As cancer survival rates climb in Australia, a groundbreaking initiative has been unveiled at UNSW Sydney, aiming to enhance the quality of life for those living with and beyond cancer. The Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship (ARCCS), a pioneering collaboration between UNSW and Cancer Council NSW, was officially launched today, marking the world’s first research facility dedicated exclusively to understanding and improving life after a cancer diagnosis.
Australia stands as a global leader in cancer survival, with over 1.6 million Australians living with or beyond cancer. This achievement is attributed to significant advancements in research, prevention, early detection, and treatment. However, many survivors continue to grapple with long-term physical, psychological, financial, and social challenges resulting from their treatment.
Innovating Models of Post-Cancer Support
Under the leadership of international cancer expert Professor Bogda Koczwara AM, the ARCCS is set to spearhead world-class research aimed at enhancing outcomes for cancer survivors. The Centre’s mission is to inform practice, services, and policy across Australia, ultimately enabling survivors to thrive post-cancer. This $40 million partnership combines research expertise with community engagement to support the health and prosperity of all survivors, regardless of cancer stage or type, emphasizing a person-centered approach.
The Centre will focus on developing and testing new models of survivorship support in collaboration with consumers, primary care, and industry. A significant emphasis will be placed on addressing inequities in regional and rural communities by adopting a holistic view of survivorship that considers a person’s overall health, life circumstances, and complex needs.
“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.
Professor Phoebe Phillips AM, a cancer survivor and carer for her late husband, Associate Professor Joshua McCaroll, highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment that acknowledges 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 emphasized the significance of the new Centre, housed within the UNSW Health Translation Hub, as a milestone in 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 underscored the partnership as a testament to the progress made in improving survivorship rates and a commitment to developing 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.”
Implications and Future Directions
The launch of the ARCCS represents a pivotal moment in the global fight against cancer, setting a precedent for future research and care models worldwide. By focusing on survivorship, the Centre aims to transform how society perceives and supports individuals post-cancer, ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive, personalized care that addresses their unique challenges.
As the ARCCS begins its work, the hope is that its findings will not only benefit Australians but also contribute to a broader understanding of cancer survivorship across the globe. The Centre’s innovative approach promises to inspire similar initiatives internationally, paving the way for a future where surviving cancer means living well, with dignity and support.
