Research Priorities Supporting Our Communities
Cancer Research
Innovative cancer therapies offering a positive way forward “I am alive today due to research and feel enormous gratitude for the dedication and hard work of medical researchers.” This is a comment our cancer researchers at the Kolling Institute are thrilled to hear as it highlights how exciting new therapies are delivering encouraging outcomes. The powerful quote is from 61 year old Jenni Blieden who was diagnosed with stage four, non-small cell lung cancer six years ago after feeling a faint ping in the thoracic area of her back. She had no other symptoms and had never smoked. Her primary tumour had metastasised to her thoracic spine and was encroaching on her spinal cord. Jenni underwent a T7 vertebrectomy and spinal fusion and commenced oral targeted therapy. A year later, she underwent a lobectomy and has continued on targeted therapy for six years. She has been cancer free for some years. Today, Jenni is fit and well with few lasting side effects from her treatment. She describes both the physical and psychological impact of her experience. “I have very minor issues from the targeted therapy, like brittle nails, and minimal effects from my surgeries, but the psychological impact has been immense,” she said. “I have experienced intense and challenging emotions including the shock and disbelief following diagnosis, fears about dying and anxiety around the surgeries, as well as ongoing anxiety about a recurrence. “There have been some unexpected positive effects though as I learnt to focus on living in the moment. I have a greater appreciation for
Burden of disease
Almost one in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 years
Almost 170,000 cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia last year and it caused 53,500 deaths
More than 500,000 Australians are living with cancer
Three in 10 deaths in Australia are attributable to cancer
Cancer cases and deaths are increasing in Australia each year, due to the growing and ageing population .
16 Kolling Institute Health Research Strategy 2026-2030
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