Clinic offers multidisciplinary, patient centred support to cancer survivors. 

Stephanie Parker was forced to change her lifestyle when she was diagnosed with a rare form of uterine cancer in early 2021. 

As a self-described fitness fanatic, she had to slow down as she fought to get well again, undergoing pelvic radiation and a hysterectomy, followed by chemotherapy and several surgeries after her doctors found that the cancer had spread. 

She is now recovering and has no detectable cancer, but the experience of caring for herself while navigating her treatment was tough. 

“You have to project manage your own health when you have cancer,” she said. 

“It was really difficult, especially through COVID.” 

Fortunately, Stephanie’s survivorship path was transformed when she was referred to the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre Clinic at Concord Hospital. 

The clinic was established in 2013 to offer holistic, multidisciplinary support to cancer patients. 

There, Stephanie worked with a team of clinicians, including a dietitian, an exercise physiologist, a psychologist, a nurse and an oncologist, to develop a care plan to help improve her physical and mental wellbeing. 

“They really listened to my concerns and took a holistic approach. They were very understanding of what I’d been through.” 

Stephanie shared her experience at the clinic’s 10^th anniversary celebration at Concord Hospital. 

The event was attended by members of our District’s executive leadership team, District staff, volunteers and supporters of the clinic, survivors and their loved ones. 

In the decade since it opened its doors, the clinic has supported almost 1,000 cancer patients. 

Its model of care is multidisciplinary and research-led, setting a standard for other care centres in Australia. 

Medical oncologist Dr Janette Vardy helped to establish the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre Clinic and is its Director.  

“Our vision is to help cancer survivors live the lives they want in the best health possible after that life-changing diagnosis,” she said. 

“Our multidisciplinary team at the Survivorship Clinic has helped almost 1,000 cancer survivors to do this with an emphasis on healthy lifestyle. I would like to personally thank each member of the team for their commitment to providing high quality patient centred care.” 

Speaking at the event, our District’s Chief Executive Dr Teresa Anderson AM thanked everyone who has contributed to the clinic’s success, including many staff members who have been involved from the beginning. 

“Cancer survivorship isn’t always a straight road – there can be challenges, but I know that with your blend of expertise and empathy, survivors feel empowered to get back to themselves and the lives that they want to lead,” she said. 

For Stephanie, survivorship is about feeling fit and healthy and giving back. 

She has become a fundraiser for the Survivorship Centre and does what she can to support the team there. 

“I can’t praise them highly enough. They are very professional but with a high degree of empathy; you feel that they really care about you.”