Federal Budget commitment to medical research funding welcome, but urgent need for gynaecological cancer investment remains

MEDIA RELEASE
13 May 2026

Federal Budget commitment to medical research funding welcome, but urgent need for gynaecological cancer investment remains 

The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) and Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) have welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement in last night’s Federal Budget to increase the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) from $650 million in 2025–26 to $1 billion annually from 2030–31.  

The investment is a much-needed step forward for Australia’s medical research sector and reinforces the critical role research plays in improving health outcomes and saving lives.  

At the same time, the organisations reaffirmed their ongoing determination to ensure gynaecological cancers are clearly recognised and prioritised within this national opportunity.  

Every day in Australia, 19 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, including ovarian, uterine/endometrial, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers, with diagnoses projected to increase by 21 per cent over the next decade. More than half (55 per cent) of these cancers are classified as rare or low survival, with limited treatment options and, excluding cervical cancer, no routine early detection tests. 

More than six women lose their lives to gynaecological cancers every day in Australia, more than 2,500 women each year, yet survival outcomes for many women have changed little in decades. Women in regional, rural and remote communities, and those from lower socioeconomic and diverse backgrounds, continue to face significant inequities in access to diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials and supportive care. 

Dedicated investment urgently needed

The sector continues to advocate for dedicated investment in women’s cancers through the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative (GCTI), a nationally coordinated, evidence-based initiative developed in collaboration with clinicians, researchers, advocates, women with lived experience and sector organisations to transform life for women. 

ANZGOG, OCA, OCRF and broader sector partners are united through the GCTI to address longstanding gaps across prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, survivorship and supportive care.  

Together, the organisations said the GCTI represents a clear, practical and evidence-based pathway to improve outcomes for women and to drive the system-wide change required after decades of limited progress. 

Speaking on behalf of the three organisations, ANZGOG Chief Executive Officer Alison Evans said the MRFF announcement is welcome, however must translate into meaningful inclusion of women’s cancers within national research priorities. 

“We welcome the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Australia’s medical research capability through the MRFF,” Ms Evans said. 

“We will continue to advocate to ensure gynaecological cancers are clearly included within this opportunity, so that women are not overlooked in the next phase of Australia’s research investment.”  

“Through the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative, we have come together as a sector, with clinicians, researchers, advocates and women with lived experience, to transform how these diseases are diagnosed, treated and cared for.”  

“We remain committed to working together with Government to deliver the change women urgently need. Our advocacy will continue, relentlessly, until women with gynaecological cancers achieve the outcomes they deserve.” 

Supportive care and equitable access remain critical gaps

Supportive care remains a critical and currently overlooked component of gynaecological cancer care, with many women experiencing significant physical, emotional, financial and psychosocial impacts throughout diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. 
The GCTI provides a practical roadmap aligned with the Australian Cancer Plan and the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control, ensuring a coordinated approach to improving outcomes and equity of care for women across Australia.  

ANZGOG, OCA and OCRF are committed to working with Government, researchers, clinicians and the broader community to ensure sustained and meaningful improvements in outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers. 

More information on the GCTI is available via ANZGOG – Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative