From prevention to survival:
How Flinders' approach to cancer research is changing lives

Australia has the highest incidence rate of cancer globally, measured by new cancer cases per 100,000 people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are 14% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 20% less likely to survive at least five years beyond diagnosis. Every sector of our society is touched by cancer.

Advances in prevention, early detection and treatment have led to an ever-growing population living with or beyond cancer, necessitating optimal supportive care. Today, over one million Australians are living with cancer, highlighting the significant health and economic impact on society. On an individual level, cancer has wide-reaching effects on every aspect of life including substantial social and financial consequences, and there is a disparity in access to appropriate care across the community. Many individuals continue to experience profound unmet care needs and symptoms despite routine follow-up with healthcare professionals.

A different approach

At Flinders University, our cancer program brings together multidisciplinary cancer teams to tackle the entire cancer journey. From extensive research on cancer prevention and groundbreaking discoveries in detection and treatment, to the complex care needs of all people affected by cancer, including their loved ones.

We are working with government and organisations such as Cancer Australia, Cancer Council South Australia and in partnership with not-for-profits such as Flinders Foundation for more than forty years on important cancer prevention initiatives such as anti-vaping, quit smoking and reduction in alcohol programs, as well as screening programs to improve rates of early detection in areas such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. In partnership with key Indigenous stakeholders, we are also working hard to close the disparity gap trialling new, non-invasive technologies on Country to detect and monitor people at high risk of liver disease and hepatocellular cancer living in remote communities.

Cancer has substantial social and economic implications for individuals, families, the community and our health system. Flinders are leading the way in working collaboratively with those impacted by cancer to address cancer and cancer survivor needs across biomedical, care, and wellbeing domains in a diverse range of contexts. Tackling issues such as financial distress in relation to cancer treatment, the need for an easier way to navigate health systems and lifestyle factors to improve outcomes for patients. Our research has directly informed the Cancer Australia Plan and State Government Cancer Plans on Cancer Navigation.

Flinders University are leading the charge

Working with our funding partners, government, community and those with lived experience, Flinders University is at the forefront of cancer and  cancer survivorship research, bringing together some of the brightest minds from various disciplines across the university and its research institutes: the Caring Futures Institute, the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, and the Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Some other examples of our research include:

• The development of online self-directed digital mental health programs for those who have been recently diagnosed with cancer “Finding My Way”, and for cancer survivors “Healthy Living after Cancer” to help navigate the impact cancer has had on their life.
• Flinders are driving University student-led clinics at Flinders Health2GO using physical activity programs to reduce cancer-related fatigue, physical deconditioning and psychological distress while rapidly improving overall health and quality of life – both pre-during and post treatment, with patients are experiencing a 12% improvement in cancer-specific quality of life and 10% improvement in muscle strength in just 8 weeks.
• Developing and optimising non-invasive diagnostic techniques for colorectal cancer detection, improving community screening options, monitoring post-surgery cancer recurrence, and offering a personalised screening program for those at increased risk through research such as the SCOOP program focused on colorectal cancer. We are also working with Lung Foundation Australia on an important lung screening program to be rolled out in 2025 .
• The Flinders Prostate Cancer Research Group is aimed at understanding and targeting androgen receptor signalling in prostate cancer, investigating cancer cell plasticity and its role in therapy resistance, and testing the efficacy of novel drugs to improve treatment and management of patients with prostate cancer. Another study, MOSES is also examining broader efficacy of a shared-care system for survivors of prostate cancer to facilitate ongoing follow up care requirements.

Creating new knowledge about cancer and cancer survivorship has never been more important.

Join us in our mission to combat cancer and improve the quality of life for over one million Australians living with cancer. Together, we can make a difference.