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The Initiative
Our Purpose
The SEQ Comprehensive Cancer Initiative aims to enhance cancer patient communication skills from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their journey. Through education we aim to enhance outcomes by empowering the patient to better understand the disease. When patients feel well-informed and prepared for their specialist appointments, the limited consultation time can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. The SEQ Comprehensive Cancer Initiative is dedicated to supporting all medical practices in optimising health literacy and time management, which are crucial elements of patient-centred cancer care. Additionally, we recognise the importance of cancer patient headwear in fostering confidence during treatment.
As a boutique cancer education organisation, we pride ourselves on personalised, patient-centred care.
Who are we & What do we stand for?
Patient Care
A diagnosis of cancer has the potential to inflict extraordinary stress and anxiety on not only the cancer patient but also their immediate family and support network. Caring for a loved one with cancer can be extremely demanding and emotionally exhausting. CCI recognizes that carers are pivotal members of the patient care team, essential for effective cancer patient communication.
Our approach acknowledges that the cancer care pathway is a partnership involving the patient, the carer, and the care team. This collaborative effort aims for a patient-centred cancer care model that addresses the various domains of wellbeing for both cancer patients and their physicians.
With proper cancer treatment education, the Comprehensive Cancer Initiative believes that patients and carers will feel empowered, more motivated, and better equipped to reflect on and consider differing viewpoints. They will feel comfortable asking questions regarding treatment decisions and supportive care arrangements, boosting their confidence in making informed choices.
Mission statement
Navigating the complexities of cancer care requires a strong foundation of knowledge and support. Patient empowerment is at the heart of our mission, fostering informed choices that lead to better health outcomes.
Gina brings invaluable insights to the initiative from her lived experience of cancer in regional south-east Queensland. She studied through the VCCC Alliance, which comprises 10 leading research, clinical, and academic institutions dedicated to saving lives through the integration of cancer research, education, and patient care. The extensive expertise, knowledge, and patient numbers represented by the alliance have provided Gina with unprecedented access to learn from pioneers driving advancements in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
Gina is proud to be part of a global network of cancer care professionals who are passionate about delivering quality clinical care and high-impact cancer research, including resources such as cancer patient headwear that provide comfort and dignity during treatment.
The CCI niche
We are the first consumer led cancer organisation in the region. A master's degree in oncology, lived experience of the disease and twenty years practising as an allied health professional, place Gina in a unique position to provide expert education and guidance to newly diagnosed patients and to those navigating the complexities of treatment and survivorship. As a healthcare professional, Gina has counselled hundreds of patients, providing the necessary education for developing realistic expectations & ensuring informed decision making. Gina's masters-level oncology qualification incorporated the fields of cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, research, prevention, education & supportive & palliative care. She is currently conducting original Australia wide research into informed decision making in early-stage breast cancer.
Promoting a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, Gina applies evidence-based patient care. We understand the complexity of this disease - the physical, psychological, emotional and functional consequences impacting on both patients and carers.
