With your support, researchers at Icon Cancer Foundation can continue the search for new treatments and give patients like Katie hope.
For patients like Katie, hope comes from the possibility of a new treatment. A hope made possible through research.
At just 48, Hobart mother of two Katie is living with advanced bowel cancer. Like many living with cancer, she’s relying on research, hoping for a discovery that could give her more time with her family.
Katie was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2024 after months of unexplained symptoms. With no family history, the diagnosis came as a shock.
“I’ve always had a sensitive stomach,” Katie explains. “But from around February 2024, the cramping became worse. I also started having respiratory issues.”
Further scans and a colonoscopy confirmed bowel cancer. Soon after, a lung biopsy revealed the cancer had spread.
“I will never forget that moment,” Katie recalls. “I felt numb. I went into shock. I felt my life change in an instant.”
Within weeks, Katie underwent surgery with colorectal surgeon Dr Srini Yellapu, and began chemotherapy and immunotherapy under the care of medical oncologist Associate Professor Louise Nott at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart.
– Katie, Icon Cancer Centre patient
While Katie’s treatment is currently keeping the cancer stable, she knows research is critical for the day she may need new treatment options.
“While the current treatments are keeping the disease from progressing, my cancer is considered incurable,” says Katie.
“My treatment is giving me time to be ready for any new treatments or clinical trials that become available.”
For patients like Katie, time is everything. Time for new treatments to become available. Time for research to uncover the next breakthrough. Time to spend with family and loved ones.
“My cancer journey has made me realise just how important cancer research is,” Katie says.
“It’s only through research that new treatments may be discovered and give me more time with my family.”
– Associate Professor Louise Nott, Katie’s oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre and Icon Group’s Director of Medical Oncology (Australia & New Zealand)
For patients like Katie, clinical trials can offer the next option.
Together with her medical oncologist, Associate Professor Louise Nott, Katie is exploring what may come next.
“For Katie’s cancer, a clinical trial may be the next best step for her,” says A/Prof Nott.
“It’s about giving patients the longest and best quality of life possible through treatments. We’re always looking for what’s next.”
Thanks to cancer research, the ‘next’ treatment has already transformed outcomes for many patients.
“All the treatments that we have today helping patients are the result of clinical research,” says A/Prof Nott.
This continued progress drives clinicians and researchers like A/Prof Nott forward.
“With research we can make a difference. We can improve patient outcomes, improve patient lives – their families’ lives – and reduce the impact that cancer has on everybody.”
“We don’t have all the answers yet, but hopefully one day we will.”
You can help find the answers.
By supporting cancer research and clinical trials at Icon Cancer Foundation, you’re turning hope into real progress.
Every discovery brings us closer to better treatments and more time for patients like Katie. Your support makes this possible.
This appeal, you can give the gift of hope.
Hope for new treatments.
Hope for better outcomes.
Hope for more time.
For patients like Katie, hope means everything.