Inherited Cancers Australia

Inherited Cancers Australia (ICA) envisions a future where families can manage their inherited cancer risk with knowledge and confidence, free from disadvantage. Our mission is to empower all Australians to understand and manage their inherited cancer risk through education, advocacy, and support. ICA is the only national organisation providing personalised services to the 1 in 400 people with gene mutations or a significant family history of cancer, who face much higher risks of developing cancer.

With over 15 years’ experience, ICA has built strong connections with our community and understands the unique challenges faced by families dealing with inherited cancer risks particularly women who are disproportionately affected. These women are faced with up to 80% chance of breast cancer and 50% chance of ovarian cancer. The most effective way to manage these risks is through preventive surgeries, leading to significant psychosocial (body image, sexuality, anxiety), health (medically induced menopause), and financial impacts, often exacerbated by long wait times for prophylactic surgery in the public system.

ICA has a proven track record of impactful initiatives, including large-scale data collection supporting our advocacy, educational awareness campaigns, peer support services, and educational events. We fill the gap in supportive care by helping individuals make informed evidence-based decisions to manage their cancer risk after they receive their test result which is where our healthcare system support ends. Funding will allow us to scale our services to meet the rapidly increasing demand, as genetic testing continues to identify more Australians with significantly higher cancer risk.

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