Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance - Monday Lunch Live World Cancer Day 2026

How can we create an inclusive cancer care system?

For World Cancer Day 2026, the global theme United by Unique recognises that every person’s cancer experience is shaped by their life circumstances, identities and support needs. An inclusive cancer system must respond to this diversity with understanding, flexibility and equity.

This cross-sector panel brings together experts, advocates and people with lived experience to explore how cancer care can better support people living with mental health challenges or disability alongside cancer. Through a United by Unique lens, we will examine how intersecting health, social and community systems can unintentionally create barriers to care, and highlight practical, collaborative solutions already emerging across Victoria.

Join us as we discuss how we can work together, across disciplines and organisations, to close the care gap and build a cancer system that works for everyone.

Speakers and panellists

Melissa Le Mesurier
Director, VCCC Alliance Board, and Chair, Cancer Consumer Advisory Commitee

Prof Mei Krishnasamy, VCCC Alliance Cancer Nursing Lead; Professor of Nursing, University of Melbourne

Louise Pearson, Lived Experience Leader

Dr Sarah Wilson, CEO, Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing

A/Prof Cathy Daniel, Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Nurse, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Australian Catholic University

Alison Stanyer, Client Participation Manager, Scope Australia 

Kate Barber, Team Lead, Counselling Service,  Cancer Council Victoria