find others who really understand your experience?

Join a Rare Cancers Australia support group to connect with people all over the country who are on a similar path to you.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with cancer for some time, these groups provide a community of people to understand, connect, share and learn.

Each group runs via phone and videoconference, facilitated by a Specialist Cancer Navigator.

Ask to join an upcoming group at: https://bit.ly/3HlFUPh

Address

Suite 122, Springetts Arcade B**g B**g Street
Bowral, NSW
2576

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61248622768

Website

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