Cancer is not only a physical disease but involves an intricate interplay between the biological, psychological, and social dimensions that impact each patient uniquely. The core purpose of the Szalmuk Family Psycho-Oncology Research Unit is to understand these complexities and develop effective psychiatric and psychological methods to complement and ultimately enhance the clinical impact of medical oncologists.

Palliative care research is integral to this work, exploring new clinical approaches that address the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients with serious forms of cancer. These include illness adaption strategies, non-pharmaceutical pain mitigation, and clinical demoralisation therapy. Through this work, the Unit considers each point of the patient journey, moving beyond the treatment of cancer itself and towards a patient-focused, family-centred, and holistic approach to cancer care.

Principal Investigator

Professor David Kissane AC

Research Fellow

Dr Irene Bobevski

Research Nurse

Genevieve Murphy

Meaning and Purpose Therapy

Advanced cancer creates existential crises that lead to several psychological symptoms in patients, challenging their sense and value of life. This research project explores a novel approach to psychological interventions through Meaning and Purpose (MaP) Therapy, in order to treat patient demoralisation and restore hope, morale, and meaning to the lives of cancer patients. In doing so, it is hoped that MaP Therapy can provide the tools necessary to empower patients to live a full and purpose-filled life, grounded in true value and driven by a sense of determination and will. Preliminary results indicate the efficacy of MaP Therapy, which will be confirmed through a multi-centre randomised trial over the next several years.

Work Rehabilitation in Breast Cancer Survivorship

Although five-year survival rates for breast cancer patients have greatly improved, survivors continue to experience physical and psycho-social symptoms that affect their quality of life. This study is the first to examine the effects of depression and related psychological factors on work ability amongst breast cancer survivors, finding that nearly one third needed to change their work conditions, resulting in fewer working hours and less income. Depression was shown to be of significant factor, limiting not only the time spent working but also its productivity. These findings indicate the need to evaluate policies regarding work rehabilitation for breast cancer survivors, as key identified factors are often modifiable.

Psycho-Existential Screening and Intervention

Currently patients with undiagnosed depression, demoralisation, and anxiety represent a vulnerable section of the advanced cancer patient population. With limited access to skilled staff and evidence-based management, this project is developing screening tools to identify the mental state of demoralisation. Funded by a Commonwealth Department of Health grant, a Psycho-existential Screening Program is being trialled across Australia over three-years, implementing a Psycho-existential Symptom Assessment Scale. This work aims to establish protocols for early intervention, providing cost-effective strategies for suffering relief that will prevent hospitalisations and enhance patient quality of life.