Rare Cancers Awareness Day 2026 

Rare cancers are more common than you think.

That’s the message we’re sharing this Rare Cancers Awareness Day on 26 June.

People with rare cancers and their doctors face extra challenges compared to those with more common cancers:

• Rare cancers commonly take longer to diagnose and are more likely to be misdiagnosed.
• Guidelines that doctors use to plan treatment will usually be based on more limited evidence or may not even exist.
• Finding a cancer specialist with experience in managing a rare cancer may be difficult or involve travelling to specialist centres far from home.
• Access to molecular testing or specific treatments may not be available or when available may not be reimbursed.
• Access to clinical trials or research programs is more likely to be limited.
• Support groups and information can be more difficult to find and access.

Advice available to cancer specialists through the ARC Portal includes:

• Expert opinion on diagnosis
• Management guidelines or best available evidence
• Genetic testing options and interpretation of test reports
• Access to research opportunities and clinical trials