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Seeing research translated into practice and having a real impact for those living with or beyond cancer.
Exercise oncology, cancer survivorship, workforce development and training, safety and tolerability reporting for behavioural interventions
Associate Professor Rosa Spence is a Principal Research Fellow at Cancer Council Queensland and Group Lead, Cancer Survivorship. Associate Professor Spence conducts research into the role of exercise therapy in improving outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer, with an emphasis on the role of exercise in maintaining and optimising health during and after cancer treatment, and managing treatment-related side-effects. Associate Professor Spence has both clinical and research experience with a range of cancer types, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma. Associate Professor Spence co-authored the 2009 Australian Position Statement on Exercise and Cancer, as well as its update, published in 2019. She has a particular interest in developing evidence-based guidelines and advanced exercise oncology training for exercise professionals, in supporting cancer survivors to overcome barriers to engage in sufficient exercise for the longer term, and in establishing comprehensive reporting guidelines for exercise-related adverse events.
PhD (Exercise Oncology) | The University of Queensland
Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies – Exercise Science (First Class Honours) | The University of Queensland
Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life for people living with a cancer diagnosis. It can reduce the burden of disease- and treatment-related symptoms and minimise interruptions to life-saving cancer treatment. However, we still have many unanswered questions, particularly with regards to the feasibility, safety, tolerability and benefits of exercise for understudied cancer populations, such as those with rarer cancers, poorer prognoses and a greater symptom burden. There is also a lack of research into equitable exercise interventions for those in non-metropolitan areas (such as unsupervised or telehealth delivery of targeted exercise programs). My research addresses these gaps in survivorship research through pragmatic exercise trials. I’m also passionate about supporting exercise professionals to use evidence-informed practice in exercise oncology. Translating evidence into practice through guidelines and workforce development ensures my research has an impact beyond the academic space, helping people living with or beyond cancer.
I continue to see my clinical approach and my research priorities evolve as I learn from people who are experiencing the successes or challenges of exercising after a cancer diagnosis. I am grateful to all the people, professionally and personally, who have shared their experiences with me and helped to make me a better clinician, researcher and human being.
