Cancer Council SA’s 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.
2026 Cancer Council SA Research Symposium
Uniting Against Cancer: Fostering Statewide Collaboration in Cancer Research
Every cancer experience is shaped by more than biology. It is influenced by the way people live, the communities they belong to, the challenges they face and the support they receive.
The 2026 World Cancer Day theme, ‘United by Unique’, highlights this reality - reminding us that meaningful progress in cancer control requires approaches that recognise individuality while working toward shared goals.
Central to Cancer Council SA’s second annual Research Symposium, hosted by SAHMRI, were the voices of people with lived experience, whose insights and personal stories ensure that research remains grounded in what matters most to those impacted by cancer.
The Symposium shined a spotlight on the critical role of behavioural research in achieving this progress. From strengthening prevention initiatives and improving screening participation, to enhancing treatment experiences and supporting survivorship, the research presented reflects a commitment to improving outcomes for all South Australians.
Lived experience keynote speakers
- Bringing Unique to the Table - The Importance of Lived Experience in Decision Making – Karen van Gorp
- With You All the Way: The Cancer Truths – Sarah Bailey
- Rolling with the Punches – Hanna Wilson
- Aboriginal Cancer and Closing the Gap – Eunice Aston
Public health expert keynote speakers
- What Value Can Public Health Approaches Bring to Cancer Prevention? – Professor Katina D’Onise
Presentation award winners
- Best Long Presentation – Dr Belinda Lunnay
- Best Short Presentation – Alicia Dallisson
- Best Poster – Natalie Tuckey
- Best Presentation (Audience Choice) – Kate Neadley
- Best Poster (Audience Choice) – Dr Huah Shin Ng
Cancer Council SA Research Symposium 2026 Gallery
Previous Symposiums
2025 Cancer Council SA Research Symposium
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, with more than 20 presentations on topics ranging from cancer screening, prevention, treatment, support, health behaviours and lifestyle, and community engagement.
Keynote speakers
- 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
Presentation award winners
- 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
Related pages
Behavioural research
Cancer Council SA’s team of dedicated behavioural researchers help us understand why people behave the way they do and their unique needs when it comes to cancer care which help to inform the development of our evidence-based programs, services and advocacy to better support all South Australians
Meet our research team
Cancer Council SA’s team of dedicated behavioural researchers help us understand why people behave the way they do and their unique needs when it comes to cancer care which help to inform the development of our evidence-based programs, services and advocacy to better support all South Australians.
Research projects
Cancer Council SA’s Behavioural Research team conducts research to inform the development of Cancer Council SA’s evidence-based prevention programs and support services.
