Cancer Carer Hub

The Cancer Carer Hub provides evidence-based support and resources to cancer carers in Victoria to improve their health and wellbeing, and promote their recognition as an integral part of the cancer care team. We identify cost-effective and scalable strategies to ensure that people who provide a caring role for those with cancer are heard, seen and supported across the healthcare system.

Deakin’s Centre of Excellence in Carer Research Translation and Impact was established in 2023 following the announcement of a contribution of over $1.2 million of state government funding over three years. With cancer care delivered in outpatient and home settings, carers are critical to improving health outcomes and reducing health care costs across the Victorian community.

Our initial three key programs of research are:

• identify key pathways and strategies to improve health outcomes and experiences of carers and priority carer populations, including regional and rural communities, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), and LGBTIQA+ groups
• evaluate a self-guided online mindfulness program, to improve carers' wellbeing across the cancer trajectory
  
• design education programs for clinicians across health services to ensure we integrate carers and their roles into the care team, maximising person-centered care.
  

Our strategic themes reflect key areas of the Victorian Government’s Cancer Action Plan 2020–2024 and Health and Medical Strategy 2022–2032. Our research aims to:

• identify and address unmet needs, including carer burden, particularly among priority populations
• develop co-designed health platforms that overcome the digital divide for carers
  
• address the economic, health and societal impact of caring across the cancer trajectory
  
• inform the role of health services to support carers during diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care phases; and build workforce capacity to integrate carers into the care team
  
• expand the optimal care pathway to support carers and their role in the delivery of consistent, safe, high-quality, and evidence-based support.
  

The work the Hub undertakes will recognise the important role of carers and deliver research that  makes a positive impact on people's lives.

The Cancer Carer Hub brings together expertise from researchers across disciplines to create evidence-based solutions that make a positive impact.