Shifting Gears: Rethinking Survivorship

4^th Victorian Cancer Survivorship Conference

How can our health systems adapt to better meet the needs of the growing community of people living with and beyond cancer? What are the recent advances in cancer survivorship research and care? What are the changes to practice and new models of care resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic?

These questions will be considered at the 4^th Victorian Cancer Survivorship Conference, Shifting Gears: Rethinking Survivorship to be presented by the VCCC Alliance and the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC) on 24-25 March 2022 in Melbourne.

Convenor Professor Michael Jefford is the Director of the ACSC and chair of several national and international survivorship groups.  

Dr Jefford said the ACSC, a department of Peter Mac, works with a broad range of stakeholders including clinicians, survivors, government and non-government organisations, focused on the goal of improved outcomes for cancer survivors and carers.

“ACSC provides information and support for survivors, education and training for health professionals. We support new models of care and survivorship research, and provide leadership and guidance.

“With our research and clinical partners from across the alliance, we are looking forward to presenting a multidisciplinary program highlighting new developments in the field.

“As well as adult cancers, we are looking forward to presenting the latest survivorship developments in childhood, adolescent and young adult cancers. Delegates can expect a varied program with a broad range of topics, a debate and panel discussions.”

In a video produced for the ACSC, conference organising committee member and consumer advocate, Meg Rynderman shares why research and the exploration of cancer survivorship is so important.

International and national speakers 

Keynote speakers confirmed for the conference are:

Professor Smita Bhatia
Director, Institute of Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship at The University of Alabama, USA

Professor Christoffer Johansen
Professor of Cancer Late Effect Research at Region Rigshospitalet, affiliated with Late Effect Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Center for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Denmark 

Professor Ray Chan
Director and Professor of Cancer Nursing, Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

Professor Linda Denehy
Head of Melbourne School of Health Sciences, Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne and Head of Allied Health Research at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Submit an abstract

Abstract submissions are open until 19 November 2021.

Some suggested topics of interest include:

• Emerging groups such as people treated with immunotherapy or targeted treatments
• Transitions of survivorship care
• Novel models of survivorship care, including supported self-management.

Secure your place

Registrations are now open for the 4^th Victorian Cancer Survivorship Conference which will be a hybrid event with an opportunity for Australian participants to network in Melbourne.

A large audience of international, national and regional professionals and consumers are expected to join online.

Read more and register for the 4^th Victorian Cancer Survivorship Conference.

^{Image: Delegates at the 3rd Victorian Cancer Survivorship Conference}