I’m Grace Gawler, an independent cancer consultant, navigator, support advocate, & health practitioner.
I have walked in the shoes of both patient and caregiver, applying the Art Of Survivorship on many occasions.
I’m also a breast cancer survivor who has had a mastectomy.
Setting a Precedent for Overseas Treatment: Decades prior to my breast cancer surgery, I sustained post surgical complications due to a routine prolapse repair and my colon ceased to function. After multiple attempts with restorative surgery, I travelled overseas for a world first innovative procedure that gave me my life back.
How I help you
I predominantly provide assistance for women with cancer via video consultations, retreats, workshops, seminars, support groups and eBooks.
I help patients to access cutting edge, minimally invasive cancer therapies, second opinions, state-of-the-art diagnostics, approved complementary medicines and therapies, nationally and internationally.
Via my Survivorship Action Plans, my coaching and advocacy empowers you to become the most successful patient you can be.
Learn the Art of Survivorship Action
More about Me
For almost 50 years I have provided cancer patients with survivorship action and wellness programs that teach how to navigate the complex cancer maze.
I envisioned and co-founded the Yarra Valley Living Centre for cancer patients, in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges in the 1980s.
This initiative led me to be recognised as an Australasian Pioneer of Supportive Care Medicine for cancer patients.
A former member of the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Advisory Committee for Women’s Health, I authored the first book on the emotional healing of breast cancer, Women of Silence.
In 2023, as an independent support consultant, I am still helping patients to successfully navigate the complex cancer maze.
Why an Independent Support Service
Based on my personal experiences, I realised the necessity to provide an independent service for cancer patients.
As in my own case, many patients find themselves falling outside of treatments on offer in standard of care cancer medicine.
Patients with advanced cancers, those with rare, or difficult to treat cancers, or patients with known treatment resistance, can benefit from consulting with medical experts in my independent networks.
Whilst I acknowledge the valuable resources and research provided by government bodies and cancer councils, my independence as a support consultant can greatly value-add to patient outcomes.
“Although her primary qualification is in naturopathy, she has in my opinion, a greater body of knowledge than most oncologists I have experienced in my 47-yrs as a general practitioner.” Dr B Whelan
Wow – what a great interview. Loved how your endorsement of joining traditional and complementary medicine came across loud and clear. I always feel like cheering when I hear you speak like this – there are many, MANY podcasts where people share good information (for example on diet, supplements, visualisation), but then demonise western medicine in their next breath.
You are almost a “lone voice” in your astute approach and I admire you so much. Your personal story, particularly with the world-first surgery, is incredible! Thank you, Grace! click here
Bridging the support gaps in standard cancer care
Access my networks
Most patients who approach me are surprised to learn there are a range of treatment options they were not offered.
Because I designed Survivorship Action Plans based on my life experience, professional training and subsequent networks; they remain globally unique.
You will be surprised by how personalised the service can be in a world where we are experiencing increasing Artificial intelligence (AI) and where personalised medical services are challenged.
My personalised services “Bridge the Gap” by focusing on the human element of being diagnosed with Cancer whilst concurrently focusing on the most researched, evidence-based minimally invasive cancer solutions available.
My team of National & International cancer experts can provide patients with second opinions that may lead to minimally invasive treatment options.
Step 1. Organise a Video Consultation with me: Explore Options you never knew existed
I suggest an initial video consultation to explore your options. Not an either/or approach; I am happy to liaise with your oncologist and GP.
After your initial consultation you have the option of participating in one of my Long Term Survivorship Action Plans. Alternatively; I may suggest you directly consult one of my medical colleagues. The aim of a video consultation is to help you find guidance and direction as well as exploring the possibilities.
I came to know and appreciate the skills and knowledge Grace Gawler has in managing patients who approach her seeking help to navigate the cancer maze. Grace, having worked in the field of cancer management for 4+ decades, has a breadth of knowledge which I find quite amazing.
Although her primary qualification is in naturopathy, she has in my opinion, a greater body of knowledge than most oncologists I have experienced in my 47-yrs as a general practitioner.
Grace, like myself, only practises scientifically proven medicine. But what she brings to these patients is the best that western medicine has to offer in conjunction with evidence-based complementary treatments not embraced by western medical practitioners. More at: What Doctors Sayon menu
Women of Silence - my book started the breast cancer survivorship revolution
In 1994, based on the life stories of women who had attended my residential programs and workshops, I authored the first book and best seller, Women of Silence the emotional healing of breast cancer. (1994, 2001)
I published my autobiography, Grace Grit and Gratitude in 2008. My other publications are A Helping Hand, and Survivor’s Secrets for Women.
I co-founded Australia’s first cancer support groups, followed by ground breaking residential retreats for women with cancer and women with breast cancer. In 1986 I graduated as a health practitioner in natural medicine.
My patient advocacy in Australia & New Zealand saw me receiving the inaugural Rotary International Jean Harris Award for services towards advancing the role of women in society; the highest honour Rotary bestows on a non-Rotarian.
I have also served an active role as a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Women’s Health in the Victorian Government.
Grace is the “missing link” in the complex world of multi-disciplinary cancer management & treatment.
Her ability to see the whole landscape of treatment & care options both nationally & internationally is unparalleled!
Her depth of knowledge, broad experience base, compassionate character, plus her intellectually curious & rigorous nature; make her an anomaly in the field.
Judith – Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer – mastectomy
In April 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was convinced that my healthy, vegan lifestyle of many years would protect me from cancer. I was able to make arrangements for a mastectomy but that was about all. I had no idea what to expect after the operation and no idea of how to go about choosing an oncologist.
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Luckily for me, I stumbled across Grace Gawler’s website and was able to have a Zoom meeting with her about a week before surgery. It was amazing the difference it made to the way I felt about my future. Grace, with her knowledge and experience, was able to bring a feeling of calm and control to a situation which until then had felt like I was walking through a nightmare. She supported my choice to have a mastectomy and gave information and advice about the operation which increased my feelings of control.
After the operation, Grace suggested various genomic tests which might identify the best path forward. She was also able to direct me to an amazing oncologist who understands the person as well as the disease.
I would sincerely recommend Grace to anyone who is going through the cancer maze. It can be a very lonely and confronting journey and sometimes one with which even family members can’t really identify. But Grace Gawler can; she’s been there, done that and she understands the emotions as well as the disease. Judith Sept 2021
Judith update: October 2021
An extremely important part of my recovery has been the weekly video Survivorship Care Plan sessions I have with Grace. During these sessions I am able to discuss any issues I’ve encountered with someone who understands what it feels like to be a patient. Grace’s expertise allows me to access immediate feedback on my DNA tests, blood tests and nutrition. These weekly video sessions with Grace have been invaluable to my recovery. I am now cancer free and moving on to the Wellness Care Plan so that I can continue to have Grace’s support and guidance.
Explore the possibilities & be the most successful patient you can be
How I can help you create a cancer recovery toolkit
Stress Reduction and Resilience
When you join a Survivorship Action Plan I help you build psychological & emotional resilience. As well I assist you to develop tools for managing trauma & stress associated with your diagnosis & treatments.
There are no dress rehearsals for a cancer diagnosis or recurrence. You may be required to build a new skill set or draw more intensively upon resources you already have.
The tools that I share with you can free up vital energy required for healing and health restoration.
Your Survivorship Action Plan Toolkit includes Lifestyle and Complementary Medicine
No more guesswork!
When it comes to supplements many patients use the more is better principle often leading to dangerous self-prescription. Many are unaware of potential interactions with conventional treatments. We aim to remove the guesswork by recommending a drug sensitivity profile analysis called Pharmacogenomics (PGx)
Grace can also introduce you to the latest nutritional gene tests that can provide information on how you can optimise your nutrition and metabolism.
When skilfully prescribed, complementary medicines can make a significant contribution to a patient’s recovery. By using her qualified approach, she can help you reduce the stress of decision making