Grace Gawler
Independent Cancer Consultant and Navigator
Survivorship Action and Wellness
About me
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
How patients benefit
By participating in my Survivorship Action Plans, my patients feel:
- more empowered
- more able to make informed decisions
- more confident discussing their side-effects with doctors
- more able to dialogue effectively with oncologists
- more supported
- less stressed by the challenges of dealing with cancer
- realistically hopeful in the face of adversity
BBC Bristol UK interview with Grace Gawler
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.
How to join my Cancer Survivorship Action Plans
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.
Visit ‘Video Call with Grace’ on the menu.
Step 2. Long Term Survivorship Action Plans:
By engaging me as your cancer navigator, you can take advantage of my personalised survivorship action plans.
The initial Platinum Action Plan provides 15 hours of extensive and dedicated services, including video calls.
Cost effective Action Plans provide research, referrals, coordination, case management continuity, regular support, follow up and more.
Platinum Action Plans are personally designed & implemented for each patient’s unique needs.
Visit ‘Cancer Survivorship Action Plans‘ on the menu.
A Specialist GP's opinion of my approach
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 Say on 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.
My personal experience as a long-term care giver to bone cancer patient with a poor prognosis also underpins my unique approach to the art & science of supportive care cancer medicine.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
1. About Grace Gawler
2. Podcast BBC, UK. Grace interview. Attitudinal Strategies for Survival
Inspiring patient stories
Fairlie – Breast Cancer Survivor
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.
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
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