CancerAid: From Start-Up to Global Leader in Digital Cancer Care
CancerAid is a groundbreaking health tech platform founded in Australia, dedicated to transforming cancer care. Established as a start-up in 2015, it has grown into a global leader in digital cancer support, positively impacting the lives of millions worldwide.
This comprehensive case study dives into CancerAid’s incredible story, from its humble beginnings to its impactful collaborations, its groundbreaking initiatives, and its eventual transition to become Osara Health. Along the way, we’ll cover how this remarkable organisation continues transforming lives through its innovative approach to cancer care.
The Origins of CancerAid
CancerAid was the brainchild of Australian oncologists Dr. Raghav Murali-Ganesh and Dr. Nikhil Pooviah. Working at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney, the two doctors saw a critical gap in the support provided to cancer patients. They noticed that better-informed and well-organised patients experienced improved clinical outcomes, yet many lacked the tools they needed for self-advocacy and management.
Armed with their first-hand experiences, they sought to offer a solution. CancerAid was born in 2015, combining clinical expertise with user-friendly technology to empower patients and their caregivers. Designed as an all-in-one mobile application, CancerAid quickly became the go-to app for individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis.
At its core, the CancerAid app offered:
- Personalised Information tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, reducing confusion and anxiety.
- Journey Organisational Tools to track symptoms, medications, medical records, and appointments.
- Telemedicine Features allowing remote monitoring and digital support from specialists.
- Community Connections to combat isolation by connecting patients with others facing similar challenges.
Within three weeks of its launch, CancerAid became the #1 cancer app in the Apple Store in Australia, the US, and the UK. Unlike many competitors, CancerAid was – and remains – free to use.
CancerAid’s Partnership-Driven Growth
A pivotal factor in CancerAid’s success has been its ability to form lasting partnerships with prominent organisations across industries. By offering robust evidence-based solutions, CancerAid became a trusted name for enhancing both patient care and organisational wellbeing. Below are some highlights of these partnerships:
Collaboration with Teladoc Health
One of CancerAid’s most significant milestones came in 2022, when it announced a joint venture with Teladoc Health, a global telehealth leader valued at over $US 6.5 billion ($8.6 billion AUD). This partnership enabled CancerAid to extend its reach and offer its services to a much broader audience through Teladoc’s expansive platform. Together, they aimed to provide a seamless navigation experience for cancer patients worldwide.
Partnering with AIA Australia
Since 2018, CancerAid has worked closely with AIA Australia, a leading life and health insurance provider. CancerAid’s Cancer Coach program became a core part of AIA’s service offerings, providing customers with educational support and encouraging behavioural change. Highlights of this collaboration include:
- 73% likelihood of returning to work for Cancer Coach participants.
- Patients returning to work 16.5 weeks earlier than those who did not receive the program’s support.
- A 39% improvement in symptoms, contributing to a noticeably better quality of life.
This success led AIA to extend the Cancer Coach program to its health insurance portfolio, demonstrating its growing confidence in the service’s impact.
Supporting Employee Health at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Recognising that cancer affects not only individuals but entire communities, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) teamed up with CancerAid in 2022. This partnership ensures that CCEP’s 3,600+ employees and caregivers have access to CancerAid’s supportive programs, including the Coach Program and Caregivers Program.
The partnership also involved organisational training to help employers better support their team members during the return-to-work process. With CancerAid, employees diagnosed with cancer are 73% more likely to return to work, making it a game-changing resource for both staff and employers.
Rebranding to Osara Health
CancerAid’s mission to empower cancer patients has remained steadfast. However, 2023 marked a turning point in its evolution. The organisation adopted a new identity, Osara Health, reflecting its shift towards more holistic, person-centric healthcare that extends beyond just cancer care.
The name Osara is a thoughtful combination of:
- “Opem” (Latin for “assistance” or “aid”)
- “Salus” (Latin for “good health”)
- “Piara” (a Nyoongar word referencing the healing properties of the Candlestick Banksia tree)
Osara Health honours its Australian roots and Indigenous culture, embodying resilience and healing.
Transformative Impact
Over the years, the CancerAid ecosystem has grown in influence and reach. Its innovations continue revolutionising cancer care for patients, caregivers, and organisations alike. Here are some examples of its ongoing impact:
Advanced Telehealth Integration
Osara Health collaborated with healthcare software provider FINEOS to integrate telehealth into the insurance claims process. This step reduced support delays by three months, minimising financial burdens for cancer patients and enhancing overall outcomes.
Recognising Caregivers
Acknowledging the vital role that caregivers play, Osara launched the Cancer Caregivers program, providing emotional and educational support to those looking after loved ones. Within its first 18 months, the program had positively impacted thousands of participants.
Celebrating Achievements
Osara’s efforts have, consequently, garnered global recognition, with accolades such as the 2023 ‘Rising Star’ award in Consumer Wellness at the Digital Health Awards. Furthermore, the organisation has joined CancerX, a White House initiative that aligns with the Cancer Moonshot programme, thereby contributing to the improvement of cancer care on a national level.
Osara Health: Pioneering Digital Healthcare
From its origins as CancerAid to its position as a pioneer in digital health, Osara Health has continually driven innovation. In 2023, the company has grown its team by 15% and remains committed to recruiting passionate individuals to further its mission.
Looking to the future, Osara aims to:
- Establish additional global partnerships to expand its reach.
- Continue enhancing its data-driven programmes through ongoing research.
- Build on participant success stories, such as those of CCEP employees and AIA clients, who have praised the platform for improving their health and enabling a quicker return to work.
By staying true to its dedication to care, Osara Health is set to lead the way in patient-centred digital healthcare.
Empowering Lives One Program at a Time
What sets CancerAid (now Osara Health) apart is its unwavering focus on supporting those impacted by cancer and their caregivers. It bridges the gap between clinical treatment and everyday challenges, offering resources that are as personal as they are impactful. With innovative technology, meaningful partnerships, and evidence-based care, Osara Health proves that no one has to face cancer alone.
If you or your organisation would like to learn more about Osara Health’s programs, visit OsaraHealth.com to explore resources, testimonials, or request a personalised demo.
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