What's new in February, with links to support, information and other items from the cancer sector.
- Free virtual Cancer Wellness Program
- Webinar: Side effects of breast cancer treatments
- Bladder leakage after gynaecological cancer treatment: trial
- Exercise and Nutrition Program for people with ovarian cancer
- Masterclass: Consumers as active partners in research
- Sex and gender bias: Towards gender equity in Australian healthcare
- Teletrials closing the regional/metro divide
Free virtual Cancer Wellness Program
The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre and Cancer Council Victoria are running a virtual Cancer Wellness Program on Friday 17 March (11am–12.30pm). This free education and support program is for people who have completed cancer treatment, as well as carers, partners and family members.
Experts will provide information on a range of topics, practical tips and strategies for living well with and beyond cancer. This will assist people to make the change from clinical management to supported self-management.
Book into the Cancer Wellness Program.
Webinar: Side effects of breast cancer treatments
Breast Cancer Trials is hosting a free, virtual Q&A about breast cancer treatments and their side effects on Thursday 23 February (5pm–6.30pm). Journalist Annabel Crabb will moderate a discussion with a panel of experts and patients.
The panel includes Professor Bruce Mann, Professor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne and Director of Research at Breast Cancer Trials, Dr Nicholas Zdenkowski, Medical Oncologist, Ms Jenny Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner in Breast Oncology at Macquarie University and breast cancer survivor, Ms Naveena Nekkalapudis.
Oncology News has published Dr Nicholas Zdenkowski's answers to some common questions about side effects.
Register for side effects of breast cancer treatments. When you register, you can submit your question (either typed or by video).
Bladder leakage after gynaecological cancer treatment: trial
The TELE-CONNECT trial is looking for women who have bladder leakage (urinary incontinence) and who have previously had treatment for gynaecological cancer.
Researchers from Melbourne University are testing if pelvic floor physiotherapy delivered remotely using videocalls (via Zoom software) helps reduce bladder leakage. They are comparing this to the usual care women receive for bladder leakage after gynaecological cancer treatment.
Find more information about the TELE-CONNECT trial and register your interest.
Exercise and Nutrition Program for people with ovarian cancer
Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA)'s new Exercise and Nutrition program can give you access to an exercise physiologist and dietitian with oncology expertise to develop an individualised plan based on your goals, needs and circumstances. This may enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing during and after treatment.
This program is funded by Dry July. For more information please get in touch with OCA.
Register your interest in the program online
Masterclass: Consumers as active partners in research
Engaging with consumers (people who have experienced cancer themselves) early and often is one of the best ways to ensure research is relevant and successful. The VCCC Alliance is hosting a 2-day masterclass on Thursday 23 February and Thursday 2 March.
This masterclass aims to:
- raise awareness of the value and contribution consumers and the community can make to research when involved as active partners
- develop understanding and skills on the ‘how and why’ of implementing consumer and community involvement
- identify and address barriers to consumer and community involvement
- develop plans to start involving consumers and the community as partners in research.
This masterclass is for people working in the sector as well as consumers. It costs $100 medical specialists and $50 for nurses, students, allied health, researchers, trainees and consumers.
Find out more or register for the masterclass.
Sex and gender bias: Towards gender equity in Australian healthcare
The VCCC Alliance, The Royal Women’s Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre are holding an International Women’s Day event on 3 March, 12.30pm–1.30pm. The Hon Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Chair of the National Women’s Health Advisory Council, and Gabrielle Jackson, Associate Editor, The Guardian Australia, and author of Pain and Prejudice, will talk along with a panel of experts. They will highlight how women are under-served by the systems that should keep them happy, healthy and informed about their bodies – and how we can address the underlying issues.
Register to attend in person or watch the livestream.
Teletrials closing the regional/metro divide
Clinical trials increase access to cutting-edge treatments and give patients more options. Data collected by Regional Trials Network Victoria show that there has been a huge increase in trial participation in regional and rural areas, largely thanks to an increase in the use of telehealth to conduct trials.
Read more about teletrials in regional Victoria
