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.