From June 22nd – 25th ANZCHOG hosted their Annual Scientific Meeting in sunny Cairns, highlighting important research in the improvements of the cure, treatment and care of Australian and New Zealand children with cancer. The conference was well attended by healthcare professionals, with talks and posters from oncologists, nursing, psychosocial and allied health professionals, with a parents’ day held on Friday 24th June.
The Behavioural Sciences Unit was represented by seven team members, with talks and posters highlighting our current research in the fields of survivorship, e-mental health, education, response rates and the psychosocial aspects of treatment and follow-up care.
A/Prof Claire Wakefield: E-health interventions, genetic testing and response rates in psycho-oncology research.
The Behavioural Sciences Unit was represented by seven team members, with talks and posters highlighting our current research in the fields of survivorship, e-mental health, education, response rates and the psychosocial aspects of treatment and follow-up care.
A/Prof Claire Wakefield: E-health interventions, genetic testing and response rates in psycho-oncology research.
| To kick off the BSU’s involvement at this year’s ANZCHOG ASM, A/Prof Wakefield presented at the psycho-oncology group meeting, discussing the advantages and pitfalls of delivering online e-health interventions for AYA cancer survivors (Recapture Life) and parents of cancer survivors (Cascade). A/Prof Wakefield also presented a psychosocial perspective regarding genetic testing for late effects of childhood cancer, describing survivors’ and parents’ positive interest in genetic testing for risk of developing late effects. A/Prof Wakefield presented a poster outlining the exciting conclusions from a literature review identifying factors that influence participant response rates in quality of life and psycho-oncology research. |  |
Dr Joanna Fardell: Long-term survivorship needs and psychosocial outcomes for bereaved parents
Dr Joanna Fardell delivered two presentations, winning ANZCHOG’s best presentation prize for her first talk on long-term childhood cancer survivors’ and parents’ information needs, highlighting unmet needs for medical information. Dr Fardell also presented on the impact of enrolling children in early phase clinical trials on the long term emotional-wellbeing and quality of life of bereaved parents.
Dr Richard Mitchell: haematopoietic stem cell transplant and recruitment in early phase clinical trials
| Dr Richard Mitchell gave a talk on improving outcomes for paediatric patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplants. Dr Mitchell also presented a poster reporting on healthcare professionals’ perspectives regarding recruitment for paediatric early phase clinical trials. |  |
PhD Candidate Eden Robertson: AYA health literacy and Delta study
 | Ms Eden Robertson gave a 3-minute rapid fire poster presentation about health literacy in AYAs, highlighting that although AYAs rate their health literacy as high, they are not critically analysing health information. Ms Robertson also presented a poster outlining the Delta Study, which aims to develop and pilot a decision aid to guide parents and young people when deciding whether to enrol in a clinical trial. |
PhD Candidate Alistair Lum: Educational support for students with cancer
| Mr Alistair Lum presented a poster that highlighted the importance of teacher support on engagement with school, quality of school life, and general distress of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. |  |
Research Officer Mary Burns: End of Life communication
Research officer Ms Mary Burns presented on healthcare professionals’ evaluation of the Voicing My CHOiCES™ advanced care planning tool for Australian adolescents and young adults with cancer, including perspectives and recommendations regarding implementation.
The Behavioural Sciences Unit is Proudly Supported by the Kids with Cancer Foundation.
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