I’ve been involved with the VCCC Alliance for more than four years. I’m a committee member on programs designed to improve awareness of clinical trials and understand how trials are monitored. Although clinical trials are the foundation for improved cancer outcomes, opportunities to participate in clinical trials are not equal in the Victorian community.
My day job is at Cancer Council Victoria as Clinical Trials Lead. I love that I get to work with people from all over the sector who are equally passionate about ensuring that people affected by cancer can take part in clinical trials safely and equitably. The bottom line is that this will help improve outcomes.
Sometimes it’s hard to explain to people that I support clinical trials but don’t work on them directly. My role is to work with government, health sector and the community to help people affected by cancer access clinical trials that may help them to live well and live longer. This includes providing access to clinical trials information and support, advocating for better access, and research investment.
The VCCC Alliance has benefited my work through strategic collaboration and conversation about how we, as a sector, can collectively support people affected by cancer to become aware of and access clinical trials. It’s really positive to see a willingness to share knowledge and resources to achieve a common goal.
I hope the work that I do with the VCCC Alliance and others in Victoria, will support more people affected by cancer to access the potential benefits of participating in clinical trials, regardless of who they are or where they live.
