Research to improve the quality of life and outcomes of children with an inherited cancer risk is among three initiatives sharing more than $700,000 in funding from the Minns Labor Government.
Andrew Grant, a clinical care nurse specialist from the University of NSW has been awarded $250,000 for a study exploring the needs of children at inherited risk of cancer who may need lifelong cancer surveillance, impacting childhood and family life.
Cancer Institute of NSW Nursing Fellowship Grants support nurses to develop their expertise and leadership in research to build and retain clinical cancer research expertise.
Mr Grant’s findings will be used to co-design and test a dedicated model of care, including the role of a specialist nurse, in improving support for children and their families navigating the surveillance process.
The other two recipients of the 2026 Nursing Fellowship Grants are:
- Agnes Le from the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research will receive $250,000 to improve recovery support for people following colorectal surgery.
- Katrina Debosz from the University of Sydney will receive almost $244,000 to improve access to high quality and coordinated follow-up care for those returning to regional and rural NSW after receiving CAR-T therapy at metropolitan hospitals.
The Minns Government is one of the largest funders of cancer research in NSW, having awarded more than $300 million in cancer research funding, including clinical trials, over the past 10 years.
Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:
“Supporting nurses to develop as researchers is an investment in the future of cancer care.
“These Nursing Fellowships strengthen our clinical workforce, build research capability and ultimately help deliver better care and better outcomes for patients across the NSW health system.
NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said:
“Our cancer nurses are at the heart of cancer care in NSW. They see first hand the challenges and opportunities to improve care, giving them a unique perspective to help lead meaningful and impactful research grounded in real-world clinical experience.
“These Nursing Fellowships recognise the invaluable expertise of our cancer nurses and support them to turn their insights into better experiences and outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer.”
University of NSW Nursing Fellowship Grant recipient and clinical nurse specialist at the Minderoo Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Andrew Grant said:
“As a paediatric oncology nurse, I have seen firsthand the impact cancer has on children and their families. This research will deepen our understanding of children with a genetic predisposition to cancer and help ensure their cancer risk is managed.
“Early findings highlight the critical role specialist nurses play in supporting children and families throughout their care. This research will inform family-centred approaches and improve outcomes for children at increased risk of developing cancer.”
Jacqui, mother of 13-year-old Sophie who has a genetic risk of cancer said:
“Sophie has Li-Fraumeni Syndrome which brings a high risk for all types of cancers. By following the screening protocol of regular testing, we have the best chance of finding tumours for Sophie early and treating them successfully. This will give Sophie the best chance for the longest life possible. It means the world to me.
“Before the clinic, I needed to coordinate the screening process myself which was a huge workload and responsibility. I had to find the psychological strength to drive the whole process, and I had to find enormous resilience and tenacity to keep going.
“The role of the specialist nurse takes an enormous weight and workload off my shoulders. They find the doctors, create referrals, book appointments and communicate with other hospital departments, as well as provide over the phone support. it’s unbelievably wonderful.
“It completely changed my experience. I don’t have to find that enormous strength and tenacity to keep going anymore. With this level of support Sophie and I will be able to continue to do this for Sophie’s lifetime.”
