24 November 2020: The University of Canberra (UC) will celebrate women’s leadership in health and support life-changing cancer recovery research at the annual UC Women’s Celebration Breakfast on Friday 27 November at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
The PACES (pre-habilitation, activity, cancer, exercise and survivorship) Research Group came together in early 2019 and partnered with Canberra Regional Cancer Hospital and ICON Cancer Centre to research cancer recovery and life after cancer for patients and their loved ones.
Dr Catherine Paterson, Clinical Chair in Nursing (acting) and Co-chair of the PACES Research Group said that the group consists of UC academics and clinicians who are passionate about conducting research in cancer care recovery.
“PACES research is embedded within a multi-disciplinary healthcare professional team to improve the physical and psychological well-being – not only for the person diagnosed with cancer, but their loved ones too,” said Dr Paterson. “PACES research is focused on three distinct areas of cancer care research: prehabilitation, physical activity and cancer thrivership across the cancer care continuum.”
One of the PACES research projects is investigating the effect of exercise among people affected by cancer during and after chemotherapy treatment. UC students undertaking courses in Allied Health are also involved in delivering individually tailored exercise interventions.
“Initially it focused on group-based exercise rehabilitation sessions provided by the UC Cancer Wellness Clinic at the ICON Cancer Centre. However, in 2020 it has evolved to include telehealth options (online sessions) and one-on-one sessions to minimise risk to participants concerned about exposure to COVID-19,” said Dr Paterson.
UC Cancer Wellness Clinic participant Kathy said the exercise program has been a ‘game changer’ for her.
“I have stage four cancer. I can’t go to the gyms now they have reopened due to COVID-19 as it is too risky,” said Kathy. “Every time I face a new obstacle, we figure it out. The PACES researchers help me exercise safely. It’s a really important program.”
The PACES’ research program will continue to develop holistic models of person-centred support to address the unmet needs experienced by people affected by cancer in our community, and gather evidence to understand the impact that exercise can have to help:
- Improve patient prognosis
- Improve mortality rates
- Decrease recurrence
- Increase treatment success rates
The Breakfast will be hosted by Ms Virginia Haussegger AM and includes a special guest address from UC health alumna Ms Suzie Hoitink who was recently appointed as a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing.
With COVID-19 restrictions in place, tickets are strictly limited. This is a COVID Safe event in line with the ACT COVID Safe Event Protocol. Tickets for the Breakfast can be purchased here.
Donations to support vital cancer recovery research in the PACES Research Group, and the courageous UC Wellness Clinic participants are welcome and can be made online here.
Learn more about the PACES research projects here.
WHAT: 2020 University of Canberra Women’s Celebration Breakfast
WHEN: Friday 27 November, 2020
WHERE: Federation Ballroom, Hyatt Hotel Canberra