A life of courage, love and legacy
Carmen Duncan was no stranger to the word "cancer." By the time she was diagnosed with vaginal cancer in 2018, she had already faced and overcome breast, bowel, and thyroid cancers. Each time, she met the challenge with quiet determination and grace. But this new diagnosis was unlike anything before, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that brought a far more uncertain future.
Carmen was no stranger to health battles. She had already overcome enormous challenges and survived when many others might not have. But this time, her body had reached its limit. On 3 February 2019, Carmen passed away, surrounded by the people who loved her most.
Carmen’s life was rich with purpose. She was a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend. For over five decades, she lit up stages and screens in both Australia and the United States. From her AFI-nominated performance in Harlequin to her Emmy-nominated role on the US soap Another World, she brought strength and intelligence to every role. But her proudest role was always as Mum and “Grandma Carmie” to her three grandchildren.
Even in illness, Carmen never stopped giving. After returning to Australia in the early 2000s, she became a tireless advocate for women’s health. She dedicated much of her later life to supporting gynaecological cancer causes, helping to raise nearly $2 million to improve awareness, fund research, and advocate for women facing these often-overlooked diseases.
Her younger sister Paula, herself a familiar face on Australian television, was by Carmen’s side every step of the way. The two shared not only careers in the arts but a deep, lifelong bond. Paula remembers Carmen as fiercely devoted to her family and to the wellbeing of others.
After Carmen’s passing, Paula was determined to continue the fight in her sister’s name. She joined WomenCan and ANZGOG, helping to raise funds for critical research. Together with her business partner Fran, and through community-led Venus Events, Paula has helped raise close to $200,000 for gynaecological cancer research
Every year, around 6,800 Australian women are diagnosed with one of seven types of gynaecological cancer. Many, like Carmen, are busy caring for others and don’t expect the diagnosis that changes everything. Vaginal cancer, the disease that took Carmen’s life, affects just 1% of women – but rare doesn’t mean less important.
Carmen’s legacy lives on in her family, in her sister Paula’s advocacy, and in every woman who receives better care because of the research she helped champion.
By supporting WomenCan, you help fund ANZGOG’s world-leading research and honour the life of women like Carmen – women who faced their hardest battles not just with courage, but with deep love for others.
Your donation today can help give more women a better chance. Together, we can continue Carmen’s legacy of strength and hope.
