Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

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Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a not-for-profit, comprehensive cancer hospital based in Sydney, Australia When it comes to cancer care, choose hope

24/04/2026

𝐀𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐜 𝐃𝐚𝐲

This Anzac Day, the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse community will pause to honour and remember all those who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions around the world.

Lest we forget.

21/04/2026

𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in Australian men aged 20 to 39, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. In 2025, an estimated 1,040 men were diagnosed, with the average age just 36, as reported by Cancer Council. While survival rates are high, a diagnosis at a young age can have lasting impacts.

Research is helping change that.

Professor Peter Grimison, Medical Oncologist at COBL, is part of the CLIMATE study, a new clinical trial led by the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP) and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The trial is exploring a simple blood test that may help predict whether early-stage testicular cancer is likely to return.

As Professor Grimison explains:
“When we see a young man with what appears to be early-stage testicular cancer, he needs to be followed closely for five years, as there can be up to a 50 per cent chance of it coming back. We do not want to give unnecessary chemotherapy to young men who do not need it because of the long-term side effects, which is why research into early detection tools is vital for better patient outcomes.”

This blood test could help identify who needs further treatment and who can safely avoid it.

Regular self-checks are important. If something does not feel right, speak to a healthcare professional. Early action makes a difference.

15/04/2026

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤

🎶 This World Music Therapy Week, we’re celebrating YOU.

Thanks to the generosity of our COBL donor community, our Christmas Appeal raised over $195,000 to keep music therapy free for patients at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

“It’s wonderful to see how people really understand the power and value of our Music in Health program.”

World Music Therapy Week showcases how music therapy can transform lives, support mental health, and create a meaningful impact through sound and rhythm. It is an evidence-based practice offered at COBL, with 2026 marking the 10th year of the program!

Inspired by the 2026 theme, “Connecting Borders,” music therapy offers patients opportunities for self-expression and meaningful connection through a supportive creative framework.

Read more in our latest OpenHouse : https://donate.mylifehouse.org.au/OHAW26

09/04/2026

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨-𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲

World Psycho-Oncology Day serves as a global reminder that cancer care is about more than treating the disease, it’s also about supporting the emotional and psychological wellbeing of people affected by cancer.

A cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty, distress, and significant life changes for patients and those close to them. Navigating these challenges often requires support that goes beyond medical treatment.

At Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, our Psycho-Oncology Service provides specialised counselling and psychological support for patients, carers, and families facing the emotional impact of cancer, treatment, and palliative care.

“The experience of living with cancer is like throwing a rock in a pond, and everyone copes differently. For many of our patients and families, attending a Psycho-Oncology appointment allows them to have a space that they are able to be present to all the emotions that arise, and to identify things that will help them manage through it all”. Toni Lindsay, COBL Senior Clinical Psychologist.

Today we recognise the progress made in psycho-oncology and continue to advocate for accessible psychological support as a vital part of comprehensive cancer care.

07/04/2026

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

A cancer diagnosis at any age is life-altering, but for young people it can bring unique challenges during one of the most formative stages of life. In 2025, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that around 1,213 young people aged 15 to 24 were diagnosed with cancer.

This April we recognise Youth Cancer Awareness Month. Organised by Canteen, this year’s theme is “Too young. Too serious. Too urgent.”
A diagnosis at this age can affect every part of a young person’s life. Many experience disruption to study, work and friendships, and families are often navigating the impact alongside them.

At COBL, young people are supported through the You Can Cancer Centre, a purpose-built space designed with their social wellbeing in mind. The centre offers adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 29 a safe and comfortable place during treatment, with lounge areas, apartments and shared living spaces available for patients and their families.

Patients can also access dedicated adolescent and young adult-focused medical care, psychological support and the guidance of a clinical nurse specialist.

No young person should face cancer alone. Youth Cancer Awareness Month helps raise awareness and highlights the importance of ensuring young people receive the care and support they need every step of the way.

05/04/2026

We would like to extend our warmest wishes to our Chris O’Brien Lifehouse community this Easter. May this be a time of renewal, reflection, and joy for you and your loved ones. Let us cherish the hope, love, and new beginnings that this season brings.

01/04/2026

💛 Meet Specialist Nurse Niamh.

With over a decade of experience in cancer care, Niamh Mulvey is part of the compassionate specialist nursing team at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and a familiar, reassuring presence for so many of our patients.

Niamh guides patients through our LivingRoom’s evidence-based holistic services, helping them manage side effects with therapies like oncology massage or exercise physiology, and empowering them to take charge of their wellbeing.

You can read more about Niamh’s impact here: https://donate.mylifehouse.org.au/OHAW26

For people navigating cancer treatment, having a single point of contact can make all the difference. Someone to call. Someone to text. Someone who understands.

More soon on the incredible impact of specialist nurses at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. 💙

30/03/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐁𝐋 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐂-𝐑𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Radiation Oncology Department has recently been recognised as a C-RAD Centre of Excellence. This significant achievement highlights the expertise and precision of the radiation therapies delivered at COBL, as we are Australia's first clinical site to receive this recognition.

The department utilises several pieces of C-RAD equipment, enabling patients to receive fast and highly accurate radiation therapy. C-RAD develops advanced Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) systems that support clinics to deliver safer, more precise and more efficient radiation treatments.

These technologies form part of an integrated approach to care, supporting our multidisciplinary teams to plan and deliver treatment with exceptional accuracy while enhancing patient safety and comfort throughout the course of therapy.

We are proud to receive this recognition as a Centre of Excellence, which reflects the dedication of our Radiation Oncology team and our ongoing commitment to providing leading, patient centred cancer care.

26/03/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

SurFebruary started in 2018 with one couple, one beach, and $20,000 raised.

Today, it has:
🌊 Raised over $2 million for cancer research
🌊 Funded 26+ research projects
🌊 Supported vital seed funding for emerging researchers
🌊 Inspired a community across Australia to get in the water every day in February

What began in Cronulla has become a powerful force for progress.

To every person who has surfed, swum, splashed or cheered over the past nine years, thank you. You are helping turn waves into life-changing research.

Read the full story of SurFebruary here: https://donate.mylifehouse.org.au/OHAW26

25/03/2026

Registrations are now open for 2026 City2Surf 🏃

This August join Team Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and take on the iconic race from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi for the World’s Largest Fun Run. 🎉

Sign up as general entry, grab your mates for a team or apply to be our Charity Superstar and run for free! Last year’s City2Surf sold out in record time so get your runners on and secure your Chris O’Brien Lifehouse running singlet today.

https://in.au.city2surf.com.au/njuko.registrations.grassrootz-1.0.0/2026-city2surf/city2surf26/mylifehouse

24/03/2026

𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

Novalis Certified is an independent certification program for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), grounded in international standards and informed by leading radiation oncology organisations.

We are proud to announce that our COBL Radiation Oncology department has been recognised as a Novalis Certified Centre. This is a significant achievement, as we are now one of the only centres in Australia to currently have this certification.

This program supports the safe and precise delivery of radiosurgery, aligned with the highest standards of clinical care. Our advanced linear accelerator, funded through COBL’s 2023 Giving Day, plays a critical role in enabling this level of precision. The technology allows radiation to be delivered with sub-millimetre accuracy, supporting highly targeted treatment while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

Philanthropy and the generosity of our supporters are integral to bringing innovative technologies like this into practice. Their support enables us to combine expert multidisciplinary care with advanced technology, delivering more precise treatment and better patient outcomes.

This international recognition reflects not only technical excellence but the collective commitment of our teams to deliver thoughtful, research-informed care that continues to evolve.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this international recognition.

22/03/2026

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧: 𝐂𝐎𝐁𝐋 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

The recently published textbook Comprehensive Integrative Oncology features contributions from COBL clinicians Dr Suzanne Grant and A/Prof Judith Lacey, who each provide insights on integrating evidence-based therapies alongside conventional cancer care.

The book brings together experts to explore approaches such as nutrition, exercise, botanicals, and mind–body practices used alongside standard oncology treatment. Integrative oncology takes a holistic approach, supporting the whole person by addressing symptoms, wellbeing, and quality of life while patients receive medical care.

Dr Grant’s chapter on models of integrative oncology care and A/Prof Lacey’s work on the gut microbiome in integrative oncology contribute to a growing body of knowledge that will help educate future clinicians and researchers.

Their involvement reflects COBL’s patient-centred care and ongoing commitment to research, collaboration, and education that prioritise the whole person, not just the disease.

Address

119-143 Missenden Road
Camperdown, NSW
2050

Website

https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/

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Your cancer centre

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a not-for-profit, comprehensive cancer hospital. From screening to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and wellness, we specialise in advanced care for patients with cancer, including the most rare and complex cases. Each year we treat over 57,000 patients from across Australia, using the latest technology in a modern, purpose-built hospital.

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien was a man of leadership, vision and courage. He inspired people, both through his work as a cancer specialist and through his own three-year battle with an aggressive brain tumour. Chris transformed his personal adversity into a national opportunity, using his experience to fight so much harder for cancer patients and their families. Chris’ vision was for an integrated cancer treatment centre, where patients will no longer have to navigate their way through all the different elements of dealing with their illness alone. His vision was realised with the opening of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to patients on 19 November 2013.

Leading cancer care

At Chris O’Brien Lifehouse our patients are firmly at the centre of everything we do. We provide a full range of services to ensure our patients receive all the cancer care they need in a single facility: this includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation oncology, research, supportive care and evidence-based complementary therapies including acupuncture, mindfulness, reflexology, massage and exercise physiology. This enables us to develop a holistic treatment program to meet each patient’s individual circumstances. In recent research a comprehensive cancer hospital environment has been shown to improve patient outcomes from 5 to 15 per cent.

Our patients and their carers can have confidence that they are receiving the best care possible and also benefit from the convenience and continuity of being cared for by the same team of specialists in a single location, which helps to reduce travel time and stress.

Specialisation and research

Our patients are treated by multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, psychologists and researchers, all who are able to provide peer-reviewed, tailored, personalised treatment. Patient care is also underpinned by a thriving research program that ensures we can provide the latest approaches to cancer prevention, care and treatment.

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is the largest cancer clinical trial centre in New South Wales, giving our patients access to some of the world’s newest lifesaving drugs and breakthroughs. Research and trials are carried out by the same clinicians who treat patients, shortening the path between discovery and new treatments.

Not-for-profit and our community

As a not-for-profit hospital, all donations support the services and programs that we provide to people with cancer. This independence enables a nimble and responsive approach to patient care and cancer research. Our generous donors help drive innovation in research, improve care and make each patient’s journey as smooth as it can possibly be.

Our volunteers are the heart of our community. This team of more than 120 dedicated people enhances our patients’ experience in numerous ways. From the first moment a patient walks through the door to be greeted by our friendly concierges, to having refreshments brought to them in the wards or sitting down to a game or having a book read, our volunteers are there to lend support during every step of their treatment journey.