No images? Click here Dear colleague,Welcome to the Summer edition of CancerMattersThis edition highlights research studies, WACOG's conference grant information, and upcoming events for 2020. We would like to wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year. Upcoming events for 2020:Tuesday 18 February: WACE Meeting - Post San Antonio Breast Cancer Update Thursday 20 February: Ovarian Cancer Update - Optimal Care Pathway WACOG Conference Grants 2020WACOG (Western Australian Clinical Oncology Group) and Cancer Council WA are offering two Applications are currently open. Click here to view the grant guidelines. For further information contact wacog@cancerwa.asn.au Towards Improved Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate CancerCurrently prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the only screening biomarker for prostate cancer. A multi-disciplinary research program led by Professor Aleksandra Filipovska and her team at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research are investigating a more reliable early indicator for prostate cancer. Victoria Wilson & Ricki Knoetze, Provisional Psychologists (University of Melbourne) undertaking the Project. The Royal Women's Hospital and Ovarian Cancer Australia StudyA new study coordinated by The Royal Women’s Hospital and Ovarian Cancer Australia will investigate the impact of sexuality and body image on psychological and quality of life outcomes in women affected by ovarian cancer and their partners. Post-treatment sexual issues are a common concern for cancer patients, but information and advice are often not provided in the course of diagnosis and treatment. Study findings will assist Ovarian Cancer Australia to develop appropriate information resources for women affected by ovarian cancer and their partners, and inform the development of psychological treatments for sexuality and body image problems that occur after ovarian cancer. WACOG Clinical Trials AppThe ClinTrial Refer App is an efficient way to access the latest clinical trials in WA, and includes real time information regarding trial types and locations. The App is user friendly and connects patients and clinicians with easy access to the clinical trial database source. It is free to download from the App stores. To download, find ClinTrial Refer, create an account and select Oncology WA. The WA Oncology Dietitians Interest Group is back!WAODIG has recently reformed and is meeting quarterly at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Our members include metro and regional hospital dietitians, dietitians in private practice and public health dietitians who work with people with cancer. The focus of the group is information sharing, networking and professional development with a view to improving nutrition care for people with cancer. To gain a better understanding of state-wide nutrition care processes the group is comparing site protocols and practices, and investigating the use and evidence for inpatient low listeria/ low bacteria diets. Please get in contact if there is information you would like to share with WAODIG or something you would like to learn from this group of specialist dietitians. The next meeting is 29th January 2020. For more information, contact: afinch@cancerwa.asn.au National lung cancer screening program: public consultationThe Lung Cancer Screening enquiry is being held to investigate the feasibility for a national lung cancer screening program for people at high risk of lung cancer. This will include a review of national and international evidence on the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening, target population groups, and the design and effective implementation of a national lung cancer screening program in the Australian setting. Cancer Australia is undertaking a broad consultation process through the dedicated Consultation Hub, to seek views and input on the Lung Cancer Screening enquiry from members of the public, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people affected by cancer, health professionals, clinical colleges, researchers and research institutes, cancer organisations, peak bodies and governments. The 10 Practices- Metastatic Breast CancerIn October 2019, a new national statement was launched by Cancer Australia for people living with metastatic breast cancer. The key purpose is to support improved evidence-informed decisions for cancer care and engage consumers in their care. New silica resources launched during Safe Work MonthIn October 2019, Cancer Council Australia reported that: Australia’s leading cancer charity has joined forces with the global body for workplace health and safety professionals to raise awareness of the risks of silica dust and prevent people’s lives being threatened by exposure to it. The partnership between Cancer Council Australia and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has led to the development of new resources available online which outline how to manage exposure to silica, which can cause lung cancer, as well as other diseases such as silicosis. Occupational cancer is preventable, yet an estimated 230 Australians still develop lung cancer every year because of past exposure to silica dust at work. The new materials are designed to ensure that employers and employees are provided with information on where it is located and how the risks can be managed. Newsletter of the Western Australian |