What’s new in May

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

• • Melanoma webinar series for patients and carers
  • Help improve care for people with head and neck cancer
  • New research: AI in breast screening
  • Have your say – help inform your Local Health Service Network
  • EOI – National Steering Group for the Empowering Regional Cancer Care Project
  • New VCCC recorded webinars for health professionals
  • Responding to Emotions In Cancer health professional workshop

Melanoma webinar series for patients and carers

Join Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) & Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) for an informative series of three live Tuesday evening webinars (7.00pm-8.00pm AEST) for patients with melanoma and their carers.

These free webinars will provide you with a rare opportunity to hear from an MIA expert and an MPA community member as they focus on a different topic of interest each week. Each session, facilitated on Zoom will conclude with a Q&A panel discussion.

Webinar 1: ‘Genetic testing for melanoma’ – 10 June
Webinar 2: ‘Understanding melanoma drug therapy & the new era of neoadjuvant’ – 17 June
Webinar 3: ‘A deep dive into sunscreen’ – 24 June

More information and registration via the Melanoma Institute Australia website

Help improve care for people with head and neck cancer

Do you, or someone you care for, have an experience with head and neck cancer? The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) invite you to contribute your voice to their 2025 consultation on variations in head and neck cancer care.

Your input can help identify where services could be improved for people affected by head and neck cancer, and their carers, by joining an online focus group. Your insights will be presented at a VICS Optimal Care Summit in October where experts and people affected by cancer will discuss actions to improve quality and equity of care across Victoria.

If you’re interested in participating, please read and fill in the survey via the survey website.

New research: AI in breast screening

AI is reshaping healthcare—including how we screen for breast cancer. Tools like AI-assisted mammography reading could make screening faster and more accurate.

However, a study conducted by the Daffodil Centre and University of Sydney shows that if people don’t trust or understand how AI works in healthcare, they may opt out entirely.

View the infographic of stats via the researchers website or read the full report via the American Cancer Society Journals online library.

Have your say – help inform your Local Health Service Network

Your story can help shape the future of healthcare in Victoria.

The Victorian Department of Health is inviting Victorians to share their experiences accessing healthcare – and it’s vital that women’s voices are heard. Too often, women’s health needs have been overlooked. This is a real opportunity to help create a system that works better for everyone.

Your feedback will help shape Local Health Service Networks, launching in July 2025, which will bring hospital services together to deliver more coordinated and accessible care across the state.
Whether you’re a community member or healthcare worker, your experience over the past 3 years matters – and your response is anonymous.

The survey takes just 10 minutes and closes on 8 June. Learn more and take part on the Engage Victoria website.

EOI – National Steering Group for the Empowering Regional Cancer Care

VCCC Alliance are currently inviting Expressions of Interest from individuals across Australia to join the National Steering Group for the Empowering Regional Cancer Care in Underserved Populations project. They are particularly seeking consumer advocates, allied health professionals, nurses, medical staff, researchers, and clinicians who are passionate about shaping and guiding the educational needs of Australia’s regional, rural and remote cancer workforce.

Submissions close 31 May. To see what is involved and to apply visit the VCCC Alliance website.

VCCC webinars recordings for health professionals

VCCC have added 2 recently recorded webinars to their library. See details on them below.

Watch the Lung cancer care – Breaking barriers, building support webinar to gain valuable insights and learn how we can enhance the lives of those affected by lung cancer. Key topics include the Lung Cancer Specialist Nurse Telehealth Program, the importance of supportive care services, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, and more.

The Profits vs people webinar provides an understanding of how various commercial sectors impact public health beyond just tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. Discover the broader commercial determinants of health, such as pharmaceutical patents, housing, and environmental pollution, and learn about the political challenges in addressing these issues. This session will provide strategies for health professionals, advocates, and others to prioritise people and the planet over profits.

To access upcoming webinars visit the VCCC webinar webpage.

Responding to Emotions in Cancer Workshop

Join Cancer Council Victoria’s one-day, in-person workshop designed for health professionals to enhance their communication skills with cancer patients. Participants will explore emotional reactions to cancer, recognise and respond to emotions effectively, and receive personalised feedback in a safe environment.  The workshop will be held on 3 July and 28 July (same content).

Visit the VCCC website to read more and register.