Translating Research into Community Practice: The Healthy Living after Cancer Partnership Project

Abstract

There is now considerable evidence for physical activity and, increasingly, for weight control interventions in survivors of the more prevalent cancers, especially breast cancer. However, in Australia, as in most developed countries, such interventions are not incorporated into routine cancer care. The Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) project seeks to bridge this evidence‐to‐practice divide. HLaC is an Australian National Health & Medical Research Council‐funded Partnership Project involving collaboration between university cancer researchers and four state‐based Cancer Councils (cancer control advocacy and support organizations similar to the American Cancer Society). The HLaC project, conducted from 2015 to 2019, is evaluating the implementation of an evidence‐based, 6‐month, telephone‐delivered program targeting physical activity, healthy eating, and weight control among cancer survivors (of any cancer type following treatment with curative intent). The program is offered by the Cancer Councils free of charge via their telephone‐based cancer support and information service. Cancer survivors can self‐refer or be referred by a treating health professional. Screening, pre‐ and post‐program assessment, and program delivery are all implemented by Cancer Council staff and nurses.