Canberra Women You Should Know:
Cancer support & Advocacy
Cancer affects families, workplaces, finances, futures and often exposes the gaps in the systems meant to support people when they need it most.
Robyn, Renee, Amanda and Sarah were brought together for our International Womens Day 2026 Canberra Photo Project. Each of these women represent different stages of the cancer experience - prevention, diagnosis, support, system advocacy and reform.
Collectively and individually, Robyn, Renee, Amanda and Sarah strengthen Canberra’s cancer support landscape. And reminds us that behind every policy, every diagnosis, and every statistic, there are people quietly working to change outcomes.
Read more about these women, their stories, and thoughts on International Women’s Day.
Robyn Smith
Inherited Cancers Australia
Robyn Smith is a keen advocate for preventive health and informed decision making around managing cancer risk. She had a preventative mastectomy at 39 and removed her tubes/ovaries at 43 to avoid the cancer that runs in her family.
Last year, Robyn ran topless in the City 2 Surf to help raise awareness of inherited cancers, pride for those ‘living flat’, and to seek funding for the charity where she works.
Robyn began her connection with Inherited Cancers Australia (formerly Pink Hope) as a volunteer in 2012. Inherited Cancers Australia is the first and only national charity dedicated to supporting families at risk of inherited cancers. It helps fill the gap in support, education and advocacy for those living with gene mutations related to cancer.
In addition to her day job for Inherited Cancers Australia, Robyn also advocates for women who have chosen to ‘live flat’ after mastectomy. She is also part of several research teams contributing to studies relevant to the hereditary cancer community.
Robyn says:
“My side hustle is advocating for women who have chosen to live flat after a mastectomy. Societal norms and pressure often become a barrier to people being offered the option of going flat and I want to ensure all women who are undergoing a mastectomy know they can make an informed decision that is best for them (not what other's think they should do).”
“I couldn't have done any of the advocacy work I've done without having support from other women, who give me their time and knowledge (for free). I've had doors opened for me by these women which have been pivotal in my advocacy work….I am so grateful to my 'woman network'.”
“This isn't about me or my chest, it's about the cause, it's about the 1 in 400 Australians who live with inherited cancer risk who have to make life changing decisions with little funded support beyond a genetic test.”
Amanda Morton
Courageous Ladies
Amanda Morton is the founder of Courageous Ladies, a purpose-driven passion project dedicated to empowering women and girls to be breast aware. After losing both her parents to cancer by the age of 25, Amanda turned her grief and pain into a purpose to help save lives through education and early detection.
In memory of her beloved mother, Prue, who passed away from breast cancer in 2010, Amanda launched the Courageous Breast Self-Check Hanger - a simple, waterproof, Australian-made, and environmentally friendly resource designed to help women and girls understand what normal looks and feels like for their breasts. With 100% of profits donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the hanger is more than a product - it’s a symbol of hope, awareness, and action.
Amanda’s message for IWD2026: “Be courageous and be breast aware!”
Renee Watson
Rise Above Cancer
Renee Watson brings energy, compassion, and extensive experience leading organisations that exist to improve lives. She is the CEO of Rise Above Cancer Relief for the ACT and Queanbeyan-Palerang regions – an organisation which helps patients feel safe and supported when cancer is diagnosed and provides unbiased financial support so the patient can concentrate on treatment and their wellbeing.
Born and raised in Queanbeyan, Renée has also spent 23 years in the UK, first at Oxford University helping to build the National Cancer Research Network, and then as a social entrepreneur.
Having trained as a scientist here in Canberra, Renee is excited to be back in the community where it all began, driven by her belief in dignity, equity and the power of community to effect positive change.
Renee says:
“I want people to know that people seeking support from Rise Above has doubled in the past year… People need help to cope with the everyday impacts of a cancer diagnosis and I’m determined to never have to say no to someone who needs our support.”
Sarah McGoram
Patient Voice Initiative
Sarah McGoram is the President of the Patient Voice Initiative (PVI), an organisation that works to ensure patients are seen, heard and valued in decision-making, especially in health technology assessment.
Her days are a mix of paid and unpaid work, powered by a strong desire for a fairer healthcare system. She advocates for patients so their voice is seen, heard and valued, with a extra special focus on rare cancer patients who are often overlooked.
For Sarah, decisions about funding and timeframes are not theoretical, they land in real lives, real families and real futures.
Sarah says:
“At the heart of it all, my work is simple: making sure people living with illness do not feel invisible inside the system meant to care for them.”
“Turns out you never become visible on your own - someone always shines a light first.”
“If I had one message this International Women’s Day it would be this lift each other up. Cheer loudly for each other, share the contacts list, open the door and hold it wide. We all grow when we choose generosity over comparison.”