When we think of cancer research, we often imagine scientists in labs searching for new treatments. But there's another side to cancer research that's just as important - supportive care research.
This kind of research focuses on helping people live well during and after cancer treatment is completed.
Professor Kate White from the Daffodil Centre* explains, "it's about making sure the person and their family get the right care - not just for their disease, but for their whole life."
Working with people affected by cancer, the team looks at how to reduce the impact of treatment side effects, provide emotional support, and help people deal with the financial and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. In addition, supportive care develops different approaches to delivering cancer care that reduce the burden of travel, and associated costs. Critical to reducing the impact of cancer diagnosis is anticipating and intervening promptly to address the concerns of the person and their family.
Cancer affects more than just the body
Cancer isn't just a physical disease. It can take a toll on emotional health too. People going through treatment may feel stressed, anxious, or experience feelings of depression.
Professor White says, "many people struggle with the emotional impact of cancer. The fear of the unknown, the changes to their daily lives, and the worry about what comes next can be overwhelming."
Supportive care research helps find better ways to support people emotionally. Some key areas include:
- Reducing treatment side effects: Finding ways to prevent lessen side effects such as nausea, pain, fatigue, and hair loss.
- Helping people cope with stress: Offering emotional health support, like counselling.
- Survivorship care: Supporting people after treatment ends, so they can return to a healthy life.
Cancer can also bring financial stress
Cancer can cost more than just time and energy - it can bring financial struggles too. Many people have to take time off work, travel long distances for treatment, or pay for extra care at home.
Professor White says, "a lot of people don't expect the financial burden of cancer. Some lose income, while others face big out-of-pocket costs for medication or transport."
"The last thing someone should have to worry about when going through cancer is how they will afford to get to treatment," she adds.
That's why doctors and other health care providers are required by law, to talk about the likely fees (called out-of-pocket costs) as a result of treatment. This is called informed financial consent.
According to Cancer Council NSW research, 1 in 5 people affected by cancer in regional and rural NSW skip appointments because of the huge out of pocket costs involved with traveling to treatment in urban areas.
Research like this makes sure that support reaches those who need it most.
Palliative care isn't just for the end of life
A common misunderstanding is that palliative care is only for people nearing the end of life. But in reality, it can help at any stage of cancer.
"Palliative care is about improving quality of life", says Professor White. "It's not about giving up - it's about making sure people get the right support for their symptoms, their emotions, and their day-to-day lives."
This kind of care can help with pain, nausea, and fatigue.
It also provides emotional and psychological support for both patients and their families. Importantly, it helps people make informed choices about their treatment and long-term care options.
Why supportive care research matters
While we all hope for a future without cancer, almost 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. They need more than just medicine - they need support, care, and guidance to help them live as well as possible.
Professor White and her team at the Daffodil Centre* are working to make sure patients get the right support at every stage - from diagnosis to survivorship.
"Cancer affects every part of a person's life, not just their body. That's why supportive care research is just as important as treatment research," says Professor White.
By funding and supporting this type of research, we can ensure that no one faces cancer alone - and that every person gets the care they deserve.
Because it's all of us against cancer.
*The Daffodil Centre is a joint venture between Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney
If you, or someone you know is living with cancer call us on 13 11 20.
