A new research centre focused on improving the care and wellbeing of cancer survivors through evidence-based interventions will be established as part of a 10-year partnership between UNSW Sydney and Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW).
The Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship will inform practice, services and policy in the survivorship space across NSW and act as a model for other Australian states and territories, as well as internationally.
Created through a joint investment of $40 million from UNSW and CCNSW, the centre will tap into the existing expertise of two leading institutions – Cancer Council NSW, Australia’s largest cancer charity and UNSW, as well as building new capacity to drive research, education and advocacy in cancer survivorship.
Vitally, the centre will partner with consumers and industry to develop, test, implement and evaluate ambitious solutions which address critical issues for cancer survivors. A major focus of the work will be breaking down barriers to access in regional and rural settings and greater engagement with primary care.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the new centre would further advance the university’s vision to improve access to world-class healthcare for all Australians.
“UNSW has a strong track record of innovative cancer survivorship initiatives in paediatric and adult cancers. This partnership with Cancer Council NSW is very exciting, particularly as this is the first of its type focused entirely on transforming the lives of cancer survivors,” he said.
Cancer Council NSW CEO Professor Sarah Hosking described the announcement of the new centre as a pivotal moment in the organisations’ work to tackle cancer and improve the lives of cancer survivors.
“Thanks to advances in cancer research, prevention, early detection and treatment more people than ever are surviving cancer, with 71% of people diagnosed with cancer in NSW surviving for five years or more. This means there are more cancer survivors – that’s more people living with and beyond cancer in our community who need ongoing support.”
“At Cancer Council NSW we are committed to tackling cancer, by changing its path and making sure no one walks alone. The launch of the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship is a vital step as we work to ensure better support, better care and ultimately a better quality of life for cancer survivors, through an evidence-based approach and world-class researchers.”
It’s estimated there are currently over one million people living with and beyond cancer in Australia. Many survivors have long-term health needs stemming from their treatment, including physical and psychosocial illnesses.
The impact of issues relating to cancer survivorship is growing in complexity and scale. In many cancers, rates of diagnosis are increasing. Survival rates in many cancers are improving, often dramatically.
Carolyn Heise, non-executive Director at Cancer Council NSW will reach five years cancer-free in June, after receiving a stage four terminal cancer diagnosis. Carolyn said:
“Cancer survivorship can mean many different things. There are more and more people, like me, who are living beyond a cancer diagnosis, or who are living with cancer that is a chronic condition, but not life ending. We need to explore this and better support the needs of these people, their remaining traumas or the physical ailments they are left with post-treatment.
“I have cared for hundreds of cancer patients throughout my time as an oncology nurse, however I didn’t truly understand what it means to go through cancer until I experienced it myself. With more people than ever surviving cancer, we have an opportunity to learn from them as we embark on this partnership with UNSW. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcomes, which I know will change lives for the better.”
