Why we’ve partnered with UNSW to establish Australia’s first research centre for cancer survivors

The Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship will co-design, evaluate and implement evidence-based interventions to improve the quality of life for people who have survived cancer.

Each year, more than 162,000 Australian’s are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advances in cancer research, prevention, early detection and treatment, more people than ever are surviving cancer. This means there are more people living with and beyond cancer in our community who need ongoing support.

The new Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, made possible by a 10-year partnership between Cancer Council NSW and UNSW Sydney, will focus on improving the care and wellbeing of cancer survivors. The new research centre will guide practice, services and policy in cancer survivorship across NSW and will serve as a model for other states and territories, as well as internationally.

A new commitment to helping cancer survivors

Created through a $40 million joint investment from UNSW and CCNSW, the centre will leverage the existing expertise of two leading institutions.

Working across every area of cancer, Cancer Council NSW is the largest cancer charity in Australia, and by teaming up with UNSW, one of the country’s top universities, we’re aiming to drive not just research but real-world impact for cancer survivors through education, advocacy and implementation of new care programs and pathways.

Together, we’ll help cancer survivors, especially those in regional and rural areas who often face barriers to accessing care.

We will partner with consumers and clinicians to create, test, and implement new solutions that address critical issues for cancer survivors, ensuring that the care they receive is based on the best possible evidence.

Helping through collaboration with UNSW

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, highlights that this collaboration aligns perfectly with the university’s vision to provide world-class healthcare to all Australians.

Professor Brungs says, “UNSW has a strong track record of innovative cancer survivorship initiatives in paediatric and adult cancers. This partnership with Cancer Council NSW directly aligns with our strategic goals and has the potential to transform the lives of cancer survivors.”

Seeing the transformative potential of this centre, he says, “Through this partnership, we will revolutionise the way healthcare is delivered for cancer survivors nationally.”

Professor Sarah Hosking, CEO of Cancer Council NSW, highlights that with more people surviving cancer than ever before, the need for ongoing support is crucial.

“Thanks to advances in cancer research, prevention, early detection, and treatment, more people than ever are surviving cancer. 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,” she says.

Understanding the complexities of being a cancer survivor

Being a cancer survivor isn’t just about surviving cancer; it’s about living with the long-term effects of both the cancer and its treatment.

It’s estimated that 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.

Carolyn Heise, a non-executive Director at Cancer Council NSW and a cancer survivor herself, knows this firsthand. She was diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer and is now reaching her fifth year of being cancer-free.

 “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,” Carolyn says.

She adds, “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.”

Carolyn’s experience as both a cancer patient and an oncology nurse gives her unique insight into the challenges survivors face.

She’s hopeful that the work done by the new centre will bring about real change.

“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”, says Carolyn.

Recognising a critical need for survivorship research

Professor Elgene Lim, Cancer theme lead at UNSW Medicine & Health, understands the urgent need for more research in this cancer survivorship.

“While there is increasing recognition that the needs of cancer survivors are complex, robust evidence with which to support best practice is relatively lacking. There is a critical need for research,” he says.

By improving survivorship care, the centre aims to prevent secondary cancers, catch side effects early, and improve the overall well-being of survivors and their families.

UNSW’s unique strengths in clinical sciences, big health data analysis, and its network of health providers make it the perfect place for this vital research.

This partnership between CCNSW and UNSW marks an exciting step forward in supporting the growing number of cancer survivors in Australia.

With their combined expertise and resources, they are well-positioned to make a significant difference in the lives of those who have faced cancer.