Interventions to support paediatric cancer survivors and their families

Background

More than 20,000 young Australians are survivors of cancer. However, childhood cancer can affect patients and their relatives for decades after treatment. To date, there has been little research on how to meet the needs of these families.

The research

A/Prof Claire Wakefield is testing interventions that provide support and improve long term outcomes to childhood cancer survivors and their families. The goal of the program is to reduce the incidence of chronic physical and mental illness after treatment, and enhance the social wellbeing and quality of life of survivors and their relatives.

The health system and community organisations have a responsibility to meet the needs of these survivors, but also to support families in the case where a child dies from their cancer. Currently, there is a lack of research in this area and insufficient programs in place to help the people that need it most.

A/Prof Wakefield’s team has developed six separate programs that focus on meeting these needs through re-engagement with cancer follow-up, healthy lifestyle, and mental and social wellbeing. They are also establishing new Australian resources for family members, friends and health care professionals.