Donor Funding: $1,250,000
Cancer Type: All Cancers
Funded in: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Professor David Roder
University of South Australia
Our research
The work of my unit is about synthesizing research evidence, having this evidence included in health service policies and practice, and checking that expected health benefits occur. We also undertake formal epidemiological evaluations of cancer screening programs, especially screening for breast cancer and the prevention of cervical cancer.
With around one in two people likely to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, cancer in its various forms is one of Australia’s major research and healthcare priorities.
As the Cancer Research Chair, my key aims are;
- To examine the research on cancer prevention, screening, treatment and patient outcomes.
- To evaluate outcomes of screening and treatment services.
- To produce and translate research evidence to improve patient outcomes.
- To inform decision makers on how best to deliver effective services to the many Australians requiring cancer-related health services each year.
What we aim to achieve
The primary aim of my unit is to develop more effective and more cost-effective services, especially as related to cancer screening and treatment, and the achievement of similar benefits for all sectors of the population.
Our next steps and milestones
Our next step is to support the implementation of evidence-based health policies and to evaluate their effectiveness. This work is ongoing. A major emphasis is being placed on evaluating and improving outcomes of services for Aboriginal people. We are involved in service evaluation and policy development for breast and cervical screening and cancer treatment services.
I am motivated by the potential for my work to develop a greater sense of teamwork across previously disparate research groups in South Australia.
My message to supporters
The funding I receive from Cancer Council SA donors greatly increases the reach of my work. At the moment we are working on means of assessing side effects of cancer therapies, in order to improve the quality of lives of those people who survive their cancers.