Peter Mac supports project to improve cancer care access
14 August 2025
Peter Mac is part of a new project aiming to ensure more gender equitable cancer care is available to all Victorians.
The Victorian Government has provided Women’s Health Victoria (WHV) with $300,000 to lead the Gender Equity in Cancer Care project.
The research project will look at the gendered impacts of cancer care and further inform the implementation of the Victorian Government’s Cancer Plan 2024-28.
Peter Mac Chief Executive, Professor Jason Payne, said Peter Mac is a major partner in the project alongside WHV, the Royal Women’s Hospital, Transgender Victoria, and the Barwon South West and Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Services.
“Equity of access to cancer care is such an important focus whether that be access to cancer prevention measures, treatment or supportive care,” Professor Payne said.
“Cancer impacts all of us regardless of gender, background, beliefs or race and this project will help to identify areas where we can enhance the way cancer care is accessed and improve survival rates.
“Peter Mac is proud to be contributing to this essential work,” he said.
WHV Chief Executive Officer, Sally Hasler, said the nation-leading project would improve healthcare in Victoria by understanding how women, trans and gender diverse people experience cancer care.
“Cancer will touch almost every Australian at some point - whether through a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. But when we talk about gender in cancer care, we often define that experience by the type of cancer someone has, without recognising how gender inequality shapes that entire experience,” Ms Hasler said.
“This new project brings together leaders from across the healthcare system and is guided by an advisory group to centre lived experience. With more than two decades of experience delivering peer support to women with cancer, WHV knows that lived experience must be at the heart of system change.”
Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the project aims to make sure that everyone experiences the best possible care when dealing with cancer.
“No matter where you live or who you are, if you’re dealing with cancer – you deserve access to the very best care.”
“We know that women and gender diverse people often face barriers when interacting with the health system – we want to make sure that everyone can access safe, appropriate care, close to home.”
WHV is also working alongside regional women’s health services in Gippsland, Barwon South West and Loddon Mallee.
The Gender Equity in Cancer Care project aims to build the evidence base, centring lived and living experience (LLE), to address key gaps; and to build the knowledge and capacity of the cancer sector to provide intersectional, gender-responsive cancer care. The report is expected to be released in mid-2026.