The efficacy of a physical activity intervention in the management of psychological and physical symptoms among breast and prostate cancer patients. The vastly improved survival rates for breast and prostate cancer in recent years has resulted in an ever-increasing number of people living with a history of cancer. Treatment for cancer is often associated with negative side effects like fatigue, depression and sleep disturbance, and an overall impaired quality of life.
This project will assess ....The efficacy of a physical activity intervention in the management of psychological and physical symptoms among breast and prostate cancer patients. The vastly improved survival rates for breast and prostate cancer in recent years has resulted in an ever-increasing number of people living with a history of cancer. Treatment for cancer is often associated with negative side effects like fatigue, depression and sleep disturbance, and an overall impaired quality of life.
This project will assess the effectiveness of a physical activity program in alleviating these symptoms of treatment. The program will include regular walking and gentle resistance strength training.
The outcomes from the project will advance research by shedding light on which symptoms are most helped by physical activity, and how much activity is needed to gain these benefits.
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Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102878
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Mobile phone text reminders to modify behaviours and prevent cardiovascular disease. Strategies are needed to improve adherence to behavioural and medical preventative treatments for heart disease. Brief informative reminders sent via mobile phone text message have potential as a cheap and safe method of improving behavioural change and adherence to treatments in people at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Supervision of psychotherapy: Understanding the processes that build professional competence. Psychotherapy can save lives and improve well-being. Clinical supervision is used to improve psychotherapy effectiveness and support therapists. This study contributes to the national research priorities of promoting and maintaining good health by building our knowledge of clinical supervision processes and how they influence therapist practice and client outcomes. The study will lead to an evidence-bas ....Supervision of psychotherapy: Understanding the processes that build professional competence. Psychotherapy can save lives and improve well-being. Clinical supervision is used to improve psychotherapy effectiveness and support therapists. This study contributes to the national research priorities of promoting and maintaining good health by building our knowledge of clinical supervision processes and how they influence therapist practice and client outcomes. The study will lead to an evidence-based model of effective supervision practice, which will enhance future service delivery, prevent therapist burnout, and improve client outcomes. The study will also inform development of: measures of core supervisory processes, clinical supervision practice standards, supervisor training, and professional development programs. Read moreRead less
Multiple perspectives on sexuality and intimacy post-cancer, leading to the development and evaluation of supportive interventions. In 2006, over 106,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia, impacting on the quality of life of patients and their partners. A significant proportion of couples report cessation of sexual and intimate contact post-cancer, resulting in considerable distress. To date, there has been no examination of this important health concern across a broad range of can ....Multiple perspectives on sexuality and intimacy post-cancer, leading to the development and evaluation of supportive interventions. In 2006, over 106,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia, impacting on the quality of life of patients and their partners. A significant proportion of couples report cessation of sexual and intimate contact post-cancer, resulting in considerable distress. To date, there has been no examination of this important health concern across a broad range of cancer types, from the perspective of patients and their partners. Equally, support services rarely address sexuality issues post-cancer. This project will benefit people with cancer and their partners through examining pathways to distress, and developing programs to facilitate re-negotiation of sexuality and intimacy, post-cancer.Read moreRead less
The construction and experience of fertility in the context of cancer: patient, partner and health professional perspectives. This project will examine the nature and consequences of fertility concerns for men and women with cancer, and their partners, across a range of cancer types, as well as the knowledge and experience of health professionals. This will increase knowledge of this important health concern, and lead to the development of programs to reduce distress.
Young women's experiences of cigarette smoking: a qualitative examination of the intersection of gender, class, cultural and sexual identity. The effects of smoking unique to women, the slow decline in women's smoking rates and the lack of anti-smoking strategies that are sensitive to gender, social class, cultural, and sexual identity means that this project addresses a significant issue for young women smokers, the Australian government and the health and wellbeing of Australians.
Enhancing psychosocial adaptation after temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures. Preliminary data from individuals who have experienced temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures suggests that (a) psychosocial adjustment problems may occur even when the neurological outcome is excellent, and (b) satisfaction with surgery/ post-surgery adjustment relates to perceived control over pre-surgery decision- making. The aim of this study is to improve pre-surgery pro ....Enhancing psychosocial adaptation after temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures. Preliminary data from individuals who have experienced temporal lobectomy surgery for control of epilepsy seizures suggests that (a) psychosocial adjustment problems may occur even when the neurological outcome is excellent, and (b) satisfaction with surgery/ post-surgery adjustment relates to perceived control over pre-surgery decision- making. The aim of this study is to improve pre-surgery procedure and post-surgery support by investigating psychosocial outcomes of epilepsy surgery, and relating these to perceived and actual pre-surgery preparation, including education, counselling and social support. The results of the study will inform development of resource material for the medical profession and potential surgery clients, as well as contributing to improved understanding of the relationship between pre-surgery procedures and psychosocial outcomes.Read moreRead less
Overcome Barriers to Optimal Diabetes Management: Randomized Controlled Trial of Education/Consultation Interventions to Improve Self-Management of Diabetes. In addition to improving self care and quality of life in people with diabetes, the cost effectiveness component of the trial will provide other valuable data. Considering that the costs associated with diabetes and other associated health complications (i.e diabetic retinopathy) are estimated to be more than AU$10 billion, our intervention ....Overcome Barriers to Optimal Diabetes Management: Randomized Controlled Trial of Education/Consultation Interventions to Improve Self-Management of Diabetes. In addition to improving self care and quality of life in people with diabetes, the cost effectiveness component of the trial will provide other valuable data. Considering that the costs associated with diabetes and other associated health complications (i.e diabetic retinopathy) are estimated to be more than AU$10 billion, our intervention has a considerable potential to deliver substantial savings to the Australian community. The study will also generate a closer coordination between primary and tertiary care settings. This proposed trial will contribute substantially to future health policies related to personnel, resources and funding allocated to diabetes, eye health and rehabilitation. Read moreRead less
Psychosocial Aspects Of Genomic Testing For Breast Cancer Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$108,902.00
Summary
Assessing a woman’s breast cancer risk by profiling polygenic risk represents a new approach in the familial cancer setting. My study is part of a program of research that aims to facilitate translation of polygenic risk information into clinical practice. For this, I will invite 400 women to receive their personal polygenic result and i) assess interest in receiving this result; ii) assess psychological and behavioural outcomes of receiving or not receiving their personal polygenic risk result
Sexual health of migrant women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups: an international comparison. This project will examine the sexual health beliefs and practices of women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, who are recent migrants to Australia and Canada. This analysis will inform the development of guidelines for sexual health information, which will be evaluated as part of the project.