What's new – January 2022
Links to support, information and other items from the cancer sector.
- Online support for your mental health
- National gynae-oncology registry
- 10 year Australian Cancer Plan
- Local end of life services and advice
- Understanding caregiver health literacy
- Cancer Wellness Program webinar
Online support for your mental health
To help address the rising demand for mental-wellbeing services and ensure individuals in need receive timely support and advice, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre and the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services have partnered together to develop Cancer Mind Care.
Cancer Mind Care is a free, self-help online platform offering tailored mental health support for people with cancer, their support persons, clinicians and First Nations peoples.
National gynae-oncology registry
The National Gynae-Oncology Registry (NGOR) monitors the quality of care provided to Australian women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers. By identifying variation in treatments and patient outcomes, the registry can help improve the quality of care for women diagnosed in future.
If you have been recently diagnosed with one of the cancers currently included in the registry and your care was provided by a participating clinician, you will have been given information about NGOR and the opportunity to opt-out. If your care was through another hospital, you can express your interest in the registry and help to get more clinicians engaged.
Visit the NGOR website for more information about the cancers included and participating clinicians and hospitals.
10 year Australian Cancer Plan – closes 18 February 2022
Have your say on the Australian Cancer Plan 2023–2033.
Cancer Australia are seeking ideas for a new plan which will guide the way cancer care is provided in Australia.
Your ideas will be added to those shared by people who attended Ministerial Roundtable about the Australian Cancer Plan held in April 2021. Your ideas will help shape the focus and directions of the Australian Cancer Plan.
Help Cancer Australia set a transformative agenda to accelerate world class cancer outcomes and experience for all Australians.
Complete the Vision for the Australian Cancer Plan survey
Local end of life services and advice
Lately is a website that provides information, options and education about end-of-life care and choices. It is designed to foster communication and planning for people who have received a terminal diagnosis, and for those who love and care for them.
With input from experts on the physical, mental and cultural impacts of ageing and death, Lately helps patients, friends, family and carers to create care plans, and understand the social, religious and secular beliefs that influence how each person wishes to be cared for in their final days.
The website was created by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, in collaboration with digital design agency Portable.
Understanding caregiver health literacy
What is the study about?
This research aims to better understand caregivers’ needs and challenges to find, understand, appraise and apply information to make health decisions and how this impacts health and wellbeing in patient and caregiver pairs.
What is involved?
The person with cancer AND their caregiver are asked to complete a survey about their experiences with health information, and managing health and wellbeing. The survey will be available either electronically online, or via a paper copy that can be mailed to you with a reply-paid envelope. The survey will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete
Who can participate?
- People diagnosed with breast, lung, genitourinary, OR gastrointestinal cancer, AND who received their diagnosis in the PAST 2 YEARS, AND
- A family member or friend who provides support to the person with cancer
- Both are aged 18+ years
How can people participate:
- Complete a pre-screening survey
- Or contact Dr Eva Yuen via email at [email protected]
Free Cancer Wellness Program webinar
The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC), based at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac), in partnership with Cancer Council Victoria (CCV) will present a free virtual Cancer Wellness Program on Friday 18 February, 11am–12.30pm.
The Cancer Wellness Program is a free education and support program for people who have completed cancer treatment and are living with and beyond cancer. It is also for carers, partners and family members. Cancer specialists will present the following topics that will include practical tips and strategies for living well with and beyond cancer.
Topics will include:
- Survivor story – Meg Rynderman OAM
- Nutrition for cancer survivors – Lin Chai
- Complementary therapies – Amy Leeder
- Relaxation and mindfulness – Christine Maingard
Visit the Peter Mac website to register for this free event.
