University of Newcastle Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher is leading a team of 15 researchers, which will investigate how patient-centred care improves cancer patients’ physical and psychological well-being.

This involves integrating traditional treatment methods with additional care strategies, such as providing emotional support, education and information resources.

Professor Sanson-Fisher predicts this will reduce levels of anxiety and depression among patients, and enhance their quality of life.

He said cancer patients and survivors continued to report inadequate levels of care throughout their journey and this needed to change.

“We know from previous research that patients don’t always get patient-centred care,” he said.

“There’s a gap between what’s given and what’s needed.

“Cancer patients face an uncertain future and whatever can be done to assist them should be encouraged.”

Starting next year, the research team will collate feedback from patients of all ages at six cancer treatment centres across NSW.

The team will examine all aspects of treatment, from diagnosis to end-of-life care, and advise which areas need improvement in order to provide optimal care.

Professor Sanson-Fisher, who has worked in cancer research for decades, said this would be the biggest intervention study the research team had undertaken.

“We need the collaboration of patients and health care providers, so it’s quite an ambitious study,” he said.

To give the team a boost, the Cancer Council awarded a five-year, $4.4 million grant to share between it and another Newcastle university research project.

The second project, led by Professor John Wiggers, will investigate community programs and services that could reduce modifiable cancer risk factors such as tobacco smoking, poor diet, alcohol consumption and obesity, and ensure these services are accessible.