Latest News Archives - Page 2 of 12

Oesophageal cancer: symptoms, reduce risk, and support options

Oesophageal cancer, while not as widely discussed as some other types of cancer, is a serious health condition that affects many Australians each year. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments available can make a world of difference in early detection and improving outcomes. The 5-year survival rate for oesophageal cancer, though significantly lower than many other cancers, has improved in recent years, rising from 12% in 1982-1986 to 25% in 2017-2021. (Cancer Council Australia, June 2024)

What is oesophageal cancer?

The oesophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. Oesophageal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the oesophagus. These cells can form a tumour that can interfere with swallowing and, in more severe cases, spread to other parts of the body.

There are two main types of oesophageal cancer:

Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type in Western countries, including Australia. It usually starts in the lower part of the oesophagus near the stomach and is often linked to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Squamous cell carcinoma: This type typically starts in the upper and middle part of the oesophagus and is more common in countries with high rates of tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Prevention: how can you reduce the risk?

There are some risk factors for oesophageal cancer which can be modified.

Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Manage acid reflux
Eat a healthy diet

Taking these steps may not prevent you developing cancer, and some people with multiple risk factors may not ever develop oesophageal cancer. Cancer Australia has more information about risk factors for oesophageal cancer (Cancer Australia, September 2024).

What symptoms should you watch for?

Oesophageal cancer can develop slowly, and the early stages often do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, you may begin to notice the following signs:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection is key to improving the chances of successful treatment. (Cancer Council Australia, February 2025)

Where can you get get support if you are diagnosed?

Pancare Foundation – provides in-depth information on various aspects of oesophageal cancer from symptoms, diagnosis and beyond. They also offer supportive resources and practical guidance to help patients and their loved ones navigate the challenges associated with this type of cancer. Pancare offer support with specialist nurses and the PanSupport Helpline. Their patient handbook is a helpful resource.

GI Cancer Institute – Information, resources, support group directory, and links, including details on current clinical trials.

Counterpart Peer Support Volunteers – Talk to a woman who has experienced cancer and is trained to support others experiencing cancer.

What’s new in April

What’s new in April, with links to support, information and other items of interest.

Out with Cancer – LGBTIQ+ cancer survivorship and care webinar

This online event, presented by Dr Rosalie Power, will explore the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in cancer care. The findings, based on the Out with Cancer study, are drawn from surveys of 430 LGBTIQ+ cancer patients, 131 informal carers and 357 healthcare professionals.

The session will highlight the alarming levels of distress among LGBTIQ+ cancer patients, which are 3 to 6 times higher than the general population, due to discrimination, minority stress and gaps in care. Despite these barriers, LGBTIQ+ individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience. The webinar will also discuss systemic changes and actionable recommendations to improve the inclusivity of cancer care, while sharing practical resources developed in collaboration with cancer organisations and LGBTIQ+ communities to promote cultural safety for both LGBTIQ+ people and their carers.

Register to attend this session which will be live on 28 April at 1.00pm–2.00pm via the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance website.

STUDY: improving cancer care in rural and remote health services

If you or someone you care for has experienced cancer treatment in rural or remote Australia, Deakin University and Equitable Cancer Outcomes across Rural and Remote Australia (ECORRA) would appreciate hearing your story. With a genuine rural and remote focus, ECORRA is one of Australia’s leading research groups dedicated to reducing geographical inequities in all areas of cancer care. Taking part in this study would help in their aim at improving cancer care in rural and remote health services.

Learn more about this work on the ECORRA Deakin website or go direct to the study via the Deakin survey website.

Two new Optimal Care Pathways under development

Cancer Australia is pleased to announce the development of two new Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs): an OCP for older people with cancer, and an OCP for people with rare and less common cancers.
OCPs are guidelines that set the standard for cancer care, ensuring that it’s consistent, safe, high-quality and based on the best available evidence throughout all stages of cancer treatment.

To develop the OCP for older people with cancer, Cancer Australia will be partnering with the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA). For more information visit Optimal Care Pathway for Older People with Cancer | COSA or contact [email protected]

Cancer Australia is partnering with Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) to develop the OCP for people with rare and less common cancers. For more information, contact RCA at [email protected] or visit Contact us – Rare Cancers Australia.

iCare – support for upper gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers

iCare is a new interactive web-based portal to improve symptom management and wellbeing for people diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal or hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers and their carers. This personalised program offers a comprehensive selection of interactive modules and provides information and access to resources needed during a cancer diagnosis. Currently seeking input from those who would use the platform, the iCare portal is being trialed among people living with upper gastrointestinal or hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer.

To read more about taking part in this study and to register visit the iCare website today.

Lung Cancer Screening Symposium

The Victoria Comprehensive Cancer Centre’s (VCCC) Lung Cancer Screening Symposium is designed to equip health professionals, cancer care advocates and policymakers for the launch of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in July 2025. This event will provide valuable insights, collaborative strategies, and practical tools to ensure equitable, person-centred screening and follow-up care in metropolitan, regional, and rural areas. Join the symposium to contribute to the nationwide effort to deliver best-practice lung cancer screening and follow-up care.

Be inspired by expert speakers and engaging panel discussions, led by leaders from the VCCC Alliance and professionals from primary care, lung cancer care, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The symposium will take place on 23 May 2025, from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and is available in a hybrid format. Visit the VCCC event listing for more information.

What’s new – March 2025

What’s new in March, with links to support, information and other items of interest.

17-23 March is Advance Care Planning week

Advance care planning involves making decisions about your future health care in case you become seriously ill and unable to communicate. It ensures that your loved ones and health care providers understand and respect your treatment preferences. Creating a documented plan improves ongoing and end-of-life care, ensures you receive the care you want, and reduces stress and anxiety for both you and your loved ones, especially during the difficult circumstances of being extremely unwell.

Advance Care Planning Australia is here to help you create a plan and offer free starter packs.

Visit the Advance Care Planning Australia website for full details.

Study: Psychosocial care and the role of psychologists at end-of-life

The University of Sydney invite you to take part in a study exploring psychosocial care and the role of psychologists at the end-of-life, from the perspectives of patients, carers, psychologists, and other health professionals. Your involvement will help them better understand the role of psychologists in supporting individuals with advanced or incurable illnesses and their carers. This will help improve how services, such as palliative care and oncology clinics, address the psychological needs of patients and families.

Visit the University of Sydney website for more details.

March is Myeloma Awareness Month

Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to abnormal cell growth and complications like bone damage, kidney issues, and a weakened immune system. The symptoms of myeloma can include bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, weakness or numbness in the legs, easy bruising or bleeding, high calcium levels (which can cause nausea, constipation, and confusion), and kidney problems.

Myeloma Australia is dedicated to providing specialised support to individuals affected by multiple myeloma. You can speak with a specialist myeloma nurse over the phone, attend support groups all over Victoria and gain access to resources.

For more information visit the Myeloma Australia website.

Are you interested in supporting medical research?

The Doherty Institute is currently seeking a community member to join their Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB plays a crucial role in supporting the Institute’s work by providing a voice for individuals who have been affected by or are at increased risk of infectious diseases, immune-related disorders, or illnesses where immunotherapy is vital, such as cancer.

In partnership with the Doherty Institute, the CAB offers valuable insights and advice to help improve health outcomes and support the Institute’s overall goals.

Read more information and discover how to express your interest on the Doherty Institute’s Information sheet.

March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month

Lymphoedema is a condition where swelling occurs due to the buildup of lymph fluid in tissues, often affecting the arms or legs following cancer treatment. This can happen when the lymphatic system is damaged by surgery or radiotherapy, leading to secondary lymphoedema. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in protecting the body against infections, and when it’s not functioning properly, lymphoedema can develop at any stage of cancer treatment or remission.

Early detection of lymphoedema is essential for managing the condition and reducing its impact, as symptoms like swelling, tightness, and discomfort can worsen over time.

To read more and find out where you can get support visit our Lymphoedema blog post.

Lymphoedema: what you need to know

March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month, so we are sharing information for people who have had treatment for cancer and may be at risk of developing this condition.

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is swelling (oedema) that occurs when fluid (lymph) builds up in tissues, under the skin, or sometimes more deeply in the chest, abdomen or neck. Your arms and legs are most commonly affected after cancer treatment.

When this swelling is caused by damage to the lymphatic system (for example, by surgery or radiotherapy), it is called secondary lymphoedema. In rare cases, people may develop primary lymphoedema, but we are only discussing secondary lymphoedema here.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system protects the body against infection. It is made up of a network of fine tubes across the body. It carries lymph fluid from tissues and organs and takes this to lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid removing bacteria and viruses. Then the filtered lymph fluid passes out of the lymph nodes into the bloodstream.

Diagram of the lymphatic system showing the lympatic vessels spreading throughout the body bringing lymph from the limbs to the thoracic duct in the centre of the chest, above the heart. — SGUL lymres, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Who gets lymphoedema?

If the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, lymphoedema can occur at any time. For people diagnosed with cancer this can happen during initial treatment, after treatment is completed or when you’re in remission. It may develop if you’re experiencing advanced cancer. Usually it develops slowly, over many months or even years.

Lymphoedema affects 1 in 5 women after cancer.
Source: Cancer Australia
Black text on light orange. Illustration of a woman sitting, wearing a compression sleeve on one arn.

More than one in 5 people with cancer develop lymphoedema to some degree. Most don’t and it depends on the type of cancer you have, where it is, what treatment you’ve had and other health conditions you experience.

Risk factors include (from the Cancer Council, 2023):

surgery that removes lymph nodes
radiation therapy that damages the lymphatic system (scarring and thickening the vessels so they’re not carrying the lymph fluid as well as before)
Taxane-based chemotherapy (speak with your oncologist about this association)
an infection in the limb where lymph nodes were removed/damaged
an injury to the lymphatic vessels
obesity
not being able to move around easily
rheumatoid arthritis
older age.

The table shows areas that may be affected by lymphoedema depending on the type of cancer:

Cancer type	Commonly affected areas
Bladder	Genitals and legs
Breast	Arm, hand, breast, chest, trunk
Cervical	Genitals and legs
Head and neck	Face, below chin and/or neck
Melanoma	Any part of the body such as face, neck, hand, forearm, upper arm or whole arm, breast and/or chest wall, legs
Ovarian	Genitals, abdomen/trunk and legs
Uterine	Legs
Vulvar/vaginal	Genitals and legs

How do I know I have lymphoedema?

Diagnosing lymphoedema early gives you the best chance of reducing how it affects you.

Early signs include:

swelling that is soft to the touch and is usually not painful at first
swelling and a heavy or achy feeling in your arms or legs that may spread to your fingers and toes
swelling and a tight uncomfortable feeling on your face, neck, or under your chin
difficulty moving your head or neck
a dent when you press on the swollen area
tight watches, jewellery or clothes.

Warning signs of LYMPHOEDEMA include:
* swelling, especially at night
* recurrent cellulitis
* area feels heavy or stiff.
Source: Australasian Lymphology Association.
Black text on light teal. Illustration of a woman with moderate lymphoedema in her right leg.

Later signs include:

swelling that doesn’t go down after elevation (overnight)
swelling that is firmer and more difficult to dent
infection – cellulitis (redness, heat and pain) of the skin over the swollen area
nail changes to the affected limb.

What help can I get?

Treatment improves the lymphatic fluid’s flow through the affected area. This helps reduce swelling and improves the health of the swollen tissue. Reducing the swelling will lower your risk of infection, make movement easier and more comfortable, and improve your wellbeing. A range of health professionals may be involved in your care including a lymphoedema practitioner, your doctor, a podiatrist and dietitian.

Treatment can include:

skin care, especially preventing infection, including nail care
exercise, moving the affected area helps move the lymphatic fluid
maintaining a healthy weight
massage therapy (manual lymphatic drainage, if needed)
compression therapy (if advised).

Lentpjuve, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you talk to your doctor about getting a Management Plan, you can be referred to an Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner and may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to five sessions from approved allied health professionals. You can also ask your oncology team about what services are available.

More information

Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) (lymphoedema.org.au) The ALA is a professional association for lymphoedema practitioners and those working in or interested in lymphoedema. Their website includes information and a look-up tool to help you find an accredited practitioner near you.

Lymphoedema Association Australia (www.lymphaustralia.org.au) The Lymphoedema Association provides information and support to people living with lymphoedema.

Counterpart webinar recording: Lymphoedema (recorded 6 March 23)

Counterpart webinar recording: Self care for lymphoedema (recorded 9 March 22)

Understanding Lymphoedema (cancervic.org.au) (Cancer Council Victoria)

Physiotherapy and Lymphoedema (headandneckcancer.org.au) Information about lymphoedema as a result of head and neck cancer.

Counterpart’s ovarian cancer Navigator: lymphoedema

Counterpart’s breast cancer Navigator: lymphoedema

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is happening now

Every February, Counterpart joins others in acknowledging Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. We support the important work others are doing to educate women about ovarian cancer. We also use this time to talk about the support and information available to women living with ovarian cancer.

Women supporting other women with cancer

When you have been diagnosed with cancer, sometimes you need to talk to someone who has been there. Our Peer Support Volunteers have all women with a lived experience of cancer. They also have been trained to listen and provide emotional or practical support. Depending on what you are looking for, they can help you find information or share what they and other women have found helpful.

Request a call from one of our volunteers.

May, a Counterpart volunteer, talks about how the service could have helped her mother, who also had ovarian cancer.

Other ways we support women with ovarian cancer

On our Webinar recordings page, you can watch videos of talks given by experts. These cover a lot of topics, including:

You might find our ovarian cancer Navigator helpful if you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It can help you to find reliable, evidence-based information for each stage in the cancer experience (newly diagnosed, during treatment, after treatment, and if you have a recurrence).

Know the symptoms

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be very vague. Many of the symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, especially in the early stages. This disease affects hundreds of women in Victoria each year. Still, many take a long time to get a diagnosis. That is why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is all about letting women know the symptoms.

Infographic with the symptoms of ovarian cancer displayed around a picture of the reproductive system.
Text: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Fatigue/feeling lethargic; Abdominal or pelvic pain; Urinary changes such as frequency and urgency; Changes is bowel habits; Unexplained weight loss or weight gain; Abdominal bloating or increase in size; Appetite loss, feeling full quickly.

According to Cancer Australia, ovarian cancer symptoms can include:

feeling bloated
pain in your abdomen or pelvic area
loss of appetite, feeling full after eating small amounts, or indigestion
changes to your toilet habits, such as difficulty urinating, needing to go urgently, or changes in bowel habits
unexplained weight loss or gain
feeling tired for no reason.

You should speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any of these symptoms. Think about using Ovarian Cancer Australia’s symptom diary. This can help you keep track of symptoms and present them to your doctor.

Find more information

What’s new – February 2025

What’s new in February, with links to support, information and other items of interest.

National Medically Induced Menopause Survey
Study on advanced cancer online support program
Research project – Coping Strategies and their Perceived Efficacy among Indian Australians with Cancer
Advance Care Planning webinar
Pre-conference workshop – Unlocking the power of consumer engagement
Leukaemia Foundation online support groups and events

National Medically Induced Menopause Survey – participants needed

Inherited Cancers, in partnership with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, is launching the National Medically Induced Menopause Survey to help create the vital resources the community urgently needs. Medically induced menopause impacts many individuals managing ovarian cancer risk, yet accessing clear, relevant, Australia-specific information remains a challenge.

This survey will guide the development of much-needed resources, and participants’ input will be key in shaping the support available for those affected. Please note this survey closes at 5pm on 24 February.

Visit the Medical Menopause Survey Monkey page to participate.

Participants needed for study advanced cancer online support program

The FOCUSau study, lead by Melbourne University is recruiting individuals living with advanced cancer and their family carers to evaluate a three-month online support program designed to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life. Participants will work through four guided sessions together over three months. The study will compare those who complete the program with those who do not, with participation in the program being randomly assigned. Both groups will continue receiving usual care from their healthcare team. Participants will complete surveys at the start and end of the study to assess whether the FOCUSau program leads to improvements in wellbeing and quality of life.

Read more and express your interest via the Melbourne University Medical School website

Research project – Coping Strategies and their Perceived Efficacy among Indian Australians with Cancer

Western Sydney University (WSU) is looking for participants for a study on how Indian Australian cancer patients cope with their diagnosis. By completing an online survey, you’ll answer questions about your background, how you manage stress, and how effective these strategies are. At the end of the survey, you can choose to participate in an interview. The findings from this study will help researchers better understand how Indian Australians cope with cancer, which could lead to improvements in healthcare for those facing cancer in this community.

Read the participation sheet and sign up via the Western Sydney University survey.

Advance Care Planning webinar

Are you currently undergoing cancer treatment? If you’re unable to communicate your wishes in the future, who will make decisions about your care?

Join Advance Care Planning Australia and VICS advance care planning consumer advocates on 19 March for a practical webinar that will guide you on how to document your care preferences. This session will cover advance care planning, how to have conversations with loved ones, choosing someone to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable, and how to record your preferences for future care. Register your interest for this session via the VICS Advance Care Planning form.

Pre-conference workshop – Unlocking the power of consumer engagement

This pre-conference workshop, co-hosted by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), offers participants the opportunity to enhance their understanding of consumer engagement in cancer care. Through interactive sessions, attendees will learn about the fundamentals of consumer engagement, including its role in health policy, research, and strategy. Participants will gain practical skills in meaningful engagement, from recruitment and ethical considerations to co-design practices. The workshop will also cover how to measure impact and sustain long-term engagement in cancer care.

Learn more and register on the Cancer Survivorship Conference website.

Leukaemia Foundation online support groups and events

The Leukaemia Foundation offers several ways for you to connect with others, learn more about blood cancer, and hear from healthcare professionals. Their online support groups, education webinars, and private Facebook groups are moderated by Leukaemia Foundation staff and are open to anyone living with blood cancer, as well as their family and friends, across Australia. No matter where you live, your age, or the stage of blood cancer, you’re welcome to join. These webinars, seminars, and support groups are easy to access via Zoom – all you need is a device such as a smartphone, computer, or laptop and an internet connection.

View the Leukaemia Foundation’s upcoming support groups and webinar events on their calendar, including the next online support group session, Managing Fatigue with Blood Cancer.

What’s new – January 2025

What’s new in January, with links to support, information and other items of interest.

4 February is World Cancer Day
Cancer Council Australia study – out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer
Look Good Feel Better January virtual workshops

4 February is World Cancer Day.

World Cancer day tile 'United in our challenges, unique in our triumphs'

Everyone experiences cancer differently. This is the message behind the new 2025-2027 World Cancer Day campaign, ‘United by Unique’. Cancer is not just a medical condition, it’s a deeply personal challenge, with each diagnosis carrying a unique story of struggle, strength, healing, and love. Every cancer experience is different, and it will take all of us, united, to build a world where we see the person before the patient. Together, through compassion and understanding, we can achieve the best health outcomes. Visit the World Cancer Day website to discover ways that you can get involved.

Cancer Council Australia study – out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer.

The survey aims to gather data on the costs that people have incurred during their care, including the direct and indirect costs, along with the costs associated with their changing financial circumstances. Cancer Council Australia will use the results of this research in their policy and advocacy work to reduce the financial impact of cancer in Australia. The study should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.

Participants will not be asked to provide any personally identifiable information. Study closes 31 January.

Take part in the survey here on Survey Monkey.

Look Good Feel Better free January workshops.

Woman wearing head scarf on laptop at home

The Look Good Feel Better workshops are designed to help participants manage the physical, psychological, and social impacts of cancer treatment. These sessions are open to all Australians undergoing any type of treatment for any type of cancer.

Upcoming virtual events for January include:

About hair loss, regrowth & colouring, Mon 20 Jan, 12.00pm
Wigs and headware, Wed 22 Jan, 11.00am
Skincare and makeup workshop, Tues 28th Jan, 7.30pm

Learn more and register on the Look Good Feel Better workshop webpage.

Alps to Ocean fundraiser

The weather was touch and go, showing signs of bad conditions in the days leading up to the flight. Theresa and Delia kept a close watch, prepared to change the date if needed. It was nerve-wracking as they waited, but in the end, the skies cleared. The weather turned perfect, and conditions were ideal for their Alps to Ocean flight. This remarkable event aimed to support our work was in memory of friends and fellow pilots, Helen and Marjy, who lost their lives to cancer. The flight was also undertaken to enter the international Dawn to Dusk competition, showcasing their skill and determination.

Flying the entire length of the Murray River in one day, from the Australian Alps to the Great Australian Bight, was an amazing feat. Theresa and Delia, cheered on by friends and family, were thrilled to complete this challenge on their first attempt.

Recently, Theresa and Delia presented their donation cheque to Women’s Health Victoria CEO Sally Hasler at Counterpart’s end-of-year morning tea. It was a moment of celebration and gratitude, highlighting the incredible impact that community support can have.

A huge thank you to Theresa and Delia for their dedication and hard work. Thank you also to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser, raising $5,000. Your support will make a real difference in the lives of women living with cancer.

The Dawn to Dusk competition was started by late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip and the Tiger Club. Its goal is to encourage creative use of aircraft. It aims to show the skills of the pilot and the aircraft in one day’s flying, from dawn to dusk, while achieving an original and worthy goal. We wish Theresa and Delia the very best of luck with their competition entry!

You care read more about the flight in this Star Mail article, Pilots succeed in flight from Alps to ocean.

What’s new – November 2024

What’s new in November, with links to support, information and other items of interest.

10 November – Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Day
Inherited Cancers Australia
Victorian Women’s Health Atlas updates
Help Victorian health services improve care for people with colorectal cancer
10-16 November – Cervical Cancer Awareness Week
Look Good Feel Better online and face-to-face free workshops

10 November was Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Day.

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and the number is growing. It is more common than brain, ovarian, or cervical cancer but will often go undetected for many years. Neuroendocrine cancer has vague symptoms that can be misdiagnosed with conditions like IBS, asthma, or menopause.

Neuroendocine Cancer Australia offers resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, including educational materials, advocacy, and connecting the community. They provide support through speaking with an NET nurse and joining support groups. Learn more on the Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia website.

Inherited Cancers Australia

Inherited Cancers Australia provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by hereditary cancers. They raise awareness about genetic predispositions to cancer, offer resources for those undergoing genetic testing, and facilitate connections among patients, families, and healthcare professionals. ICA also focuses on promoting research into inherited cancers and ensuring that those at risk have access to appropriate screening and preventative measures, thereby empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. Some ways you can access support include asking a specialist or joining an online support group.

For further information visit the Inherited Cancers Australia website.

Help Victorian health services improve care for people with colorectal cancer

Do you or someone you care for have an experience with colorectal cancer? The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) need your input to a statewide consultation on quality and equity of care.

Your stories, experiences, and voice will be important in improving colorectal cancer services across Victoria, through the VICS network of 122 hospitals and other health providers. You can help to identify areas where services could be improved, to better meet the needs of people affected by colorectal cancer and their carers, by participating in a short call or online focus group.

The findings from the focus group(s) will be presented at a VICS Optimal Care Summit in February 2025. The VICS Optimal Care Summits program aims to ensure that all Victorians with colorectal cancer receive optimal care. For more information, visit the VICS website.

If you are interested in participating, please email Helena Rodi at [email protected] or call 0412 611 713.

Victorian Women’s Health Atlas updates

Image features map of Victoria with local government areas in different colors to reflect difference in cervical screening rates.

The Atlas displays health and social wellbeing indicators by sex for every local government area in Victoria. The platform contains 75 indicators from a range of government and other sources, grouped into 8 priority health areas.

The platform has had a major refresh, with 15 indicators updated with recent data, new 5-year cervical screening data info added, and data on hysterectomy and endometriosis separations included for the first time. New data shows that cervical screening varies depending on where you live.

Explore the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas via the main Women’s Health Victoria website

10–16 November – Cervical Cancer Awareness Week

Tile says 'Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, 10-16 November.' It features the Women's Health Victoria and Counterpart logos.

In Australia, cervical cancer is the 13th most common cancer in women (globally, it’s the fourth most common). It is also one of the most preventable – through cervical screening and the HPV vaccine.

In Australia, the 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 74% for those diagnosed. If you’ve just been diagnosed, are currently undergoing treatment, or are living life after treatment, you may find the cervical cancer section of the Counterpart Navigator helpful. It includes information and links on practical, emotional support, personal stories and more.

Visit the Counterpart Navigator online to discover more.

Look Good Feel Better online and face-to-face free workshops

The Look Good Feel Better workshops help participants manage the physical, psychological, and social impacts of cancer treatment. They are open to all Australians undergoing any type of treatment for any type of cancer. These workshops cover topics from skincare, cosmetics, and headwear options, through to grooming, fitness, mobility, and mental wellbeing. In providing practical tips and tools, they help connect a community of people living a shared experience; empowering them to regain control, confidence, and a sense of self.

To see the upcoming program of events visit the Look Good Feel Better registration page on their website.

Portland to host free Wellbeing Day for women with cancer

MEDIA RELEASE

– for immediate release –

Counterpart – a statewide service of Women’s Health Victoria that supports and informs women with cancer to live well – is partnering with Portland District Health and Barwon South Western Regional Integrated Cancer Service to organise a free Wellbeing Day for women who have experienced cancer. This free event will be held in Portland on Friday 8 November.

The day will include an information session on nutrition in cancer treatment presented by a dietician, followed by a gentle Tai Chi workshop and finishing with relaxing sound meditation. Lunch will be provided and there will be opportunities for participants to connect over a cuppa.

Counterpart, in partnership with other regional health services, has run successful Wellbeing Days across Victoria. These have all received positive feedback from participants. “It was very informative, inclusive and good to connect with fellow patients and carers” said one woman who attended in Wodonga in May.

Counterpart Manager Cindy Van Rooy said, “Counterpart provides peer support and information to women with cancer who are living across Victoria. We are so happy to be providing this opportunity for women in the Portland region to make connections and learn new ways to care for their wellbeing. We are pleased to partner with Portland District Health and Barwon South Western Regional Integrated Cancer Service and grateful to the Victorian Government for funding this event”.

The Portland Wellbeing Day is free for women who have had any type of cancer and their partners, family or friends. Bookings are essential and can be made online at counterpart.org.au/events or by calling Counterpart on 1300 781 500. Registrations close at 12 noon on Thursday 31 October.

To find out more about Counterpart’s other services visit counterpart.org.au

– Ends –

Media inquiries:

For media inquiries, please contact Counterpart Communications Coordinator, Katherine Bradstreet, [email protected].

Available for interview:

Cindy Van Rooy, Manager, Counterpart

About Women’s Health Victoria

Women’s Health Victoria is a statewide, feminist, non-profit organisation working with government, the health sector and the community to improve health outcomes for women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender diverse people. We advocate for healthcare rights and access, deliver health promotion resources, and operate vital information and support services, so that all Victorians have the opportunity to access optimal health and wellbeing, free from bias and discrimination. For more information, visit whv.org.au

[email protected]