Surviving cancer; moving forward
Tracks
2
| Sunday, August 4, 2024 |
| 9:50 AM - 10:30 AM |
| C2.2 + C2.3 |
Details
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death internationally, accounting for 10 million deaths in 2020. Cancer will cost the global economy over $25 trillion between 2020 and 2050. Cancer survival rates vary significantly, depending on the type and presentation of cancer. Despite the harrowing statistics, early detection, screening, and better treatments can facilitate a positive prognosis.
Individuals living with cancer or cancer survivors often need to return to a very “new” normal. Survivors may experience a range of health-related complications including endocrine disorders, anaemia, infertility, cardiovascular disorders and hormonal changes. In addition to this, cancer survivors can experience social and emotional challenges during and after cancer treatment including grief, anxiety, depression, loneliness and guilt.
During this session we will discuss the holistic health and wellbeing of people living with and beyond cancer. We will discuss strategies pharmacists can use to reduce and manage the effects of treatment on patients and to sustain recovery.
Learning objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Recognise the diverse challenges and needs of people living with cancer or cancer survivors.
2. Outline how pharmacists can help improve the health and wellbeing of people living with cancer.
3. Discuss tools and strategies available to promote effective management of cancer survivors to sustain recovery and integration into the community.
Competency standards: 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 3.6
Speakers
Prof Vivienne Milch
Branch Head, Clinical Policy Advice
Cancer Australia
Surviving cancer : moving forward
Biography
Professor Vivienne Milch is Medical Director and Head, Clinical Policy Advice Branch, at Cancer Australia. She provides strategic clinical policy advice and leadership to support Cancer Australia’s work to minimise the impact of cancer, address disparities, and improve the health outcomes of people affected by cancer.
Professor Milch is also medical advisor to the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care on cancer screening policy, and holds professorial appointments at the Caring Futures Institute at Flinders University and the School of Medicine at University of Notre Dame, Sydney.
Prior to joining Cancer Australia, Professor Milch was a General Practitioner and clinical researcher at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
