Join us on 27 August 2025 to amplify a message that's simple but often overlooked: Cancer can be inherited. Awareness can save lives.
#ICAD #CancerCanBeInherited #KnowYourRisk
What is Inherited Cancers Awareness Day (ICAD)
On 27th August 2025, Inherited Cancers Australia (ICA) is launching the first national Inherited Cancers Awareness Day (ICAD), a new, annual awareness campaign designed to shine a spotlight on inherited cancers and the people living with inherited cancer risk.
Despite inherited cancer risk affecting up to tens of thousands of Australians, these families remain largely invisible in public health policy, underfunded in support services, and absent from the mainstream cancer conversation.
ICAD aims to change that.
Why does inherited cancer need its own day?
Inherited cancer is the missing chapter in how we talk about cancer.
It doesn’t always begin with a diagnosis. It can affect people with or without cancer. And it doesn’t end with a diagnosis either. Inherited cancer risk ripples through families, across generations.
Yet far too often, people with a high risk of inherited cancer have no idea. Some don't realise their family history puts them at risk. Others may have no access to their family health history at all.
That’s why we need a dedicated awareness day for inherited cancers.
Because saving lives before a diagnosis deserves just as much attention.
If we can prevent cancer, why aren’t we talking about it more?
ICAD 2025 Theme: Cancer can be inherited
This year’s theme puts the focus on a simple but overlooked truth: Cancer can be inherited. Awareness can save lives.
Up to 10% of all cancers are linked to inherited gene variants. Recognising the risk of inherited cancer can change lives, not only by guiding treatment for those diagnosed, but also by helping families take action before a cancer diagnosis.
It’s a day to amplify this message to change a family’s future.
#ICAD #CancerCanBeInherited #KnowYourRisk
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Inherited cancer is common and serious. Up to 10% of all cancers are due to inherited gene variants. 16,500 Australians are diagnosed with an inherited cancer per year, 45 people per day. (Common inherited cancers include breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal and pancreatic cancers.)
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Early identification saves lives. Genetic testing and surveillance allow individuals to manage their risk, detect cancer earlier, or prevent it altogether.
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Support services are lacking. Despite growing demand, access to timely genetic counselling and testing is limited due to long waitlists, geographical inequities, eligibility gaps, and underfunded positions.
Your call to action: One post to change a family's future
On 27 August, mark Inherited Cancers Awareness Day by sharing a post that calls for visibility, understanding, and action.
Awareness starts with one post, in just 4 steps:
Step 1: Share a photo of yourself holding a handwritten sign: #CancerCanBeInherited (or with the ICAD selfie frame if you have access to one).
Step 2: Write a caption that shares your connection to the cause. You could answer:
- Why do you want others to understand #CancerCanBeInherited?
- How has awareness (yours or someone else’s) made a difference in your family?
- What do you wish more people knew about inherited cancer risk?
Step 3: Include one or more of our social media tiles in your post to amplify your message and its impact.
Step 4: Copy and paste these tags so others can find and join the campaign:
@inheritedcancersaus #ICAD #CancerCanBeInherited
Want to go beyond the post? Here's how:
- Spark conversations. Bring ICAD into your workplace, family chats or everyday conversations. Every mention helps raise awareness about inherited cancer risk.
- Wear the message. Buy ICA merch. Put your support on display. Every time you wear it or carry it, you spread awareness, and that visibility could change a life.
- If you’re a healthcare professional, share ICA resources with your patients and colleagues. (Need printed resources? Reach out to us.)
- Donate or fundraise to support ICA’s mission and help us keep showing up for families at risk.
- If you’re in a position to influence change, use your platform to call for sustainable funding of genetic care and support services.
Donate
Buy ICA Merch
Collaborate
Cancer Can Be Inherited. Know Your Risk.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. Your personal and family history can play a key role in inherited cancer risk.
- Understand your cancer risk: Learn how family history and other factors can increase your inherited cancer risk.
- Explore genetic testing: Find out what testing involves and whether it’s right for you or your family.
- Learn about cancer-related gene variants: Understand common gene variants linked to inherited cancer.
- Ways to reduce your risk: Discover evidence-based options for reducing inherited cancer risk.
- Browse our Resources Centre: Explore guides, question checklists, and useful tools to help you feel informed and prepared.
This Is What Inherited Cancer Risk Looks Like.
Real people. Real decisions. These lived experiences show what it means to face risk, protect your future, and speak up to inspire others. They bring inherited cancer risk out of the shadows, and into the mainstream conversation where it belongs.
Bruce's Story
Bec's Story
Jasmin's Story
