Researchers have been left in limbo over funding uncertainty sparked by the drying up of annual money for the Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium. Source: News Limited
MEDICAL researchers are urging the new Victorian Cancer Agency consultative council to fast-track funding after what they say has been almost a year of lost momentum.
Researchers have been left in limbo over funding uncertainty sparked by the drying up of annual money for the Victorian Breast Cancer Research Consortium.
It was costing each Victorian only 1c a week to help find new genes for breast cancer and develop better treatments.
Now the consortium will be forced to fight for funding from the VCA with all other cancer researchers after the VBCRC received its final $1 million from the State Government last year.
Researchers had been waiting for the establishment of the Victorian Cancer Agency consultative council, which was announced this week by Health Minister David Davis.
It comprises clinicians, researchers and consumers, and will help drive the development of a new cancer research strategy.
Leading breast cancer researcher Professor Geoff Lindeman, from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, said he was "looking forward to the Government fast-tracking the funding so funds will flow to cancer researchers and opportunities can be realised for Victorian cancer patients and their families".
Prof Lindeman added: "However, there has been loss in momentum through delays, which has greatly worried the research community and led to gaps in funding."
Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said the VCA was such an important part of the cancer landscape that it was understandable there was some anxiety in the research community as it waited for the council to form.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said 15 years of support for life-saving breast cancer research was under threat.
Health Minister David Davis' spokeswoman said the former Labor government dropped a guarantee of continual funding to the VBCRC.
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