6 May 2026
A landmark boost for early-onset bowel cancer research in Australia.
We’re thrilled to see a major investment in research that could help change the future for younger Australians affected by cancer.
The Australian Government, Cancer Australia and NHMRC have announced $15 million in funding for seven research projects focused on understanding and tackling the alarming rise of cancers in people aged 20–49.
As advocates for bowel cancer prevention and early detection, we see this as a very encouraging step forward. Research is critical to helping us better understand why early-onset cancers are increasing and how we can improve outcomes for future generations.
This new funding, part of the first Cancer Australia Research Initiative (CARI), is an important step toward improving how Australia prevents, detects and treats cancers that are increasingly affecting younger adults.
While the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation is not a recipient of this funding, as advocates for bowel cancer prevention and early detection, we are delighted to see this significant investment in early-onset cancer research.
One area of major focus is bowel cancer research. Australia has the highest rate of early-onset bowel (colorectal) cancer among 50 countries, making this research especially urgent. Seven exceptional projects will drive research into prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship – guided by lived experience and addressing one of the most urgent challenges in cancer care today.
Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation CEO, Rachel McKay was pleased to hear the news of this investment. “We’re especially encouraged to see this investment in research focused on identifying bowel cancer risk factors and delivering earlier, simpler detection, giving young Australians the best possible chance of survival. This funding has been awarded to outstanding Australian researchers, and we congratulate the teams leading this work. As rates of early-onset bowel cancer continue to increase, it is an encouraging step forward for everyone working to better understand, prevent and detect this disease earlier.”
Detecting cancer earlier can significantly improve survival rates.
Among the researchers and projects receiving funding are:
- Associate Professor Erin Symonds of Flinders University, who will identify risk factors for bowel cancer in young people and offer simple tests for targeted, earlier detection screening to catch cancers early and inform prevention strategies for young Australians.
- Doctor Jie-Bin Lew of the University of Sydney, who will lead the STRIVE-EOC project which will identify and test the most effective, affordable, and fair interventions for early-onset bowel, breast, pancreatic and liver cancers.
Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler MP, said:
“Too many younger Australians are being diagnosed with cancer at a stage of life when they should be planning their futures, not facing a life-threatening illness. This investment backs our best researchers to uncover why this is happening and to deliver earlier detection, better treatments and ultimately save lives.”
“We congratulate the recipients of the 2025 Cancer Australia Research Initiative. The strength and depth of applications we received was outstanding, and we’re proud to back more of this world-class research by doubling the investment and expanding the number of projects supported.”
NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh, said:
“The findings from this research will help fill crucial gaps in our understanding of early onset cancer, with the goal of improving outcomes across a range of cancer types including bowel, pancreatic and breast.”
“This approach is vital for developing strategies to prevent increasing rates of early onset cancer and for supporting the health of Australians affected by these diagnoses.”
This initiative marks a meaningful and hopeful step forward for younger Australians impacted by cancer. As rates of bowel cancer continue to increase among younger Australians, this research is especially encouraging. The Foundation has long advocated for greater awareness of early-onset bowel cancer and the need for action to address the growing number of younger people being diagnosed. Investments like this help build the evidence needed to improve prevention, support earlier diagnosis and ultimately save lives.