What’s new in April
What’s new in March, 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.
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