As survival rates continue to rise in Australia, UNSW Sydney and Cancer Council NSW are leading research efforts to improve quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer.
The Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship (ARCCS), a new partnership between UNSW and Cancer Council NSW , was officially launched today. It is the first research facility in the world dedicated solely to understanding and improving life after a cancer diagnosis.
Australia has become a global leader in cancer survival , with more than 1.6 million Australians living with or beyond cancer. Survival rates continue to rise with major advances in research, prevention, early detection and treatment. Yet many survivors face long-term physical, psychological, financial and social challenges arising from their treatment.
The ARCCS will lead world-class research to improve outcomes for survivors - informing practice, services and policy across Australia - and ultimately helping people to not just survive after cancer but thrive. The $40 million partnership brings together research expertise and community connection to support the health and prosperity of all survivors, irrespective of stage or type of cancer, with an approach that focuses on the person, not the disease.
Innovating models of post-cancer support
Led by international cancer expert Professor Bogda Koczwara AM, the Centre will advance research into health systems where surviving cancer means living well after cancer treatment. It will support survivors and their communities to adapt, recover and flourish, ensuring no one is left behind due to lack of access, resources or stigma.
"Thanks to better diagnosis and new treatments, for many, cancer is not the death sentence it once was, and there is so much hope for a life after cancer," Prof. Koczwara said.
"This centre is for those affected by cancer and it is here because we understand that cancer survivorship comes at a price. It can lead to physical, psychological, emotional and financial problems. We must create a world where every cancer survivor is supported through the delivery of personalised care."
A key focus will be partnering with consumers, primary care and industry to design, test and implement new models of survivorship support. The Centre will also prioritise addressing inequities in regional and rural communities by moving beyond a cancer-in-isolation approach and instead understanding survivorship in the context of a person's health, life circumstances and complex needs.
UNSW Professor Phoebe Phillips AM, who survived cancer herself and cared for her late husband, Associate Professor Joshua McCaroll, reflected on the need for a holistic approach to cancer treatment and better acknowledgment for the role of carers.
"We have focused so much on killing the cancer that we've stopped caring for the person," Prof. Phillips said. "Often you're just put into a pipeline for efficiency when you go in for treatment. And one question, 'How do you feel today?', can make a huge difference."
A partnership to lead change
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the new Centre, which is inside the UNSW Health Translation Hub , represented a significant milestone for cancer research and care in Australia.
"The establishment of the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship marks a globally unique approach and is a major step forward for the millions of Australians whose lives are touched by cancer," Prof. Brungs said.
"UNSW is proud to host this world-first facility, elevating the voices and needs of cancer survivors to drive evidence-based solutions that improve quality of life long after treatment ends. This is research with profound human impact, and it reflects our commitment to delivering progress for all."
Cancer Council NSW CEO Professor Sarah Hosking said the partnership was a testament to the progress made in improving survivorship rates and demonstrated commitment to drive life-changing solutions for those living beyond a cancer diagnosis.
"We have made extraordinary progress in our work to tackle cancer to date, and thanks to incredible advancements, more people are surviving cancer than ever before," Prof. Hosking said.
"Through our existing work to support those living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, we have identified a distinct need for research tailored to people navigating this 'new normal', to enhance quality of life. We want people to not just survive but thrive, with and beyond cancer.
"The launch of the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, under the leadership of Professor Bogda Koczwara, is a vital step for Cancer Council NSW as we work to ensure better support, better care and ultimately better quality of life for cancer survivors, through an evidence-based approach and world-class researchers."
This centre is for those affected by cancer and it is here because we understand that cancer survivorship comes at a price.
