Thanks to your support of The Longest Table, breast and prostate cancer patients are feeling more connected throughout their journey and have greater access to specialised cancer nurses – virtually.

We’re proud to fund this important project, called CAN Connect, thanks to the donations from our supporter community.

The team has created a Digital Remote Symptom Monitoring system that new patients are already using.

CAN Connect nurse consultant Sam Kourakis explained the additional support is available for chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy patients treated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

“Patients can access the service through a secure portal on their phone,” Ms Kourakis said.

“Once registered, they can explore a digital library of common symptoms and side effects with strategies for managing them.”

Check-ins are on days three, seven and 11 where patients log and score the severity of symptoms by using the ‘red, amber, green’ system for easy symptom identification.

“If symptoms score amber or above, we call the patient to discuss concerns and create a care plan for symptom management,” Ms Kourakis said.

“Most patients can self-manage with additional phone support from the nurse, while others are referred for further care.

“This proactive approach enables early symptom detection and boosts patient confidence.”

Based on patient feedback, the team has extended the monitoring period to now include check-ins on days 18 and 25 post treatment.

The pilot project will finish mid 2025 and the team will evaluate the data for improvements.

“Moving forward we hope to secure longevity for this service and encourage all patients receiving anti-cancer therapy to utilise the Remote Symptom Monitoring at all stages of their treatment.”

Your support of the Longest Table is making a life-changing difference for our loved ones fighting cancer. To make an even greater impact, register today to host a Longest Table this July or August!