Welcome to Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation
Together, we can find new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancers
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is internationally recognised for helping to lead the search for cancer cures, and is Australia's only public hospital solely dedicated to caring for people affected by cancer. We support this vital work by funding new research opportunities, and providing researchers with access to the specialised resources they need to discover cures for cancer.
With your support, we can change the future of cancer research
Ways you can donate
Help fund life-saving cancer research to give patients the best chance of a cure.
INVEST IN FUTURE CANCER CARE
Your impact
Learn how your donations are helping our researchers, and the impact on people affected by cancer.
READ ABOUT YOUR IMPACT
Get involved
Take action to help fight cancer. Find out about events and volunteering.
GET INVOLVED TODAY
Latest news
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UNITE TO FIGHT CANCER 2025
What does it take to find cures for cancer? Brilliant minds. Bold ideas. And a community that refuses to give up.
UNITE with hundreds of walkers and riders for a life-saving 10-day challenge from 16-25 October.
You can choose to walk, run or ride over 10 life-changing days. Every step, every kilometre, every dollar you raise will help accelerate cutting-edge cancer research at Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer research and care.
Over the last seven years, thousands of passionate people like you have raised millions to advance research that brings real hope to people living with cancer and their loved ones. Now it’s your turn to UNITE, take on the challenge and help power research that saves lives.
“Every dollar you raise has a real, tangible impact. It brings powerful technologies into the hands of researchers, helps turn bold ideas into action, and directly accelerates progress toward better cancer treatments.
Your support makes a massive difference, and we couldn’t do our work without you.”
Tim Semple
Head of the Molecular Genomics Core (MGC) Facility at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
“I love the walk. It’s a time when we come together to reflect on life, spend quality time with each other and pound the pavement in the name of cancer. It’s a really special time of year for me.
Having seen first-hand how even the smallest of donations has made an impact and helped fund research is inspiring.”
- Anita, Unite to Fight Participant
Want to earn exclusive Unite to Fight Cancer rewards as you take on your chosen challenge?
Push yourself and you'll be rewarded when you hit fundraising milestones. Show the world how passionate you are about powering life-saving cancer research.
Plus you can give yourself an adrenaline boost as you light up mini-challenge badges on your personal fundraising page.
Want to learn more? Check out our most common FAQs below, otherwise get in touch: info@unitetofightcancer.org
Carlton’s Sam Docherty has given a further $30,000 to support ground-breaking cancer research at Peter Mac, taking his total contribution to an incredible $250,000.
Sam has twice battled testicular cancer and returned to play AFL football at the elite level, and his advocacy on men’s health issues was recognised at last year’s Brownlow Medal.
You can re-watch Sam’s powerful acceptance speech as he was handed the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, which came with $40,000 to distribute to charity.
In 2021, Sam also found himself at the centre of a viral fundraising effort as the footy community rallied around him on learning his cancer had returned.
The “Do It For Doc” initiative – which saw his teammates and footy fans shave their heads and post messages of support on social media – raised $220,000 which Sam also gave to Peter Mac.
“Sam is a passionate advocate for men’s health and cancer research,” says Kate Torney, CEO of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
“Support like Sam’s is integral to helping Peter Mac researchers to continue to make exciting new breakthroughs - breakthroughs which will improve health outcomes for all people affected by cancer.
“Thank you to Sam, the AFL, the Jim Stynes Foundation, and everyone who “Did it for Doc”, we are so grateful for your support.”
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recognises current AFL and AFLW players who demonstrate a commitment to the community and helping others.
It is supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, which perpetuates the work of the late Melbourne great Jim Stynes.
From this Award, Sam handed $30,000 to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation with the remaining $10,000 going to MacKillop Family Services’ “Paws4Kids” initiative.
“The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award has become the pinnacle of recognition for philanthropic achievements in our AFL community,” says AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
“It’s wonderful Sam was able to meet with representatives from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and MacKillop Family Services to officially present his donation.”
Award recipients also include Geelong Cats’ Joel Selwood (2022), Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak (2021), Richmond’s Bachar Houli (2020).
