No images? Click here Welcome to the December edition of 'Let's Talk' for 2020!‘Let’s Talk’ is published quarterly for Aboriginal health professionals and those working with Aboriginal communities who are proudly leading the way to a cancer free future in WA.If you have any questions or would like any further information about any of the articles included in this newsletter, please email letstalk@cancerwa.asn.au.Note: Within Western Australia, the term Aboriginal people is used in preference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in recognition that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of Western Australia. Throughout Let's Talk we use the term Aboriginal people to include also people of Torres Strait Islander descent. No disrespect is intended to Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community.Meet Harley, a Find Cancer Early ChampionHarley is a proud Noongar and Minang man from Albany and a ‘champion’ of the Find Cancer Early message. Having lost his brother and other loved ones to cancer, Harley knows how important it is for people to respond quickly to unusual body changes. Harley recommends people show their strength by listening to their bodies and visiting a doctor, clinic nurse, or Aboriginal health worker early if they have a symptom. Cancer Council WA's Counselling ServicesA cancer diagnosis can be a stressful life event and many people will experience significant emotional and psychological distress. Cancer Council WA’s Counselling Service offers free short-term counselling across WA to those affected by cancer, including family and carers. For a referral into the program, call the Information and Support Line on 13 11 20, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, or email questions@cancerwa.asn.au for more details. Since quitting smoking, Graham feels better than everThree years after helping Make Smoking History film the "From Every Quitter" campaign, Graham says quitting smoking has enhanced his life spiritually, emotionally and physically. He's got extra cash in his pocket and he's enjoying life more than ever. A new project to help reduce vitamin D deficiency among Aboriginal peopleCurtin University, Telethon Kids Institute and Cancer Council WA are collaborating with Aboriginal Elders and communities in Perth and the Kimberley on a five-year project to promote good vitamin D status among Aboriginal people. Vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure and diet. Surprisingly, in a mostly sunny country like Australia, vitamin D deficiency is a public health issue. Trash the Ash in WA prisonsMake Smoking History continues it's partnership with prisons across WA to offer information and support to the 75 percent of prisoners who smoke. With guidance from over 100 prisoners and people working in the prison sector, the Make Smoking History team has developed a series of resources for prisoners and their family and friends. Cancer Council WA Career OpportunitiesCancer Council Western Australia acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Western Australia and pays our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present. |