Since arriving at the Alliance in May, I've been struck by one thing: the power of collaboration. The stories in this newsletter – from Kristy Meiselbach's work with Aboriginal women to our cancer degree across the Pacific – all demonstrate the same truth: when we work together, we deliver fairer and stronger outcomes for everyone.
The VCCC Alliance brings together 12 member organisations. Together, we identify problems and gaps across the Victorian cancer system. We roll out solutions that work and turn research and education into practice. We're not building new structures. We're strengthening what already exists.
Kristy Meiselbach is a Gunditjmara woman and researcher improving cervical cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Through collaboration between the University of Melbourne, the Royal Women's Hospital, VACCHO and Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service, Kristy is researching cervical cancer diagnosis and follow-up care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The goal is straightforward: understand the gaps; identify what's working and build better connections.
This research is grounded in community and driven by lived experience. When we listen to the women most affected by these systems – and when we partner with the organisations that serve them, we can develop better ways of caring.
Our new Gender Strategy embodies this same principle. It recognises complexity and diversity within our cancer care system. And marks a significant step forward in ensuring fair and equitable cancer care regardless of gender.
When we embed gender considerations across research, data, clinical care, workforce development and lived experience engagement – working across our partner organisations – we're building a system that works better for everyone.
This same principle applies beyond gender. As survival rates improve, cancer survivors face profound changes in sexual function and intimacy, yet healthcare providers lack training to address these concerns. At least 40 per cent of cancer patients report concerns in this area. That's a significant gap in care.
Sexual Health and Cancer, an online course developed by the VCCC Alliance in partnership with the University of Sydney, is changing this. Through education and co-design with people living with cancer, we're upskilling the cancer workforce and ensuring that care recognises the whole person, not just the disease.
Our reach extends beyond state borders. Our Cancer Science Unit, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, has developed the Master of Cancer Sciences, an online degree that trains cancer specialists without requiring clinicians to leave their home countries. Since launching in 2019, 135 students have completed the program across the Pacific and beyond.
Dr Andrew Soma is a perfect example. He was the first oncologist in the Solomon Islands, and he completed the degree while working full-time at his national referral hospital. Many of our graduates have stayed in their communities to strengthen local health systems. This is a critical outcome in regions facing severe specialist shortages. That's what collaboration looks like across international borders. This program will receive the 2026 Social Accountability ASPIRE Award from the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) next month.
These initiatives work because they're built on genuine partnerships. Fairer, stronger cancer care isn't something any one of us can achieve alone. It's what we build together.
Professor David Ashley
Chief Executive Officer
