Our History

The Children's Cancer Centre (CCC) has a long, world-class history of paediatric cancer research and treatment with the establishment of the Research Unit in 1965. The CCC's reputation for excellence began from the outset, with its world-first co-ordination and publication of a multi-institutional trial demonstrating the utility of chemotherapy in curing childhood leukaemia. This helped establish the basis for modern cancer care.

In 1971, the Department of Clinical Haematology and Oncology was formed and in 2003, the Children's Cancer Centre was established to provide excellence across all aspects of care for children with cancer, with emphasis on clinical care, research, and teaching.

The new Children's Cancer Centre was officially opened by:

The Hon Tony Abbott, Federal Minister for Heath,
The Hon Steve Bracks MP, The Premier of Victoria
on Tuesday 10th October 2006

Key figures

Professor Henry Ekert Paediatric Oncologist and Educator

In 1975 he was appointed Director of Haematology at the Royal Children's Hospital and in 1994 he was appointed the inaugural University of Melbourne Professor of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology.

Last Updated 21-Jul-2009. Authorised by: David Ashley. Enquiries: Mary McGowan.