Melbourne to host world's largest conference on lung cancer in 2029

January 20, 2026

Melbourne is set to host the prestigious World Conference on Lung Cancer, presented by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) – the only global multidisciplinary organisation  dedicated to the study and eradication of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. As the world’s largest international gathering in this field, the conference will unite leading experts, advocates and healthcare professionals from across the globe.  

In 2029, more than 6,500 delegates from over 100 countries will converge at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to share groundbreaking research, explore innovative therapies, drive transformative progress in the fight against lung cancer, and improve patient care.  Secured by the Melbourne Convention Bureau in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and Cancer Council Victoria, the event will be supported by the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia.  

Victoria continues to lead the world in cancer survival and innovation. The Victorian Cancer Plan 2024–2028 sets an ambitious roadmap to improve outcomes, focusing on prevention, early detection, equitable care, and research excellence. Building on previous plans that achieved the goal of saving 10,000 lives by 2025, the new strategy aims to halve preventable cancers and increase survival rates through targeted screening and cutting-edge treatments. 

Melbourne is home to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia’s only public hospital dedicated to cancer treatment, research, and education, and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, a global hub for oncology innovation. Cancer Council Victoria, the state’s largest not-for-profit cancer research funder, invests over $20 million annually, contributing to a 30% improvement in survival rates for common cancers over the past three decades. 

In July 2025, the Australian Government launched the National Lung Cancer Screening Program providing free low-dose CT scans to high-risk Australians aged 50–70. Backed by a $260 million investment, the program is expected to save thousands of lives by detecting lung cancer earlier, when treatment is most effective. Victoria also delivers world-class screening for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers, with participation rates among the highest nationally. 

Hosting the World Conference on Lung Cancer in 2029 will showcase Victoria’s leadership on the global stage, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and collaboration in cancer control. This follows Melbourne’s hosting of the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in November 2025, a landmark, invitation-only event under the theme “Bridging Divides, Building Futures”. The summit united senior leaders from 86 countries, including health ministers, heads of major cancer organisations, UN agencies, research institutions, and patient advocacy groups, to set the global cancer agenda including equity in access to medicines, lung cancer strategies, women’s cancers, Indigenous health and harnessing AI and emerging technologies in cancer care. 

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos 

“This event will boost our visitor economy, filling hotels, supporting local businesses and driving jobs. It reinforces Victoria’s reputation as a leader in innovation and a premier destination for major international conferences.” 

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson    

“Melbourne is a thriving hub for medical advancements, with world-class research institutes and facilities. Hosting international medical conferences here not only drives knowledge exchange and collaboration but also delivers significant economic and social benefits to the city and the wider community.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas 

“Victoria is driving global progress in cancer research – backing our brightest minds through funding, fellowships and cutting-edge infrastructure. By supporting researchers and investing in advanced treatments, we’re breaking new ground in prevention, diagnosis and care.” 

Quotes attributable to Cancer Council Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Dorothy Keefe PSM MD 

“Hosting the World Conference on Lung Cancer in Melbourne highlights Australia’s dedication to world-class research, early detection, and equitable care. This news, after the 2025 launch of National Lung Cancer Screening Program – a key initiative of the Australian Cancer Plan – showcases our leadership in lung cancer care and sets the stage for global collaboration to bring us closer to a future where fewer people develop lung cancer and more people survive it.”

Quotes attributable to Cancer Council Victoria Chief Executive Officer Todd Harper 

“Australia has long been at the forefront of global efforts to reduce the burden of lung cancer – the leading cause of cancer-deaths worldwide. From pioneering tobacco control measures, to prioritising early detection through the recent introduction of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Hosting the World Conference on Lung Cancer in 2029 recognises Australia’s leadership in prevention, early detection, and research excellence. Bringing the world’s leading experts together here provides a powerful opportunity to accelerate progress and ultimately save more lives from lung cancer.” 

Quote attributable to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Chief Executive Officer Dr. Karen Kelly 

"A defining strength of the IASLC is our global commitment, reflected in hosting the World Conference on Lung Cancer in diverse regions around the world. The site-selection process for WCLC is rigorous, ensuring each host city can support a world-class scientific program, foster meaningful multidisciplinary collaboration, and create opportunities for our international community to connect. Melbourne not only meets these criteria but exceeds them.  Australia is a leader in tobacco control, and early detection and screening for lung cancer and is home to internationally recognized leaders and programs across the thoracic oncology continuum. We look forward to working closely with the Melbourne community to deliver an exceptional four-day conference experience.”

Quote attributable to Tourism Australia Acting General Manager Robin Mack 

"Securing the World Conference on Lung Cancer for Australia has been supported by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program. When this world-leading event takes place in Melbourne in 2029, it will not only deliver a boost to our business events sector but also facilitate crucial discussions that lead to meaningful, tangible outcomes. Since its inception, our Business Events Bid Fund has been helping to support a thriving visitor economy by building a strong pipeline of future international business events across Australia." 

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Media enquiries:      
Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau   
T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]