The battle against cancer: Cancer Society
Nicola Coom has a vision – a future free of cancer, and, with her team, has set priorities to support this happening.
The Southern Cancer Society CEO, Nicola says currently one-in-three people receive a cancer diagnosis, and predictions are this will rise to one-in-two in coming years.
Southern Cancer Society is a merger of the Canterbury West Coast and Otago Southland divisions, implemented in response to increasing demand for services, and an opportunity to maximise resources and combine efforts.
“People are also being diagnosed with cancer at a much younger age,” says Nicola. “We needed to adapt to this changing environment to ensure all our effort is focused on preventing cancer, detecting it earlier, supporting families, and progressing research to achieve better outcomes for future generations.
“New diagnostic tools and targeted medicines are improving outcomes every day, and that is why we have committed to increasing our investment in research,” she explains.
She said as an example, October is breast cancer month and more than 3000 people are diagnosed with this every year. Mammography screening has increased early diagnosis, yet it is also uncomfortable, expensive, and not accessible to everyone.
“In Pursuit 2025, our Research and Innovation Conference, to be held in Christchurch in March next year, has attracted the best international and local minds.
“One conference speaker is Dr Jessica Fitzjohn, based in Christchurch, with a background in mechanical engineering who moved into biomedical. She has designed diagnostic algorithms for non-invasive breast cancer screening technology.
“This is a game changer for women and the technology is already undergoing a second pilot,” says Nicola. “Other presentations include how AI is supporting early detection, freeing up clinicians’ time and reducing waiting times for patients, as well as the changing face of treatment.”
Sign up or find out more about the conference on the website.
