Winner 2022

Integrating supportive care at the time of advanced cancer diagnosis

Yarra Oncology

We are delighted to announce that the $15,000 Servier Patient Central Award recipient for 2022 is Yarra Oncology, led by Dr Prasad Cooray. The Award will support the expansion of integrated supportive care services, at the time of an advanced cancer diagnosis, within their community cancer practice.

“We need to bring in other elements which are going to support the person going through a life changing diagnosis, which is not only treatment, but also managing their mental health and physical wellbeing. This approach will bring back ownership of this situation that they have been thrust into, which will bring renewed quality of life. This Award will enable us to make this support accessible to more people, and make this access easier” commented Dr Prasad Cooray, Medical Oncologist and founder of Yarra Oncology.

The importance of psychological support and exercise physiology when faced with an advanced cancer diagnosis is widely established, leading to improved tolerance of treatment, quality of life and overall health outcomes. The Yarra Oncology program supports the embedding of counselling and exercise physiology consultations, for every newly diagnosed advanced cancer patient, as routine care at no additional cost. This will alleviate cost barriers faced by many patients, improving access to essential supportive care as they embark on their treatment program.

“This program is so important for those with advanced cancer as this diagnosis flips life in every aspect, upside down. The priority becomes extending life, and the quality of that life is all important. Physical and emotional wellbeing are at the center of this.”
Lauren Young, Exercise Physiologist

“Not only does counselling facilitate the exploration of individual strengths and resilience, it also assists in identifying normal patterns of personal responses during a critical period and supports individual values, meaning and purpose throughout a time of fragility and threat.”
Julie Young, Counsellor

“There is enormous human potential in all of us, even in the most devastating and difficult circumstances. Sometimes, all patients need is an opportunity and support to go after their own potential. Physical and mental health represent two areas of great significance in cancer treatment, and with a program like this, patients will be empowered to realise these benefits as their own.”
Nicole Cooper, Patient Advocate

To learn more about Yarra Oncology’s program, please visit:
https://www.patientcentralhub.com.au/projects/emotional-and-physical-support-services

Or contact:
Dr Prasad Cooray
Prasad.cooray@me.com

Other shortlisted projects

We would also like to recognise our three shortlisted projects, and the impactful work they are doing to improve care and quality of life, for people living with cancer.

Each of these organisations received $5,000 to support the expansion of their initiatives.

Thank you!

Furthermore, we would like to thank each organisation who submitted a project for the Patient Central Award in 2022. We are encouraged by the depth of commitment to patient centered initiatives across Australia and look forward to working collaboratively, to ensure best possible care and health outcomes for people living with cancer. If you would like to be involved in Patient Central Hub moving forward, please email patientcentralhub.au@servier.com.