Welcome to the October 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.

Culturally appropriate care in the West Kimberley

Supporting Aboriginal Health Professionals

Our Cancer Nurses are here to assist health professionals, cancer patients and their families and carers with confidential and evidence based cancer information. They can also guide you in referring your clients to our wide range of support services. Please call them on 13 11 20 from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays) or email Questions@cancerwa.asn.au

View our "Is your life affected by cancer" video to learn more

Make Smoking History, WA-made campaign ‘Voice

"Voice Box" Campaign

Make Smoking History has launched its Voice Box campaign. Out-of-home advertisements feature Talicia Jetta, Wellbeing Program Coordinator at the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation. When asked about why she wanted to be involved in the campaign Talicia said:

“I think it’s important to have an Aboriginal person represented in these campaigns so other Aboriginal people can relate and see their own mob promoting good choices and healthy lifestyles. I yarn with young Aboriginal people in school every day and they need to see those good, strong role models to share and provide them with guidance and what the consequences could be when it comes to their health, especially if they are smoking.”

Financial Hardship and Practical Support referrals

Cancer Council WA offers assistance to people undergoing cancer treatment who meet hardship/eligibility criteria or who have limited support or resources. Health professionals are encouraged to make referrals for practical assistance and financial hardship programs after consultation with, and on behalf of, the person with cancer.

More information

Meet our new Cancer Support Coordinator for the Kimberley and Pilbara: Monica Graham

We would like to introduce Monica Graham who is working as the Cancer Support Coordinator for the Kimberley and Pilbara, providing emotional and psychosocial support to anyone in these regions impacted by cancer.

Meet Monica

Culturally Appropriate Palliative Care in the West Kimberley

Palliative and Supportive Care Education have collaborated with the Yiriman Project to produce a video for health professionals working with Aboriginal people. The video includes women from four language groups in the West Kimberley region speaking about their culture and what is important to them at end of life.

Register to receive the free video resource

A guide to implementing the Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer

New guide from Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia has released a new guide to implementing the Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. The guide has been developed to support health services and clinicians in planning and delivering culturally safe and responsive cancer care.

View the Guide

Quitline Aboriginal Liaison Team: Five New Brochures

The Quitline Aboriginal Liaison Team (QALT) have developed five new QALT brochures. The brochures are for health professionals working in smoking cessation to provide education and support to their clients. QALT are working on two additional A5 booklets ‘Tobacco Free Pregnancy’ and ‘Tobacco Free Family’ to compliment these new brochures. The brochures can be ordered by contacting QALT via (08) 9227 1631 or QALT@ahcwa.org

Upcoming Events

Life Now Online Yoga - October 2020

Activities such as yoga can play an important role in cancer care. Life Now courses are free of charge for people affected by cancer and their primary carer. Online yoga provides a unique opportunity for individuals living in regional and remote areas to participate from the comfort of their home.

Apply Now

Grief, Loss and Self-Care for Aboriginal Health Workers - 24 November 2020 (Perth)

A unique workshop is available for Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workers and Aboriginal Liaison Officers working with patients with a life limiting illness. For all other health professionals working with Aboriginal patients, there is an alternative workshop available.

This one day workshop acknowledges the vital roles Aboriginal Health Workers have in providing care for Aboriginal patients, their families and community groups. Participants will learn to identify grief, loss and trauma and apply grief and loss approaches to support their Aboriginal patients, while also developing personalised self-care strategies to support their own wellbeing.

Register now

Cancer Council WA Career Opportunities

If you are passionate about achieving a cancer free future, please see our current vacancies

Visit the Cancer Council WA Careers page

Cancer 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.