DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
Research Field: Mental Health
There are one million cancer survivors in Australia. A diagnosis of cancer can be a distressing event,
for both the person who is diagnosed, and their family. As the distress that people face can be
managed with access to relevant support and information, it is critically important people receive
the support they need.
Dr Ugalde leads an original program of health services research to promote best practice for cancer
patients and their family caregivers, informing oncology clinical practice and government policy. This
includes of understanding the experience of people with cancer and their families, and developing or
evaluating support programs. Her research generates recommendations to directly inform local
programs and guide international approaches to optimise the care for people affected by cancer.
Anna’s research is conducted in partnership with community groups, health service organisations,
clinicians, policymakers and people affected by cancer.
Anna completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2012 and is currently a senior research
fellow at Deakin University and a Victorian Cancer Agency Early Career Health Services Research
Fellow.