One in two people will be impacted by it in some way.
For Echuca's Zach McGrath, it has been a near constant for his family.
“My grandfather Doug McMillan died of lung cancer when I was two, so I never got the chance to know him,” he said.
“And through my whole life I have watched two of my uncles, Graeme and Gary McMillan, in constant battles with it. I couldn't tell you all the stories and the horrific experiences they have been through, there are simply too many.”
It's something Zach is desperate to fight against.
It's why in the month of October he is going riding, as one of close to 50 locals taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge.
“I want to do this for my pop, for my uncles, but for so many more,” he said.
“We all want to see a world where a future generation doesn't have to worry about cancer, and this is my way of trying to contribute.
“I've raised about $1300 so far. I set my goal at $1500 and I'm close. When we get to the end of the fundraising I'm going to put up the difference on my own to get to $1500, but if I can go further than that it would be amazing.”
Through Element Tennis Coaching and his new business, Zed's Dreads, the money to get to the $1500 goal has poured in, but Zach doesn't want to stop there.
The funds raised will be going to the Children's Medical Research Institute, where some of the best scientists and researchers in the world work on cancer, neurobiology, embryology and gene therapy.
Despite battling mild cerebral palsy, he is taking to the streets with an aim of riding 300km during the month.
“I haven't started my training for it, really,” he said with a laugh.
“It's not the easiest task, but it's something I am really looking forward to undertaking.”
But after the things Zach has seen, the challenge doesn't feel so daunting.
“I remember a Christmas a couple of years ago, it was like my uncle had cycled 300km that day,” he said.
“Seeing him roll out of bed, struggle to be up and walking for just a few hours, it hurts. It hurts my family to see him in that position.
“When you look at what other people around you are going through, these challenges are nothing, and you can only hope to help others with what you do.”
To donate to the cause, head to greatcyclechallenge.com.au and search for Zach.
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