In the battle against cancer, the challenges continue long after treatment ends. Professor Raymond Chan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Flinders University, has dedicated his career to improving care for cancer survivors. With a background in cancer nursing, survivorship, and palliative care, his research focuses on health systems and professional responses to the needs of those affected by cancer in the post-treatment phase.
The Hidden Toll of Cancer Treatment
As survival rates climb above 70 percent, aggressive treatments often leave patients with lingering problems. Professor Chan highlights that people cured of cancer may die from heart disease caused by treatment. Other issues include sexual dysfunction, memory loss, neuropathy, pain, fatigue, mental health struggles, depression, and financial difficulties.
For example, one young woman was seeing 13 different specialists for her post-treatment complications. Professor Chan’s work aims to manage these challenges holistically.
Empowering GPs and Patients
“We need to educate GPs on handling these issues and empower patients,” Professor Chan says. “We need drug options and social system solutions to improve quality of life and ultimately save lives.” His research seeks to give people confidence and tools across the healthcare sector, fostering partnerships between specialists and GPs.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
Leading a team of 40 at Flinders University, Professor Chan collaborates with experts from various fields. “There is no health problem that will require just one discipline in the future,” he explains. Together, they drive policies and guidelines to help the world adopt best practices in cancer care, delivering changes for survivors in Australia and globally.
