Three innovative youth cancer research projects are now underway thanks to joint funding provided by CanTeen and the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG).
The organisations provided up to $60,000 for each 12 month project as seed funding to help inform and guide the development of future research focused on the 15 to 25 year old age group.
A young cancer patient and the parents of cancer patients, together with health professionals representing different disciplines, were part of an assessment panel that selected the successful research proposals.
“We were delighted with the high calibre of proposals received. Young Australians with cancer have unique needs and challenges, which is why we’re committed to jointly funding these innovative research projects,” said CanTeen CEO Peter Orchard.
The newly funded research includes a focus on:
- levels of psychological distress experienced by young cancer patients when having to additionally deal with fertility preservation and/or loss
Lead Investigator: Dr Antoinette Anazodo, Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncologist, Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
- a tool to help improve communication around end of life issues for young people with advanced cancer and their families
Lead Investigator: Dr Ursula Sansom-Daly, Clinical Psychologist, Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
- the nature and severity of sleep disturbance amongst young cancer patients and its impact on their quality of life and mental well-being
Lead Investigator: Dr Robert Battisti, Clinical Psychologist, Children’s Hospital at Westmead
The collaboration with ANZCHOG is part of CanTeen’s Youth Cancer Services program, which provides age appropriate treatment and care for young patients across Australia.
“ANZCHOG is so pleased to be partnering with CanTeen to enable dedicated funding for AYA research, as well as a number of other initiatives,” said Dr Chris Fraser, Chair of ANZCHOG.
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International and Australian youth cancer experts will gather in Sydney this December for the inaugural Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Congress, hosted by CanTeen. To register and view the draft program, visit www.youthcancerevent.com.au
Source: CanTeen
