Survivorship

Improved early detection and treatment of our most prevalent cancers has resulted in Australia having some of the highest cancer survival rates in the world, and along with this, a growing number of cancer survivors. However, this increased survival is also associated with the presence and persistence of treatment-related side-effects, as well as increased risk for cancer recurrence and for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and functional decline.

A strong evidence base attests to the ability of regular physical activity, a healthy diet and weight control to reduce both the short- and longer-term adverse effects of cancer treatment.  However, lifestyle interventions are not incorporated into routine cancer care.

Our survivorship research aims to evaluate the integration of evidence-based, broad-reach lifestyle interventions for cancer survivors, in particular for gynaecological and breast cancers.

Survivorship Projects

The ECHO-R Trial
The ECHO-R trial is a Phase II trial evaluating the feasibility, safety and efficacy of an individually tailored exercise intervention during chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.
Exercise and lymphoedema
The objective of this work was to improve our understanding of the safety and benefits of exercise for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema.
Regional and rural breast cancer study
This study was developed to investigate the physical limitations faced by breast cancer survivors living in regional and rural areas of Queensland, as well as the emotional and social impacts on everyday lives.
Exercise for Health
The Exercise for health study was a randomised controlled trial addressing how exercise interventions can be delivered in ‘real-world’ contexts, with the greatest possible population reach, and in a manner that assists women to become appropriately active during breast cancer treatment and into longer-term survivorship.
The ECHO Trial
Identify whether incorporation of an exercise program into the current standard of care for women undergoing chemotherapy for primary ovarian cancer is an effective and cost effective way to improve medium and longer term health outcomes.
Improving the Treatment for Women With Early Stage Cancer of the Uterus (feMMe)
This study will assess a new approach to the treatment of endometrial cancer to spare women of having to undergo major surgery, that may be unwarranted.
Healthy Living after Cancer
It is now time for researchers to work with cancer program and policy partners to translate the evidence for lifestyle interventions in cancer survivors into practice.
The Pulling Through Study
This study was designed to advance our understanding of the physical and psychosocial recovery experienced by Australian breast cancer survivors.
S.A.F.E
The S.A.F.E study seeks to learn more about whether exercise is safe, feasible and beneficial for the 50% of women who are diagnosed with stage II+ breast cancer and, the majority of whom currently do not meet recommended weekly physical activity levels.
Healthy Mobile Check-Ins
Using mobile locative media to map opportunities for lifestyle change in survivors of endometrial cancer
The TEACUP study
Telephone Follow-up after treatment for endometrial cancer
Pathways to health
A web-delivered physical activity program to assist women surviving breast cancer meet their activity goals
The LEGS trial
Results from the work will singificantly advance our understanding of the measurement, incidence and aetiology of lymphoedema following gynaecological cancer.
The Pulling Through Study - Follow-up
This study was designed to advance our understanding of the physical and psychosocial recovery experienced by Australian breast cancer survivors.

Patient Education Projects

Information is important to people newly diagnosed with cancer to assist them to make treatment decisions, and also to help them to cope with their illness. The following ihop research has been conducted to try to improve information delivery for these patients and their families.

Brain tumour research
Three research projects have been conducted to try to improve information delivery for these patients and their families.