NHMRC invests $66 million to improve early detection and treatment of anal cancer in Australia
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has announced a $66 million investment to support research into early detection and treatment of anal cancer. This funding will help accelerate research to improve patient outcomes, advance understanding of risk factors, and develop innovative approaches to detect this rare but serious cancer sooner, ultimately saving lives across Australia.
Understanding the risks and research priorities
Anal cancer is rare; however, the number of people diagnosed with this form of cancer has increased. Specific population groups are at a higher risk of developing anal cancer, including people living with HIV, men who have sex with other men, women with human papillomavirus (HPV), and people with autoimmune diseases.
Under the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research (TCR): Anal Cancer 2025 grant opportunity, four projects—focused on screening methods, preventive strategies, technologies, and health promotion—will be supported to address anal cancer.
Closing the awareness gap in anal cancer
Anal cancer rates are increasing and now affect more women than men. Moreover, treatment for anal cancer can impact sexual function and intimacy, yet many women and healthcare providers remain unaware of these effects.
To generate more awareness, Associate Professor Claudia Rutherford of the University of Sydney will lead the Women’s Initiative for Sexual Health, Education, and Raising awareness of anal cancer (WISER) study.
WISER aims to fill current healthcare gaps by introducing an information resource in radiation oncology departments. The study will also assess whether this resource enhances women’s information needs, sexual function and intimacy, and quality of life.
Innovative research projects aim to transform anal cancer detection and care
The three other projects receiving funding are:
- Professor Lei Zhang of Monash University will develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted diagnostic and prognostic tools to improve tolerability and accuracy, as well as the clinical management of anal cancer.
- Dr Isobel Poynten of the University of New South Wales will compare swab collection methods as a strategy to increase uptake of anal cancer screening and investigate a new molecular test that may improve screening accuracy.
- Associate Professor Jonathon Hallett of Curtin University will study whether HPV vaccination reduces the incidence of anal cancer among gay, bisexual, queer men and non-binary people who have sex with men.
NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh, commented: “NHMRC’s Targeted Calls for Research are an ideal mechanism to stimulate research to help address an unmet health need, such as improving health outcomes for people diagnosed with anal cancer, or preventing further rises in the incidence of disease in the Australian community.
“The projects funded will produce research that strengthens our evidence base, increases health literacy among consumers, improves understanding of and access to cancer screening technologies, and deepens our understanding of risk factors that contribute to the development of anal cancer.”
