Cancer Council SA Research Symposium

Cancer Council SA’s Behavioural Research Symposium is an annual event that brings together leading cancer researchers, health professionals, consumer advocates and community organisations.

Held every February to coincide with World Cancer Day, the symposium provides a unique platform for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Cancer impacts people in diverse and deeply personal ways, and understanding these experiences is essential for driving meaningful change. On World Cancer Day 2026, Cancer Council SA is bringing together researchers, practitioners, advocates and community voices at our annual Research Symposium, 'United by Unique: Stories, Research, and Action in Cancer', to explore new ways of improving cancer outcomes across South Australia.

Join us on Wednesday 4 February 2026 (World Cancer Day) at SAHMRI for Cancer Council SA’s Social and Behavioural Cancer Research Symposium.

We invite you to showcase your research and contribute to the collective knowledge of cancer research in South Australia. 

We welcome abstracts across areas including psychosocial, behavioural, social determinants of health, supportive care, public health and epidemiology, health policy and economics, health communication, health translation, implementation science, and allied health. Research must be applicable to a South Australian context.

Please submit your abstract by Friday 28 November.

Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis - it's deeply personal and unique to each individual. The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 placed people at the centre of care and explored new ways to make a difference for people impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Our inaugural Cancer Council SA Research Symposium, held at Festival Plaza Flinders University City Campus, was a fantastic opportunity to hear about a wide range of research happening here in South Australia that is working to do just that, with more than 20 presentations on topics ranging from cancer screening, prevention, treatment, support, health behaviours and lifestyle, and community engagement.

• Upstream determinants of cancer, equity and social justice – Professor Fran Baum AO from The University of Adelaide
• Aboriginal Health Equity – Associate Professor Odette Pearson, SAHMRI and Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity
• Patient advocacy and consumer involvement in cancer research – Monique Bareham, Australian lymphoedema patient advocate
• Sharing cancer stories and the importance of acknowledging unique patient experiences – Kellie Finlayson and Sophie Edwards, Jodi Lee Foundation ambassadors

• Best Short Presentation – Alicia Dallisson from Flinders University
• Best Long Talk – Elizabeth Wells from University of South Australia
• Audience Choice – Maddison Dix from Flinders University