PC4 2026 Scientific Symposium: Highlights from Adelaide
PC4 is pleased to have held our 8th Scientific Symposium on Wednesday 9 September 2026 at Crowne Plaza Adelaide. This was the first Scientific Symposium hosted on the beautiful lands of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains, held adjacent to the third Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) Innovations Showcase hosted by Cancer Australia and the South Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (SACCaN). A huge thank you to everyone who presented, attended and supported us on a fantastic day dedicated to improving and supporting primary care cancer research across the cancer continuum.
The PC4 2026 Scientific Symposium brought together over 100 delegates from across Australia, ranging from primary care cancer researchers, lived experience experts, clinicians and allied health professionals – all dedicated to making a difference within the sector.
The day featured an outstanding line-up of presentations from our invited speakers: Professor Dorothy Keefe, Professor Vivienne Milch, Dr Peter Goldsworthy, Karen van Gorp and A/Prof Michael Osborn, and all our oral and poster presenters centred on this year’s theme, “Primary Care: Central to Comprehensive Cancer Care”. We also heard from some of our lived experience experts who shared their own cancer journey, reminding us of the important work that we do and why it matters. And, of course, we can’t forget our fantastic debate speakers and moderator Will McDonald (Nine News presenter), who brought thoughtful perspectives, lively discussions and plenty of energy to the topic “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Primary Care: Friend or Foe for Cancer Management?” Our presenters working across the cancer continuum highlighted the vital role that general practice and allied health professionals have on every person’s cancer journey, and the innovative work that is being done within the sector to continue making a difference for Australians diagnosed with cancer. The PC4 2026 Scientific Symposium concluded with a Flinders LiveWell Cancer Research Centre Introduction and PC4 Networking Event, that introduced the Centre, their focus and research themes, along with the opportunity to connect and collaborate with colleagues.
A/Prof Carolyn Ee, PC4 Director says “As a national organisation with a vast membership, it was wonderful to have had this opportunity to connect with members from all over Australia, all united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. The Scientific Symposium was also a unique chance to connect with colleagues, create collaborations. I am sure we all left feeling the same way – that primary care plays such an important role across the cancer continuum, and that primary care matters”.
We would like to acknowledge the Local Organising Committee: A/Prof Carolyn Ee, Dr Janelle Jones, Aradhana Chandra, Christy Vu, Ilene Shen, Nikki Davis, Monique Bareham, Dr Ria Joseph, Dr Rebecca Bergin and Dr Matthew Wallen for their contribution to this event. We would not have been able to put on this incredible event without their continued support.
We would like to thank and acknowledge our sponsors: Adelaide PHN (Gold Partner), Flinders LiveWell Cancer Research Centre (Networking Event Partner), Health Translation SA (Bronze Partner), Cancer Council SA (Exhibitor) and Head and Neck Cancer Australia (Exhibitor), for their immense support for primary care research that underpins cancer research. It was incredible to have them all present on the day to support the continuous work that is happening in the sector to ensure that cancer research is translated within primary care. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnerships and collaborations, working together to strengthen research advancements for the benefit of the Australian community.
In addition, we had the privilege of co-hosting additional events in Adelaide in the lead-up to the Scientific Symposium that strengthen our impact within the cancer in primary care sector:
- Pre-Symposium Workshop: Grant Writing that Wins, in partnership with Health Translation South Australia (HTSA): was an interactive session led by two highly experienced presenters Professor Sandie McCarthy and Professor Richard De Abreu Lourenço. The workshop focused on improving specific elements of grant writing and health economics development for early-to-mid career researchers. Our attendees left the day feeling more confident, strategic and inspired to tackle their next grant.
- Primary Care Breakfast Session: The critical role of primary care in cancer control: A joint update from PC4 and Cancer Council South Australia (SA), hosted in partnership with Cancer Council SA and South Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (SACCaN), equipped our primary care workforce with up-to-date information across vital areas of cancer. It was an excellent opportunity to connect, collaborate and understand how we can better work together to tackle cancer within our communities.
One delegate from the PC4 2026 Scientific Symposium said, “One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to meet and learn from people working in different settings and disciplines, many of whom I would not otherwise have had the chance to connect with”.
Congratulations to all our award winners: our featured talk presenters who ranked in the top 8 of all submitted abstracts – Yuhang (Jasmine) Zhang, Dr Rebecca Bergin, Dr Farwa Rizvi, A/Prof Carolyn Ee, A/Prof Eleonora Feletto, Dr Sophie Chima, Dr Jean Winter and Dr Verena Wu – and our Outstanding Abstract Award Winner, A/Prof Eleonora Feletto. In addition, our Best Poster Award: Ji-Yun (Julia) Lung; Best Poster Award (Lived Experience Expert Choice): Dr Jennifer Baldock; Best Oral Presentation Award: Prof Raymond Chan; and Best Oral Presentation Award (Lived Experience Expert Choice): Alicia Dallisson.
Thank you to everyone for being part of the PC4 2026 Scientific Symposium! We look forward to connecting with you all again at our next Scientific Symposium in 2028.
You can view the program of the PC4 2026 Scientific Symposium here, and read the abstracts for the oral presentation here and the poster presentations here.