A better future for people with GI cancer

Gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia. It affects more than 37,567 Australians each year and claims 50 lives every day. GI cancer includes cancers of the digestive system – oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder and biliary tract, pancreas, large and small bowel, rectum and anus. Despite its prevalence, survival rates remain low: the chance of surviving five years after diagnosis is just 50%.

We’re working to change that.

By uniting a diverse network of brilliant clinicians, researchers, and community advocates, we deliver clinical trials that lead to better treatments, improved quality of life, and longer survival. Since 1991, we’ve conducted 90 research studies, giving more than 9,930 people access to promising new treatments, faster.

Clinical trials are how progress happens. They test whether new treatments work better than the current standard of care, and they’re essential to ensuring new therapies are safe, effective, and ready to be used more widely.

For patients, clinical trials can offer immediate access to the latest treatments and often improve both outcomes and quality of life. Running trials here in Australia means people can benefit from these advances up to five years earlier than if the trials were held overseas.

Watch our short video to learn more about what we do, and why research and clinical trials are important for people with GI cancers.

 

Supporting vital research

One of the biggest barriers to advancing GI cancer research is a lack of funding. Community support is crucial. Your generosity helps us launch new clinical trials, give more people access to innovative treatments, and ultimately save lives.

There are many ways to get involved: You can make a donation, become a regular giver, take on a Gutsy Challenge trek, host a community fundraiser, or find another way to show your support. Every action, big or small, brings us closer to a better future for people with GI cancer.

The Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag

GI Cancer Trials acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people we meet and engage with in our work and purpose.

We acknowledge the enduring connections First Nations peoples have with Country, culture, community and kin, and recognise these as fundamental to healing and wellbeing. These connections are especially important in the cancer journey.

We are committed to learning from the great diversity of First Nations voices, knowledge systems and lived experiences as we work to develop and conduct cancer research that is culturally safe, inclusive and equitable for all communities.

Progress Pride Flag

GI Cancer Trials benefits from a diverse and collaborative workplace and membership. We are committed to be open and inclusive, and we seek, welcome and value different perspectives.

Across our workplace, membership and committees, we are proactively fostering an environment and culture that values, respects and is safe for people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural or socioeconomic background, faith or religion, sexual orientation, geographic location or disability.