MEDIA RELEASE
New Australian Research to Help Young Cancer Survivors
Thrive Beyond Treatment
This novel research will not only benefit young Australians, it could also have a global impact on the way cancer survivors receive care
Friday 28 February 2025: Australian researchers at the Prince of Wales Hospital are launching a groundbreaking two-year study to better understand the psychological and cognitive needs of young cancer survivors aged 15-25. The study will provide critical insights into how survivors can successfully navigate life post-cancer treatment, reducing the risk of mental health issues and ensuring they thrive, not just survive.
The Challenge
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors face significant challenges, especially in terms of their mental health and cognitive abilities. Studies show that these issues often peak after cancer treatment, at a time when young people are expected to return to school, work and their social lives.1 Survivors’ reintegration into ‘normal life’ can be daunting, especially after confronting their mortality and having spent extended periods of time removed from everyday routines.
Currently, there is little research to identify which AYAs are most at-risk for psychological and cognitive impacts of cancer, and almost no data has examined this longitudinally. Without appropriate intervention, psychological distress can persist at clinically significant levels for years and even decades after treatment.
Associate Professor Ursula Sansom-Daly at UNSW Sydney, Clinical Psychologist at the Sydney Youth Cancer Service and leader of the study, explains:
“Cancer survivorship isn’t just about reaching the end of treatment, it’s about the beginning of life after cancer. The journey is different for every individual, with long-term effects often carried over from treatment. We want to ensure that these young survivors not only live but thrive.”
Data shows that many AYA cancer survivors struggle with ongoing psychological distress. In fact, 25% of survivors report clinically significant mental health issues1. Cognitive impairments – such as memory and concentration problems – are reported by 18-53% of survivors. 2 These challenges can have lasting effects on a young person’s ability to study, work and engage socially, which directly impacts their long-term mental health and economic productivity.
The economic toll of failing to support these young survivors is significant, costing Australia an estimated $508 million annually in lost productivity, largely due to workforce absence and premature death. 3
The Study’s Goal
This research, supported by a $242,000 grant from the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, fills a critical gap by developing a needs-based care model to identify and support at-risk survivors. The goal is to ensure that young people receive the right support at the right time.
“Our research will not only benefit young Australians, it could also have a global impact on the way we care for cancer survivors,” says Associate Professor Sansom-Daly. “By partnering with survivors, we will create a model that allows for timely access to the support they need, tailored to their individual experiences.”
Dr. Joanna Fardell, Senior Research Fellow at UNSW Sydney, Neuropsychologist at the Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service, and co-leader of the study, adds:
“Cancer treatment can cause significant cognitive challenges, especially for those with cancers affecting the brain or central nervous system. Memory and focus issues often prevent survivors from studying or working effectively, leading to a loss of confidence and further psychological distress. Our study will provide much-needed data on how to best identify and support these young survivors.”
Adry’s Cancer Survivorship Story and Call for Participants
The study is actively recruiting young cancer survivors who have recently completed treatment. Those interested in participating can contact the Sydney Youth Cancer Service at Prince of Wales Hospital for more information.
Adry was a 17-year-old cancer survivor. Now aged 29, he knows all too well the long-term impacts of going through cancer during his formative years. Adry welcomes this important research and its potential impact:
“Cancer hit me in my final year of high school, just as I was about to take my HSCs and prepare for university. I was 17 and focused on my future, but the diagnosis shattered everything. I missed weeks of school for surgery and treatment, which strained my friendships and isolated me from my family. Life felt like it was on hold while I just tried to get healthy enough to graduate.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to graduate with a degree, and I’ve reconnected with friends and family, but the long-lasting impacts remain. I still struggle with physical fatigue and concentration issues, and the mental toll of anxiety, survivor’s guilt, and even suicidal thoughts hasn’t fully gone away. Being a young male with cancer meant I kept everything inside – no one really talked about what I was going through.
“I truly believe that if I’d had the kind of support this study aims to provide – like helping me address those emotions and physical impacts as they came up – my outlook and well-being today would be very different. Programs like this don’t just treat cancer, they treat the whole person, and that’s what we really need.”
Holly Zamboni, CEO of the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, emphasises the importance of this research:
“The Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation is proud to invest in this critical study, which aligns directly with our mission to support world-class healthcare. This research demonstrates how the innovations we support lead to enhancing patient outcomes, improving treatment pathways and elevating health care for our community, locally and globally.”
For more information or to participate, contact the Sydney Youth Cancer Service at (02) 9382 5161.
ENDS
About the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation
The Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation (POWHF) has been the funding heartbeat of the Prince of Wales Hospital for over 20 years. We raise funds to advance patient care through life-saving research, medical innovation, education and wellbeing programs across various health areas, including cardiovascular health, cancer, mental health and aged care.
Issued on behalf of Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation by Bumpp
For further information or interviews, contact:
Gareth Finch
Bumpp
0407 623 963
gareth.finch@bumpp.com.au
References
- Sansom-Daly UM, Wakefield CE. Distress and adjustment among adolescents and young adults with cancer: an empirical and conceptual review. Translational Pediatrics. 2013;2(4):167-197.
- Vizer LM, Mikles SP, Piepmeier AT. Cancer-related cognitive impairment in survivors of adolescent and young adult non-central nervous system cancer: a scoping review. Psychooncology. 2022;31(8):1275-1285.Gra
- CanTeen Australia. The economic cost of cancer in adolescents and young adults. Sydney, Australia: CanTeen Australia;2017.
Key Facts:
This novel research is addressing a global need. POWHF has provided a $242,000 grant to support this groundbreaking research.
Contact details:
Gareth Finch
Bumpp
0407 623 963
