Dear colleague,

Welcome to the spring edition of CancerMatters

The latest edition of the newsletter highlights some key exciting research projects, the release and open date for WACOG Nursing Conference Grants, information on all WACOG's latest initiatives, and  upcoming events for the remainder of the year. WACOG is delighted  to have resumed face- to- face educational meetings this month with strong attendance to date.Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in the coming months.

Best wishes,
WACOG - Cancer Council WA

Upcoming WACOG events

Thursday 1 October:  Psycho Oncology Collaborative - Shining a light on sarcoma (5.30pm-7.15pm) Registrations now open register here
Saturday 17 October: Haematology nursing study day (8.00am-2.00pm)  register your interest
Saturday 17 October: Advanced Trainees Education Meeting: Lung cancer mini preceptorship (8.45am-4.30pm). Registrations now open register here
Thursday 22 October: WACE Meeting - Personalised cancer medicine (6.30pm-8.30pm).Registrations now open  register here
Saturday 28 November: Lung cancer nursing study day: Mesothelioma (8.00am-2.00pm). Registrations open Monday 5 October  register here

Other invitations will be sent out soon, registrations are essential.

Applications are now open for the next round of grants. Virtual conferences will be considered.
Applications close November 30, 2020 (for conferences taking place in January - June 2021).

National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap - have your say

Cancer Australia has opened the National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap to public consultation through the dedicated Consultation Hub. 

The roadmap was initiated to support improved outcomes for those with pancreatic cancer with a focus on key priority areas from prevention through to palliative care. As it stands pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of death in Australia in 2020.

To provide your feedback, visit the link below. The survey closes 30 November 2020.

COVID-19 cancer patient experience survey results

The recent Department of Health WA survey looked at the experiences of patients across the cancer care pathway during COVID-19. Some of the results indicate: 53% of respondents felt COVID-19 had changed the way they were cared for and 76% advised COVID-19 changed how they discussed treatment with their medical professional.

Cancer Council WA – research funding opportunities 

Through our Research Funding Program Cancer Council WA offers a number of opportunities for cancer research to be conducted in Western Australia. We use an open and competitive application process which provides an opportunity for cancer research in areas which include public health, health services, biomedical and clinical research. 

One of the funding opportunities currently open is the Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour Initiative. This initiative has been made available through the generous provision of the late Sandra O’Keefe by including a gift in her will to make this research possible. Just over $464,000 is available. The purpose of this grant is to direct funds into Gastrointenstinal Stromal Tumour research to advance the diagnosis and treatment of this cancer. Applications close: 14 October 2020.

Pre-doctoral Research Grants Advisory Subcommittee
Cancer Council WA is also currently recruiting members for our Pre-doctoral Research Grants Advisory Subcommittee for the 2021-2022 assessment rounds. If you are an early-to mid-career researcher or clinician interested in assessing applications for our Vacation, Honours / Masters  and PhD Top Up Scholarships please send your resume by December 2020 to: CancerCouncilWA.Research@cancerwa.asn.au

Key learning areas covered:

• Symptom screening
• What are the biggest gaps in cancer symptom management?
• Equitable access to symptom control and palliative care
• Accelerating the pipeline from bench to bedside in symptom management

Newsletter of the Western Australian
Clinical Oncology Group