Over one million Australians are living with or beyond their cancer diagnosis. This is due to advances in early detection, better treatments, and the ageing of the population. Cancer survivorship care refers to the time following active cancer treatments. This may also be known as post-treatment follow-up care. While many people go on to lead normal lives, there may be mixed emotions and worry about the future. For some it’s not always an easy transition and cancer can have a lasting impact including:
- ongoing side effects of treatment
- fear of cancer coming back
- other physical, emotional, financial and social concerns.
The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre recognise ‘cancer survivors’ as people who have been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis throughout their life. Cancer can also have a lasting impact on survivors’ family members, friends and caregivers.
Cancer care has traditionally focused on diagnosis and treatment. However, research shows it is just as important to focus on helping cancer survivors cope with life beyond their acute treatment. Cancer survivors may experience different issues compared to people having active treatment for cancer. It is important that survivors understand what to expect and are provided with the right information and support at the right time.
Quality cancer survivorship care should involve:
- monitoring to detect cancer coming back and new cancers
- support and monitoring for physical, emotional, social and practical effects of cancer and cancer treatment
- management of any other health conditions
- supporting and promoting wellness and healthy lifestyle
- coordinated care between all health professionals involved
About the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre
The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre is a passionate, multidisciplinary team with a vision to improve the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors and their carers. We work with cancer survivors, health professionals, community organisations, and policy makers. The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre does not offer clinical services. Instead, we work with healthcare providers to ensure that survivors receive the best possible care. We provide:
- information and support to survivors and carers
- education and training for health professionals
- and cancer survivorship leadership and guidance
While we are based at Peter Mac and our primary focus is on Victoria, we also engage and contribute on a national and international level.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre’s resources, events, education and work, we invite you to explore the links below:
- Information for survivors and carers
- Information for health professionals
- Common survivorship issues directory
Prof Michael Jefford, Celebrating 10 years of the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (2010-2020)
Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre Director, Prof Michael Jefford, shares about the ACSC, what we do and our team, in the following video.
Supporters
The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre would like to thank our supporters, collaborators, staff, volunteers and broader networks for all that you do to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.
The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Victorian Government proudly support the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre.
