Advancing cancer support for women

Associate Professor Camille Short is deeply invested in understanding and addressing the unmet needs individuals face after a cancer diagnosis. Her research investigates the support they receive, and how different strategies can improve the accessibility and effectiveness of these services. She is particularly focussed on women's empowerment in the face of breast cancer – the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Her research, deeply rooted in collaboration between cancer patients, health professionals and academia, aims to identify unmet needs and enhance the quality of support interventions.

"I gain a lot of meaning from my work," says Associate Professor Short. "I enjoy working on real-world problems in partnership with the community. It is energising and helps to keep you focused on what really matters."

When discussing her approach, Associate Professor Short emphasises empowerment, particularly in helping individuals regain a sense of control following a cancer diagnosis. "We focus on empowerment by helping people to reclaim a sense of control after a cancer diagnosis and by using our data to advocate for improved services," she explains.

In her recent project, Associate Professor Short has collaboratively developed a research initiative to address the need for greater access to tests that help to tailor cancer treatments.

"Over the last 12 months, I have been working with a group of cancer patients and carers to help them develop their own research project," she shares. "They all have a lived experience of a genomic test used to tailor cancer treatments and they feel there is a large need for greater and fairer access."

Later this year, she will start working on project funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to drive equitable cancer outcomes across Australia. Over the next five years, the team of early and mid-career researchers will work rural health services, developing and evaluating implementation strategies to embed best-practice cancer care in rural and remote areas.

Reflecting on initiatives supporting women in academia, Associate Professor Short commends the University of Melbourne for its commitment to breaking down traditional barriers. "The University of Melbourne has been actioning some great initiatives to support women in academia and there seems to be a genuine commitment at different levels of the organisation to break down traditional barriers for women and gender diverse people," she observes.

As International Women's Day approaches, Associate Professor Camille Short's work stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, empowerment and advocacy in advancing support for women facing cancer diagnoses. Her dedication to bridging gaps in supportive care through innovative research serves as an inspiration not only to women in academia but to all individuals striving for positive change in healthcare and beyond.