Rising to the Challenge of Life After Cancer

Rising to the Challenge of Life After Cancer: Expert Advice for Finding Wellness is an easy-to-read self-help guide for people facing cancer diagnosis and treatment. Following an effective Q&A format and based on a unique Wellbeing Essentials framework, it offers a valuable ‘dip in and out’ approach with signposting to evidence-based guidance on major challenges that those diagnosed with cancer and their family and friends may face. If you or someone close to you has had a cancer diagnosis, then this book is for you.

With a focus on wellness and taking control, questions addressed include ‘Is there a best way to cope with cancer?’, ‘What strategies can help me make an informed decision about treatment?’, ‘What is prehabilitation and how can this help me?’, and ‘Who am I now?’. The book covers an array of essential guidance from maintaining social health and wellbeing, to accessing care and support in the community. It is written for both those living with or beyond cancer as well as their support network. The book also includes Jeff and Suzanne’s personal stories about their lived experience of cancer and a Resources and Connections section with tips for further information and support.

Written by academic experts who are also ‘experts by experience’, this book is indispensable for people with cancer and their families, and anyone wanting to understand more about the condition, as well as health and social care professionals and students of social care, health care and nursing.

Jeffrey Charles Dunn AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) is Professor of Social and Behavioural Science and Chair of Cancer Survivorship in the Division of Research and Innovation at the University of Southern Queensland where he leads research into strategies to improve survivorship outcomes for people affected by cancer. Alongside this he is Chief of Mission and Head of Research at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Jeff’s focus is the connection between research and practice, working closely with leading academic and clinicians across the country to change policy and practice to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer. Jeff is the Immediate Past President of the International Union for Cancer Control based in Geneva. Jeff was appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2014 for distinguished service to medical administration through leadership roles with cancer control organisations and promotion of innovative and integrated cancer care programs

In August 2022 Jeff was diagnosed with a stage three rare and aggressive Blastoid Mantle Cell Lymphoma for which he received an autologous stem cell transplant and has ongoing therapy.

Suzanne Kathleen Chambers AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Australian Catholic University. She is a registered nurse and practising health psychologist who has worked as a practitioner and researcher in psychological support for people with cancer for over 30 years. Professor Chambers is an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical research, particularly in the area of psycho-oncology, and to community health through patient care strategies to people with cancer.

Jeff and Suzanne are life partners and, in this book, they connect their professional and personal experience to provide pragmatic and evidence-based advice about common challenges after a cancer diagnosis.