What’s new in January

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

• • • • Study: National Breast Cancer Support Trial– closing soon
      • Survey: Help to improve cancer care for people born outside Australia
      • Breast density and screening: new guidance for GPs
      • Survey: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – understanding work and cancer – closing soon
      • Victorian Integrated Cancer Services Colorectal Cancer Action Register 
      • Webinar – Cancer-related cognitive impairment and you: How to best cope in every day life
      • VCCC Advancing Equity in Cancer Outcomes Symposium 
      • Rare Cancers Australia Thoracic Cancers Learning Module is now live!

Study: National Breast Cancer Support Trial 

Have you completed active breast cancer treatment in the past 3 years? You may be interested in joining this study.

The Daffodil Centre (University of Sydney & Cancer Council NSW) is testing an SMS program to help people with breast cancer feel supported and connected between medical appointments.

Find out more and sign up on the University of Sydney survey site.

Survey: Help to improve cancer care for people born outside Australia 

If you have experience with cancer treatment in Victoria as a person born overseas, you are invited to join an online focus group to help identify where services could be improved. Insights will inform discussions at the VICS Optimal Care Summit in February 2026.

Participants will receive a $50 voucher.

Visit the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) website before 23 January.

Breast density and screening: New guidance for GPs

Cancers can be more difficult to detect in dense breast tissue, increasing the chance of a false negative mammogram result. To address this, BreastScreen Victoria now includes information about breast density in mammogram result letters, helping women better understand their breast health and potential risks.

Women with high breast density, classified as BI‑RADS c or d, are encouraged to discuss their results with their GP. To support these conversations, new guidelines have been developed for GPs, outlining when supplemental screening such as ultrasound or MRI may be appropriate based on individual risk factors and clinical judgement.

Regular breast screening remains essential for all eligible women, regardless of breast density, as it plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

These guidelines were released in November 2025 by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they are available on the department’s website.

Survey: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – understanding work and cancer

Peter Mac are studying how to help people return to work after cancer treatment. They’re looking to understand what makes it easier or harder for people with cancer to be a part of the workforce. Research is being conducted via a survey and focus groups to help develop a program that supports people into work after cancer treatment.

The survey takes 10 minutes and online focus group is 60 minutes long.

Express your interest before Friday 16 January via the Participant Information Form

Victorian Integrated Cancer Services Colorectal Cancer Action Register 

A statewide consultation last year by the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) examined patterns in care and outcomes for colorectal cancer. The VICS have now published on their website a summary of their findings and a VICS Colorectal Cancer Action Register – 29 practical actions that the VICS, their member health services, and lateral partners will use to address unwarranted variations in colorectal cancer care.

If you are involved in care or support for Victorians affected by colorectal cancer, please explore the findings and actions and ask your local Integrated Cancer Service (ICS) about how you can be involved. The more we share these resources, the more momentum we can collectively build toward making a real difference for patients across Victoria.

Webinar – Cancer-related cognitive impairment and you: How to best cope in every day life 

Online   |    24 February 2026     |     12pm-1pm

Thinking and memory problems (cognitive impairment) can occur before, during or after cancer treatment. This education session is a chance to share your experiences with others and find out how and why changes in memory and thinking affect you.

A qualified Occupational Therapist will help you will learn about some simple strategies to help you cope with your cognitive problems in everyday life.

Visit the Peter MacCallum  Cancer Centre website for full details.

VCCC Advancing Equity in Cancer Outcomes Symposium 

The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Alliance invites you to join them for this landmark event, dedicated to advancing equity in cancer outcomes across Victoria. This event will bring together leaders, educators, researchers, health workers, and the community to prioritise health equity in cancer care.

Where: Melbourne Science Gallery (Melbourne Connect) and Online
When: 11 March 2026
Time: 9am-3.30pm

Visit the VCCC Alliance website for more information.

Rare Cancers Australia Thoracic Cancers Learning Module is now live!  

The latest addition to the Rare Cancers Australia online Education Hub, the thoracic cancers module covers common cancers like lung cancer, as well as rare cancers like mesothelioma, thymic cancers and mediastinal germ cell tumours.

The module includes:
About an hour of video content, broken into four parts
A short quiz to check your knowledge after each part
Downloadable practical resources.

Although it’s targeted at healthcare professionals, the module may be of interest to anyone involved in caring for someone living with a thoracic cancer.

Learn more and request access via the Rare Cancers Australia website.