Important launch to move Beyond Cancer

Thank you to our valued customers and industry colleagues who joined us for breakfast at the Ivy Sunroom in Sydney as we launched the Beyond Cancer rehabilitation program to support cancer survivors in their return to health, wellness and work.

For the 40% of people diagnosed with cancer each year who are of working age, the transition towards thinking about work can be complex. In 2017, IPAR collaborated with Monash University and Swiss Re to develop an evidence-based program that specifically assists people with cancer to remain at, or return to work. Piloted with AIA Australia in 2018, the program attracted funding from the National Breast Cancer Foundation to evaluate the model as a formal clinical trial.

The breakfast event was a chance to explore the promising outcomes of this pilot. We also heard first-hand from inspirational speaker, Sarah Donnelly, as she shared her personal journey with cancer and work, including how important the structure and social engagement of work was as she sought to retain some ‘normalcy’ throughout treatment and recovery.

Just as it was for Sarah, it is clear that for many people with cancer, work is a vital part of their identity and recovery. Beyond Cancer aims to provide the support necessary to enable cancer survivors to understand their symptoms, improve their health literacy, adopt strategies for self-management and build resilience for overall health, wellness and work. The program has attracted funding from the National Breast Cancer Foundation to evaluate the model as a formal clinical trial, enabling us to help many more people with cancer and ultimately contribute to the research base that supports cancer survivors now and in the future.

For further information on Beyond Cancer, please contact us.