Research investigates a cultural differences in coping with cancer
A University of Newcastle PhD student will investigate how different cultures cope with cancer and its treatment with the help of a Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Award.
Lisa Mackenzie from the Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour has won a 2011 Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Award and will travel to Kyoto, Japan to take part in a collaborative research study.
Currently undertaking a PhD in behavioural science in relation to medicine, her research will focus on the psychosocial experiences of cancer patients in Australia and Japan.
“My research will delve into the ways cancer psychologically affects patients and how possible treatments and clinical choices can affect their mental state,” she said.
“The Japanese data will be compared with the experience of the Australian cancer patient. The research will help assess methods psychologists and behavioural scientists can use to better assist in the care of cancer patients.”
The aim of the awards is to develop internationally aware, skilled future leaders and the establishment of ongoing education and professional links between Australia and overseas.
For more information on the Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Awards visit www.deewr.gov.au/International/EndeavourAwards
For interviews or more information: Telephone Ms Mackenzie on 0427 285 237.