Episode 54: Cancer Survivorship with Dr Ash Malalasekera

Cancer is thought of as a great killer, an indefatigable bogeyman that claims the lives of everyone it afflicts. However, advances in medicine mean that for more people than ever before, cancer is something that people can survive or at least live with for longer. While an incredible achievement, this does raise many new challenges for patients and physicians alike. And thus, the concept of Cancer Survivorship was born, a service that aims to fill the gap in service for patients who have survived, or are surviving with cancer but may feel somewhat adrift in stormy seas.

In this episode of Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind, Josh and Michael interview Dr Ash Malalasekera, an oncologist working in the South Western Sydney Local Health District, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Concord Repatriation Hospital, who has incredible insight into this emerging and truly holistic approach to the care of patients with cancer. We ask about her experiences, the challenges of this model of care and how it can improve or, in some cases, transform how patients can embrace life with or after cancer.