The Lifestyle and Cancer Research Program undertakes epidemiological, psychological and behavioural research with a focus on lifestyle factors (physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol, weight management) to improve health outcomes for people affected by cancer, and the broader community.

This includes assessing lifestyle factors related to higher cancer incidence and morbidity, as well as developing and trialling innovative lifestyle interventions or support programs to reduce cancer risk, or to improve quality of life and reduce risk of cancer recurrence and chronic disease.

Current research projects

CanChange

Cancer survivors may suffer from a range of ongoing psychosocial and physical problems. The number of cancer survivors is increasing due to the ageing population, a rising incidence in some cancers, and improvements in early detection and treatment. As such, there is increasing interest in how to reduce the ongoing problems for this population to ultimately enhance their quality of life. In Australia and the developed world, colorectal cancer or bowel cancer is the most common invasive cancer for men and women and the risk of developing the disease increases with age.

While 60 per cent of patients diagnosed with bowel cancer survive the disease, many suffer from ongoing distress and have poor lifestyle factors (physical activity, nutrition, smoking, body weight) which is detrimental to: treatment adherence and self-care; physical and emotional functioning; quality of life; cancer recurrence; development of other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; and ultimately survival. As such, there is a need to develop and trial supportive care programs or interventions for colorectal cancer survivors with a focus on emotional well being and lifestyle behaviours to improve their psychosocial and physical functioning.

'CanChange' is a randomised controlled trial of a lifestyle intervention for colorectal cancer survivors. The purpose of this project is to investigate the effect of a lifestyle intervention on lifestyle factors and health outcomes for recently diagnosed colorectal cancer survivors.

Previous research has suggested that interventions to improve quality of life after colorectal cancer may be most effective if they target symptom management, psychosocial and lifestyle factors in a comprehensive and integrated approach. The CanChange intervention is delivered by highly skilled health professionals (‘health coaches’) and covers the cancer experience, symptom-management and lifestyle behaviours in an integrated program. The intervention is also telephone-delivered to increase the reach for disadvantaged groups living in rural and remote areas of Queensland.

Contact

• Anna Hawkes

More information

For more information about lifestyle and cancer research programs contact the Program Leader: A/Prof Anna Hawkes.