SYDNEY, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Australians say they want significantly more investment poured into finding better treatments, preventions and cures for cancer and heart disease.
Research Australia's annual public opinion poll, this year conducted by Crosby Textor, shows cancer is the single major disease striking fear into the hearts of Australians.
Two in three -- 64 percent -- of those polled said they want a significant increase in funding for cancer research, compared with one in four -- 23 percent -- who want additional resources for heart disease research.
Australians also want more action on solving other health issues. Research Australia said 18 percent of Australians want more diabetes research, 11 percent more import places on obesity research and 14 percent want increased research into mental health.
Research Australia CEO Christine Bennett said the survey indicates most people want the government to consider tax incentives to drive the growth of research and development at industry level, similar to the approach taken by other nations such as Singapore, Japan, Ireland and the countries of the European Union.
