Broader cancer research focus on disease

Cancer research has entered a new era, with a greater focus on the disease as whole rather than the part of the body in which it starts.

Discoveries related to one form of cancer are being applied to others, says Australian Cancer Research Foundation CEO David Brettell.

Ahead of world cancer day on February 4, he said effort was being put into discovering the basic genetic triggers of cancer.

"But some cancer types are being over-funded relative to others."

Although there was nothing inherently wrong with cancer-specific research, he said the aim was for spending on research to be refocused on the causes and possible treatments of cancer as a whole.

"There is a hell of a lot more happening now. Some of it is co-ordinated by government agencies, which is fantastic."

He said the foundation was exploring collaboration with around eight leading research-funding bodies in Australia.

"The spirit and goodwill are greater than they have ever been before."