A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform the lives of cancer survivors in Australia, as a new research hub dedicated to post-cancer life has been established in Sydney. The Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship (ARCCS) is a joint venture between UNSW Sydney and Cancer Council NSW, funded by a substantial $40 million partnership. This center is the first of its kind globally, addressing the critical need for comprehensive support beyond cancer treatment.
With an increasing number of Australians living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis (over 1.6 million), the focus has shifted from solely treating cancer to ensuring survivors can thrive post-treatment. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, many survivors face ongoing physical, psychological, social, and financial challenges. ARCCS Director Professor Bogda Koczwara emphasizes that survivorship often comes at a cost, and the center aims to provide personalized, long-term support to help survivors adapt, recover, and flourish.
The center's approach is holistic, considering the survivor's overall health, life circumstances, and complex needs. It will collaborate with survivors, caregivers, healthcare providers, and industry to develop and implement innovative survivorship care models. UNSW Professor Phoebe Phillips, a cancer survivor and carer, advocates for a more human-centric approach in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of simple yet impactful questions like 'How do you feel today?'
UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs highlights the center's unique global model, which prioritizes survivor voices and needs, translating research into practical solutions for improved quality of life post-treatment. Cancer Council NSW CEO Professor Sarah Hosking underscores the partnership's significance, reflecting both the progress in cancer survival and the commitment to addressing the challenges that lie ahead. As the survivor population grows, ARCCS is poised to redefine the post-cancer experience, placing quality of life, dignity, and long-term well-being at the core of cancer care.
