Conquering Rare Cancers Through Research
We’ve seen it time and again: Research breakthroughs for one cancer can lead to breakthroughs across the cancer landscape. That’s why we fund research for every type of cancer, from the common to the rare. Even so, rare cancers remain underfunded. For patients and families, this often means fewer breakthroughs and fewer treatment options. You can help change that.
What Makes a Cancer "Rare"?
While there isn’t one universal definition for what makes a specific cancer rare, researchers around the world quantify these cancers using similar approaches.
In the U.S., a cancer is typically considered rare if it’s diagnosed in fewer than 15 per 100,000 people each year, or if there are fewer than 40,000 new diagnoses annually. (By comparison, 319,750 new breast cancer diagnoses and 313,780 prostate cancer diagnoses are predicted for 2025.)
In Europe, a cancer type is widely deemed rare when it is diagnosed in fewer than six per 100,000 people each year. Besides numerical thresholds, cancers might also be considered rare when they:
Make up a specific subtype of a more common cancer (triple-negative breast cancer, for instance).
Occur in an unusual part of the body (such as the appendix).
Are diagnosed in demographics in which they are not usually found (pediatric cancers, for example).
Learn more about rare cancers here.
Meet Molly: The Picture of Resilience—and of the Power of Rare Cancer Research Breakthroughs
If anyone deserved a break (or a breakthrough), it was Molly. For two years, Molly experienced more challenges than many see in a decade, including a rare cancer diagnosis. But it’s not just the hardship she’s faced that sets Molly apart: It’s her ability to come through all of these difficulties and still emerge saying, “I’m just so excited to see what comes next.”
Behind the Breakthroughs: Dr. Marina Baretti
Behind every lifesaving treatment is a breakthrough. And behind every breakthrough is a researcher like Dr. Marina Baretti, whose Conquer Cancer-funded fibrolamellar cancer research had a direct impact on Molly’s treatment outcomes.
Rare Cancer. Real Need.
Hear from incredible individuals across the rare cancer community. Follow their unique journeys; learn from their triumphs; and witness the power of resilience, courage, and community.
Click on each tile below to learn more about their story.
Your donation supports oncology’s brightest minds in their pursuit of lifesaving research breakthroughs for every cancer, every patient, everywhere.
Rare Cancer Researchers in the Field
Rare cancers present unique challenges, from difficult diagnoses to limited research funding and treatment options. We proudly fund the world’s brightest researchers working to unlock the mysteries of rare cancers. Meet just a few of the incredible minds whose work is turning promising ideas into lifesaving realities.
Click on each tile below to read more.
Conquering Underfunded and Rare Cancers Through Research
The benefits of investing in research for underfunded and rare cancers go beyond any single type. How so? Progress in one cancer can mean progress for others. In this article, we showcase examples of innovative projects, supported by our donors, focusing on rare cancers, as described by the researchers themselves.