Pioneering Awareness: Australia’s First Community Q&A on Cardio-Oncology Draws Over 100 Attendees
In a groundbreaking step toward better cancer survivorship care, the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology at the Hunter Medical Research Institute recently hosted Australia’s first-ever community information and Q&A session dedicated to the emerging field of cardio-oncology. Held in New Lambton Heights NSW, this landmark event brought together over 100 attendees—both in-person and online—to learn about the vital connection between cancer treatment and heart health.
Spearheaded by a multidisciplinary panel of experts—including medical and radiation oncologists, a cardiologist, pharmacist, and nurse—that were led by IC-OS member Doan Ngo, PhD, the session offered practical guidance and expert insights into caring for the heart after cancer therapy. As more people survive cancer thanks to medical advances, awareness of the potential long-term effects on cardiovascular health is more important than ever.
The event received a special address from The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, State Parliament Member for Maitland and Minister for Roads and Regional Transport. A cancer survivor herself, Aitchison underscored the critical importance of programs like this one, which bridge gaps in knowledge and support for patients navigating life after cancer.
I was honoured to recently attend and speak at the Hunter Medical Research lnstitute’s inaugural Cardio-Oncology Q&A session in partnership with the Hunter Cancer Hub. The group’s inspiring leaders, Dr Aaron Sverdlov and Dr Doan Ngo, Co-Directors of the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology, are pioneers in the integration of heart and cancer care. Despite significant medical advances, heart disease and cancer remain the two greatest causes of death and disability in Australia and the Western world. People living with and beyond cancer bear a disproportionate burden of heart disease, making prevention critical for everyone, especially those with a cancer history. It is essential to maintain heart health during cancer treatment and throughout survivorship to secure long-term quality of life. Yet regional and rural communities face poorer outcomes due to limited access to specialist services and the absence of dedicated cancer survivorship programs outside metropolitan Sydney.
The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP
Read MP Aitchison’s full notice here.
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing gratitude for the clarity, empathy, and expertise shared by the panel. The success of the event signals a growing recognition of the need for integrated care approaches that address the whole patient—not just the disease.
Encouraged by this response, the Cardio-Oncology Organization plans to hold similar events in the future, continuing to raise awareness and empower communities across Australia with life-changing information.
To follow future cardio-oncology events at the Hunter Cancer Hub, visit https://hmri.org.au/events/
