'For people affected by cancer, emotional distress can be as overwhelming as the diagnosis and treatment, and we are committed to doing something about it.'

Our CEO Professor Jeff Dunn (above) has embarked on a global campaign to have distress listed as the sixth vital sign in medicine, alongside pulse, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate and pain.

On the advent of Cancer Council Queensland’s 50th Anniversary, Prof Dunn says the campaign could transform the experience of cancer treatment for the significant number of patients who experience distress.

“More than 30 per cent of cancer patients experience ongoing psychological challenges, such as anxiety and distress, as a result of their illness.

“We must address the psychosocial needs of people diagnosed with cancer to ensure their total wellbeing,’’ he says. “It’s a tremendously important issue.’’ Prof Dunn, a behavioural scientist, said listing distress as the sixth vital sign would require doctors to assess and manage each patient’s psychological state.

“Cancer patients who experience symptoms of distress should be immediately referred to the Cancer Council Helpline to access specialised support.

“If you provide appropriate support, such as referral to our Cancer Counselling Service, we can improve the patient’s quality of life.

“Easing distress improves the patient’s ability to cope, reduces levels of anxiety, and enables greater compliance with treatment.

“If we can achieve global recognition of distress as the sixth vital sign over the next five years, it will be a major breakthrough in supportive care for cancer patients around the world, requiring health professionals to look after the whole person, not just the physical symptoms of illness.’’

Prof Dunn has so far achieved support for the move from cancer organisations worldwide, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, and the Union for International Cancer Control.

“Our current priority is to engage the World Health Organisation in supporting the initiative, a challenge I’ve been asked to guide as a board member of the International Psycho-Oncology Society.

“WHO support will be critical to achieve widespread acceptance that cancer-related psychological distress must be routinely assessed and managed.”