Reducing the impact of cancer in South Australia for 80 years

Cancer Council SA has its origins in an Anti-Cancer Campaign Committee, formed in 1928 on the initiative of the late Dr F S Hone, with the support of the Faculty of Medicine and the Council of the University of Adelaide. The objectives were to facilitate cancer research and to provide the most modern methods for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in South Australia.

The committee initially held a bequest of nearly £20,000 on behalf of the University and from time to time funds were added to this Trust Fund. The Council's activities continue to benefit from significant investment income.

During the 1930’s and 1940’s the Anti-Cancer Campaign Committee provided the medical staff, medical physicists, and equipment and supervised the treatment of patients in the Radiotherapy Department of the Royal Adelaide hospital. It was not until 1954 that the RAH finally assumed responsibility for the employment of the medical and other staff working in the Radiotherapy Department. The Campaign Committee continued to fund and purchase radiotherapy equipment with the first Linear Accelerator installed in 1957 at a cost of 70,000 pounds.

In the very early days with the emphasis on clinical treatment the Campaign Committee supported clinical investigation. By the 1960’s the emphasis was directed to gaining a better, basic scientific understanding of cancer. To this end equipment and research was funded in a number of institutions including the Waite Agricultural Research Institute and the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS).

The original committee was reorganised in 1962 and renamed 'The Anti-Cancer Foundation of the University of Adelaide', although its objectives remained unchanged. Today The Cancer Council South Australia supports quality cancer research into all aspects of cancer control directly and also sponsors Research Fellowships, Scholarships, Travel Grants and Distinguished Visitors.

In 1964 a need was identified for a Patient Care Committee to oversee the provision of non medical support to cancer patients. This resulted in the initial development of a visiting nurse service, however this was later handed over to the Royal District Nursing Service. The provision of accommodation for country patients, psychosocial support services and involvement in various support groups continues as a part of the cancer control mandate today.

Another activity of the Patient Care Committee was to provide cancer education to the medical profession and the general public. The Lions Club of South Australia and the Northern Territory provided a vehicle and funds to employ an Education Officer in 1979. This role entailed the provision of information about cancer to school children and the general public. Today, The Cancer Council’s Cancer Prevention Unit is active with the South Australian community in a number of areas.

Representation to the Anti-Cancer Campaign Committee, from the Flinders University of South Australia, was included in 1980 and the name changed again to 'The Anti-Cancer Foundation of the Universities of South Australia'.

Sources of income since 1928 included an annual state grant (this ceased in June 1992), various public appeals, gifts and bequests and returns on investments. It was not until the early 80’s that the first Fundraising Officer was appointed to provide a full time staff member whose role it was to maximise income from public sources. These efforts continue to be a significant source of the Cancer Council’s funds today.

During the 75 years since inception, the original Committee has undergone growth and evolution and in 1991 the Foundation was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee. Subsequently in 1992 the University of Adelaide ceased to be the Trustee and the Foundation itself took on that role.

In 1995 a motel (Greenhill Lodge) was purchased, a 55 unit motel next door to The Council and in 2001 a group of nine self contained units (Seaview Lodge) at Fullarton. These facilities provide affordable accommodation for country patients and carers who require specialist treatment for their cancer in Adelaide.

The Foundation retained a close affiliation with both the University of Adelaide and the Flinders University of South Australia and in 1997 became the Anti-Cancer Foundation of South Australia with a community based Board of Directors and an independent Chairman.

During 2002 the decision was taken to use the name The Cancer Council South Australia with a stylised daffodil logo, in conformity with The Cancer Council Australia and most of its state members. The new 'badge' became official on 1 July 2002. The Cancer Council South Australia was registered as the business name of the Anti-Cancer Foundation of South Australia.