Addressing gender equity in cancer care – Women’s Health Victoria

A new project to drive more gender equitable cancer care in Victoria is underway, with support from BSWRICS and GRICS.

The Victorian Government has provided Women’s Health Victoria (WHV) with $300,000 in funding to lead the Gender Equity in Cancer Care project, which will examine gendered impacts of cancer care and further inform implementation of the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024–28.

WHV Chief Executive Officer Sally Hasler said the nation-leading project would improve healthcare in Victoria by understanding how women, trans people, and gender-diverse people experience cancer care: “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, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, said the project aims to make sure 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 everyone can access safe, appropriate care, close to home.”

Project partners include the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Transgender Victoria, Barwon South West Regional Integrated Cancer Service (BSWRICS) and Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS). WHV is also working with 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. WHV’s report is expected to be released in mid-2026.