Cancer research: Coping with cancer

On receiving the news of a cancer diagnosis, many people struggle to cope with the emotional stress of the life-changing news and the treatment that follows.

Supporting the needs of cancer patients and ensuring that effective, evidence-based resources are available to everyone is the goal of Flinders University's cancer researchers.

Psycho-oncology is the interface between psychology and oncology, and deals with the cognitive, affective, social and behavioural aspects of cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.

Clinical Psychologist at Flinders University, Dr Lisa Beatty has over 14 years of research and clinical expertise in the field of psycho-oncology. She has published over 30 journal articles and has received five awards in recognition of her work, including a 2017 South Australian Young Tall Poppy Science Award.

Dr Beatty is the co-developer of Finding My Way, a free online resource that offers information, advice and support for those who have recently been diagnosed with cancer.

"The Internet has become a universal source of information and many people with cancer have a strong preference to try to manage on their own terms," says Dr Beatty.

Clinical Psychologist and co-developer of Finding My Way, Dr Lisa Beatty