Going Further Together: Reflections from the PaCCSC & CST Research Forum 2025

Donna Brown

Attending the PaCCSC & CST Research Forum 2025 was even more rewarding than I expected. Supported by a CST travel grant, I had the opportunity to learn from researchers, clinicians, and consumers across Australia and around the world.

I really enjoyed hearing the varying perspectives from different disciplines. It was particularly reassuring to see presenters who had previously been nurses, because nurses deal with the ‘whole patient’, not just the diagnosis. It gave me hope that the research and patient care being developed is truly holistic.

Hearing from consumers about their lived experience was another highlight. We can learn so much from listening to people who have walked this path.

It was inspiring to hear that less obvious symptoms — like depression, anxiety, and delirium — are now being recognised and researched. I also appreciated the acknowledgement that pain has both physical and experiential elements, and that good symptom management requires a personalised, collaborative approach.

The presentation on peer support in advanced cancer was really interesting. It made me think about how valuable peer connections could be, but also how complex it must be to navigate those relationships safely.

Meeting the IMPACCT Rapid Program team was another standout. It gave me the chance to ask questions, compare tactics with colleagues, and feel more confident in my ongoing data collection.

I found the Q&A sessions particularly helpful. Often, others asked the questions I wasn’t brave enough to ask myself. Hopefully, with more experience, I’ll find the confidence to put my hand up too.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to attend. The experience has left me motivated to keep learning, collaborating, and improving care for people affected by cancer.

Meg Harrison

Receiving a CST travel grant allowed me to attend the PaCCSC & CST Research Forum 2025 – and I left feeling inspired and energised.

One of the messages that stayed with me was from Professor William Dale, who said, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It captured the spirit of the Forum perfectly – that true progress happens when we work together.

Hearing from consumer advocate James Butler was another standout. He reminded us that the most important question we can ask patients is, “What matters most to you?”

There were lots of practical insights I’ll take back into my work too. Dr David Mizrahi shared the idea that setting goals and using the term “physical activity” instead of “exercise” can make a real difference when supporting patients.

I loved hearing about small tips that could make a big impact, like using frozen pineapple for xerostomia. It was also exciting to learn about advances like Dr Amanda Landers’ improved screening tool for PERT, helping detect GI symptoms more sensitively.

Dr Catherine Walshe’s explanation that “all pilot studies are feasibility studies, but not all feasibility studies are pilot studies” helped clarify important research concepts for me. And I was fascinated by the use of Registry-Based Trials, which Dr Zoe McQuilten explained can bring real-world evidence straight into clinical practice.

One comment that really stuck with me came from Dr Wei Lee: “We can’t grow unless we know where we are at.” 

It’s a reminder that continuous reflection and improvement are essential in research and care.

I’m so grateful for this opportunity – it has broadened my thinking and reinforced my passion for making a difference in cancer symptom management and palliative care.