May 2022 - Counterpart

What’s new – May 2022

Links to support, information and other items from the cancer sector.

Cancer, Covid-19 & you survey

Cancer is hard. Covid-19 made it even harder. The pandemic forced many changes in healthcare that affected cancer care – some changes were for the better, others weren’t.

Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with The Daffodil Centre, is undertaking research to understand the impact of Covid-19 on people affected by cancer. This includes the emotional impact, treatment changes, the cost of cancer and hospital visitor restrictions.

If you were diagnosed with cancer, or cared for someone with cancer, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Cancer Council Victoria want to hear from you. Survey closes 9 June 2022.

Complete the Cancer, Covid-19 and you survey.

Translated information about health and wellbeing

Health Translations is a free online library of high-quality translated Australian health and wellbeing information. With translated resources in more than 100 languages, Health Translations offers the most reliable and complete collection of multilingual health and wellbeing resources for those working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Made for Australian health practitioners and people who work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the site provides quick access to a wealth of reliable resources.

The new look of the Health Translations website brings you a better online experience, making it easier to find multilingual resources.

Visit the Health Translations website

Updated information about lymphoedema

The Research Committee of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) has reviewed and updated the ‘What is lymphoedema’ page of their website. It provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of lymphoedema, including causes, risk factors and diagnosis.

Read about lymphoedema on the ALA website.

Research study: identity and body image following gynaecological cancer

A researcher from the University of South Australia is looking to speak to women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay or queer and have experienced a gynaecological cancer. You would participate in a study exploring the way gynaecological cancers can change or impact the way women view, see or think about themselves following treatment.

If you are interested in participating, find out more online or download a flyer about the project.

On the down low – new podcast about ovarian cancer

On the down low: a podcast speaking up about ovarian cancer. White text on a teal background, with an illustration of headphones.

‘On the down low’ is a new is a six-part series featuring the stories of nine women living with ovarian cancer and caregivers. They share their stories and make a powerful call for advocacy, awareness and change.

It covers ovarian cancer experiences such as symptoms and diagnosis, treatment and side effects, relationships and intimacy, issues specific to regional and younger women, research, recurrence, hope and advocacy.

‘On the down low’ is produced by the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) – the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation for Australia and New Zealand.

Listen to ‘On the down low’ on ANZGOG’s website. Content warning: you may find this podcast confronting.

Dragon boating after breast cancer with DAM Busters

Dragon boating is something anyone can do and enjoy! No experience needed.

Women who have experienced breast cancer are invited to join the DAM Busters Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Club. Paddling the waters of Docklands, you can exercise, get to know others and, most importantly, have fun!

Download the DAM Busters brochure for all the information you need to get involved, or visit the new DAM Buster’s website.

Research study: treating bladder leakage after gynaecological cancer

Traditional paper dolls, with one doll crossing its legs in urgency.

If you have had treatment for a gynaecological cancer and have experienced bladder leakage you may be interested in participating in a study being undertaken by researchers from Melbourne University and Monash Health.

Bladder leakage or urinary incontinence is common in women, especially women who have had treatment for gynaecological cancer. It can affect daily activities, personal relationships and a person’s sense of well-being. This study aims to help us better understand treatments that may help women experiencing bladder leakage after having treatment for gynaecological cancer.

Download a flyer to find out about this physiotherapy research study.

Supporting all women with cancer from July

For almost 20 years, we have provided connection, support and information to women with breast or a gynaecological cancer. We are looking forward to extending our services to other women with cancer. In July, Counterpart will be welcoming Victorian women with any type of cancer to talk with a Peer Support Volunteer or attend an event.

Get support

From 1 July, Peer Support Volunteers will be available to support you, listen and share. Women who have experienced the physical, emotional and social impacts of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can provide support that others cannot. Our current volunteers all have their own experience of cancer and are trained to support other women affected by cancer. Request a call from a Counterpart Peer Support Volunteer.

Come to an event

Our May to August program includes webinars and online workshops on a range of different topics. Some are information-based and others include activities to help you look after your own wellbeing. Our What’s On program is open to all women with cancer. Our Making Connections program is specifically for women with advanced/metastatic cancer. See all upcoming Counterpart events.

Become a volunteer

Women with any type of cancer can apply to join our new intake of Peer Support Volunteers. It is an exciting opportunity to be part of the first intake open to all women with cancer. Applications close 12 August 2022.

Other ways to get involved

If you are a woman who has had a cancer diagnosis we would love to hear from you. Our service was created through the advocacy of women with cancer and consumer participation is essential to our ongoing development. We are looking for consumers to:

join the Expansion Project Advisory Group to guide our service expansion
assist with training our staff and volunteers by speaking about their experiences or joining a working group to review and revise the Peer Support Volunteer training program
share their feedback and ideas about how we can publicise our service through their networks
review our communication, marketing and other documents.

If you are interested in helping us extend our service to all women with cancer, please get in touch with our Expansion Project Coordinator Jan Savage ([email protected]).

[email protected]