Peninsula and Monash Health Receive VICS Cancer Survivorship Program Grants

Peninsula Health and Monash Health have received grant funding to support survivorship programs for testicular, lung, and metastatic breast cancer as part of the VICS Cancer Survivorship Program.

VICS has funded 14 new projects across Victoria to help health services respond to the long-term health and wellbeing needs of cancer survivors. Two SMICS partner health services have received funding as part of the program.

Peninsula Health

Peninsula Health has received funding to assess, monitor, and manage the physical, psychosocial, and financial challenges faced by patients undergoing treatment for metastatic breast and lung cancer. This initiative aims to integrate routine, structured assessments into clinical care and tailor supportive interventions to patient-reported needs over time. The project will provide a foundation for developing a high-quality support program for patients with metastatic cancer.

Patients with metastatic breast and lung cancer face complex and multifaceted challenges throughout the course of their disease. These challenges are not only physical but also psychosocial and financial. Despite advancements in treatment, there is limited understanding of how these needs evolve over time. With emerging therapies offering longer periods of disease stability and improved survival, it is crucial to better understand and address the ongoing and changing needs of this patient population.

Monash Health

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting young men aged 18 to 39 years. Advances in detection and treatment have significantly improved survival rates. However, long-term health consequences and survivorship challenges are now emerging as critical concerns. Monash Health currently faces fragmented communication between oncology services, patients, and primary care, along with limited access to survivorship resources and low engagement from this young, niche group. This initiative aligns with international best practices and focuses on prevention, recurrence surveillance, and management of treatment-related complications. It also aims to educate both clinicians and patients on survivorship risks and evidence-based strategies for proactive care.

The SMICS team will be working with both Peninsula and Monash Health as their survivorship projects progress.