What’s new in September

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

• Opportunities and actions to improve care for endometrial cancer 
• Have your say: Upper GI cancer support survey 
• New research sheds light on breast cancer treatment resistance
• Online course for health professionals: Cancer care for older adults
• Share your experience: Help researchers understand cancer anxiety
• Q&A – Side effects of breast cancer treatment

Opportunities and actions to improve care for endometrial cancer

The Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) have published two key outputs from their recent consultation with clinical experts and people affected by endometrial cancer. An assessment report describes barriers and enablers to delivering optimal care, highlights patient experiences, and identifies 22 unwarranted variations in treatment and outcomes across Victoria. The Endometrial Cancer Action Register lists 32 practical actions that the VICS, their member health services, and other partners can take to address the identified variations and improve quality and equity of care.

You can find both documents, with a video of the consultation co-chairs introducing the action register, on the VICS website.

Have your say: Upper GI cancer support survey

Pancare Foundation is inviting people affected by upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers—including oesophageal, stomach, liver, biliary, or pancreatic cancer—to take part in an anonymous online survey. Whether you’re a patient, family member, friend, or carer, your feedback will help shape future support services and resources. The survey takes 15–30 minutes and closes at 5pm on 8 September.

Read more and take part via the survey website.

New research sheds light on breast cancer treatment resistance

Scientists at the Garvan Institute have discovered why some common breast cancers stop responding to treatment. They found that a natural stress response in cells—called the JNK pathway—can be switched off in certain cancers. When this happens, treatments that usually stop cancer from growing don’t work as well.

This discovery could help doctors predict which patients might not respond to current therapies and offer them better options. It’s a step toward more personalised treatment for people with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, which makes up about 70% of all breast cancer cases.

Read the full report on the news and resources page on the Garvan Institute website.

Share your experience: Help researchers understand cancer anxiety

Researchers from the University of Melbourne are inviting participants to take part in a study that explores how psychological factors such as personality traits, emotions, and beliefs may contribute to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. The study focuses on individuals living with cancer, multiple sclerosis, or an eating disorder, and compares results with those who do not have a chronic illness. Participation involves completing a series of confidential online questionnaires over several months. As a thank you, participants will have the chance to win e-gift cards after each stage of the study. Questionnaires can be completed on a phone or computer, and all data will remain confidential.

Learn more or take part on the Melbourne University study webpage.

Online course for health professionals: Cancer care for older adults

The University of Melbourne is running an online course designed to help health professionals better support older adults diagnosed with cancer. The course covers key topics like communication, treatment planning, psychosocial support, and advanced care needs. It’s ideal for anyone working with older patients, including nurses, GPs, and carers. What’s more, the course is accredited by the Australian College of Nursing and RACGP, offering practical tools and insights to improve care and confidence when supporting older people affected by cancer.

Learn more on the Future Learn website.

Q&A – Side effects of breast cancer treatment

Breast Cancer Trials is hosting a free online Q&A on Wednesday 24th September, 5:00–6:30 PM (AEST), exploring the side effects of breast cancer treatment and the latest research aimed at improving quality of life. Led by a panel of experts and moderated by journalist Annabel Crabb, the session will cover clinical trials, strategies for managing physical and emotional side effects, and insights from lived experience. Open to patients, carers, and health professionals.

Register via the Breast Cancer Trials website.