Consumers

The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research values the contribution of consumers and their unique source of knowledge. A consumer is anyone who have been touched by cancer – patients, survivors, carers, or close family members or a friend of someone diagnosed with cancer.

Consumers play an important role in assisting researchers, clinicians and educators to better understand the lived-experience of cancer. From being involved in research to guiding decision-making, consumer perspectives provide a unique source of knowledge.

Our Research Groups

Our research teams are made up of University leaders committed to improving the outcomes and quality of life for people affected by cancer through health planning, prevention and early detection,  detection and diagnosis, survivorship, recurrence and end-of-life.

Visit our research page for more information on our different groups and their areas of focus.

Working together: perspectives from a researcher and consumer

Consider whether you would like to commit

  • You have the time available to contribute in the role as defined.
  • You have allowed for the time you will need to put in behind the scenes in preparing for meetings (reading papers, liaising with the project managers to raise queries).
  • You are prepared to do further background reading and attend training or seminars that will provide you with important knowledge to assist you in contributing your views.
  • For committee roles, there are Terms of Reference for the committee in place and you understand the scope and nature of the role as best you can prior to commencement.

Consider what your views are about cancer

  • You have thought about diversity and representation and the nature of your personal experience and its limits.
  • You have considered what your point of view is and your ability to consider consumer needs and interests beyond your own personal story.
  • Think at the level of the cancer or general community (depending on the role and focus of the project area). Are there groups in the community you relate to who can help broaden your understanding?

At times, the words or phrases that are commonplace in research labs can seem confusing or hard to understand for those not in the field. Please refer to the UMCCR glossary and key terms for a definition of some words or phrases you may encounter as a consumer.

Register interest

Occasionally our research teams will reach out to consumers to seek their participation in various ways. If you are interested in taking part, please fill out the below form. You can decide how you wish to participate based on your interest and availability.

Please allow 15-20 minutes to complete the form.

Complete registration form