‘I lost my sense of self and purpose’: How we can change cancer treatment and care

When Monique was finally declared cancer-free, she thought her life would return to normal – the reality was very different. Now, new research and innovations are changing how we diagnose, treat and support patients from the start of their cancer journey and beyond.

Cancer is more than just a disease — it’s a life-altering experience that affects millions worldwide. 

At 37, Monique Bareham discovered a lump on her breast. She had no family history of breast cancer, but instinct urged her to seek medical attention. In just a few days, she underwent a mammogram, biopsy, and received a diagnosis. That moment put her on what she calls the ‘cancer train’ —a relentless series of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. 

Though eventually declared cancer-free, Monique’s struggle was far from over. She had expected a few months of recovery before returning to her management role and had plans to start a family, but the reality was very different. The lingering effects— fatigue, cognitive challenges, and lymphoedema, a chronic condition causing swelling—made normal life impossible. 

She faced financial strain and the realisation that returning to work was not likely.  

“I lost my sense of self and purpose,” she explains. She felt stranded, struggling with the psychological and physical aftermath of cancer.   

Monique eventually learned about cancer survivorship, an emerging field recognising the unique needs of those recovering from treatment.

Survivors often lack access to: 

• Ongoing treatment for post-cancer conditions. 

• Financial and employment guidance to ease the transition back to work. 

• Psychological care to address the emotional toll of cancer.    

Monique is now an advocate for cancer survivorship, working to ensure that future patients receive better support. 

Making healthcare more accessible  

Thirty-one per cent of South Australians ranked access to quality healthcare and community care as their main concern in the Flinders Wicked Problems Report.  

Navigating the healthcare system is daunting, especially for cancer patients.  

Research into cancer patient navigators —trained professionals who guide patients through diagnosis and treatment—is proving transformative. A global study by Flinders University found that navigation programmes increase screening rates and reduce wait times, improving outcomes.  

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research at Flinders University, Professor Raymond Chan, is a leading expert in cancer care and heads up a large team of researchers focused on cancer survivorship in the Flinders Caring Futures Institute. He emphasises that patient navigation is especially crucial for First Nations and culturally diverse communities, where systemic barriers contribute to worse cancer outcomes.

Cutting-edge cancer research   

The Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) brings together world-leading, innovative and inspiring cancer researchers working on more effective treatments, earlier detection and prevention. 

Husband and wife team, Professor Simon Conn and Dr Vanessa Conn, have pioneered research into the roles circular RNAs (circRNAs) play in how cancers start and grow. Focusing on childhood brain cancer, which has the poorest survival of any cancer, this team investigates how these genetic molecules, similar to DNA, function at every stage of the cancer journey. This research has opened the door for them to develop entirely novel therapies targeting circular RNAs to boost cancer survival. 

Additionally, Associate Professor Erin Symonds and a team of researchers are working to boost participation in at-home bowel cancer screening. These tests could reduce bowel cancer deaths by 15-25 per cent, yet only 41 per cent of eligible individuals currently use them. Increasing education and accessibility can drive early detection and save lives. 

Innovation in cancer treatment  

Beyond detection, new cancer therapies are showing great promise. 

Flinders’ Dr Claire Jessup, and her team, are developing treatments for ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynaecological cancer, which often goes undiagnosed until the late stages. By analysing ovarian cancer tissue and testing new therapies, her team hopes to improve survival rates.  

Flinders Professor Luke Selth is focused on prostate cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men. His research highlights the importance of collaboration, uniting experts across different fields to accelerate the development of new treatments.

Meanwhile, Flinders Professor Robyn Meech’s research explores tumour progression and treatment resistance across cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Her work identifies new drug targets aimed at improving patient responses to existing therapies.  

Cancer research isn’t just about finding cures—it’s about transforming lives. From digital health solutions to clinical trials, researchers worldwide are revolutionising cancer care, making it more effective, accessible, and patient-centred. 

Through innovative treatments, patient advocacy, and scientific breakthroughs, a cancer-free future isn’t just a dream—it’s a goal worth fighting for.  

At Flinders University, we are dedicated to finding solutions to complex challenges with research that matters. In a groundbreaking initiative, we asked 30,000 Australians from across the nation to voice the problems that matter to them the most in their local communities, resulting in The Flinders Wicked Problems Report. Read more here.