No Images? Click here
Dear colleague
Welcome to the autumn edition of CancerMatters
This edition of the newsletter highlights some recent research advancements, current policy changes and some upcoming education events.
A simple blood sample: The next advancement in cancer research
Drugs that work by stimulating the patient’s immune system have improved the survival outcomes of advanced melanoma and lung cancer patients. However, these drugs work for a small proportion of patients, can cause side effects and are expensive.
There are no tests currently available to us that can help identify the patients guaranteed to have a response to these drugs. Prof Adnan Khattak aims to study cancer cells and DNA extracted from patients’ blood samples and identify markers that will help predict response to therapy and study mechanisms of resistance. This will save substantial costs to the health system by avoiding treating patients who are unlikely to benefit from these drugs.
From surviving to thriving
A cancer diagnosis suddenly turns you into a “patient”. If you make it through the complex treatment regimes, emotional angst and physical pain you might graduate as a “survivor”. No matter the outcome, cancer will leave a wake of disruption to your daily routines and those of your support network.
Justin McLean learned this first-hand. A bowel cancer diagnosis at age 40 threw Justin into a fragmented health system. Coordinating the care he required around the needs of 3 young children and a loving partner required tremendous energy and determination. After 13 months of radiotherapy, surgery and rehabilitation Justin made it to remission only to learn his mother had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Justin started the journey again, this time as a carer.
The experiences highlighted the great need for better tools to help patients and carers navigate a disjointed and largely paper-mediated health system. And so, Thrivor (www.thrivor.com) was born.
Peak health bodies recommend new approach to sunscreen use
The peak bodies responsible for sun safety advice in Australia and New Zealand have adopted a new policy on sunscreen use, recommending that people apply it daily as part of a regular morning routine.
The policy change follows a national Sunscreen Summit at QIMR Berghofer in Brisbane last year, at which representatives from some of Australia’s leading research, medical, public health and advocacy bodies examined the current evidence on sunscreen use.
Evidence drives sweeping changes to melanoma treatment recommendations
In May 2018, Cancer Council Australia reported that: Updated national clinical guidelines recommend not performing major lymph node surgery routinely for low-volume melanoma in lymph nodes, and active drug therapies as standard for advanced melanoma.
Melanoma patients across Australia will benefit from the release of updated clinical care guidelines that recommend sentinel node biopsy and drug therapy as important tools in the management of melanoma.
Delivering best practice lung cancer care
A summary for health professionals
Cancer Australia has launched a framework to improve the outcomes and experiences of people affected by lung cancer. Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia and in 2019, lung cancer is again estimated to be the leading cause of death from cancer.
The Lung Cancer Framework is based on providing evidence-based, best practice information and strategies for lung cancer care in Australia. The examples of best practice outlined within the Lung Cancer Framework are from Cancer Australia’s National Lung Cancer Demonstration Project (LCDP), a collaborative project involving 11 health services across Australia.
A boost for research into rare cancers
The Australian Health Department initiative Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need Clinical Trials program focuses on rare cancers and diseases considered to be a health burden in Australia, with the aim of improving health outcomes for conditions with limited treatment options. The initiative, which invests in clinical trials, has been devised to enhance current treatments and improve quality of life for those affected.
Brain cancers are a particular area of focus, with the program announcing it will fund $4.5 million for four brain cancer clinical trials. Brain cancer has been identified as the 10th leading cause of cancer deaths in 2016, with a five year survival rate of 22%.
A new cancer strategy for WA Country Health Service
In regional Western Australia one in three men and one in four women will have a cancer diagnosis before age 75 and the risk of dying from cancer is greater for people living in rural and remote areas. This gap relates to timely cancer diagnosis, service access for country patients, treatment completion and importantly prevention, awareness and action.
As a result of the inequity of access for country cancer patients in the state, the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Cancer Strategy 2017-2022 was developed.
Applications are OPEN for the John Nott Travel Support Fellowship
A fellowship of up to $10,000 is available to provide support for a national or international clinical cancer leader / researcher to visit Western Australia to help advance local knowledge and skills in the area of clinical cancer management.
Closing date: Friday 3 May 2019
BRCC Conference: 15 - 17 May 2019
Cancer Council WA is excited to be hosting the 14th Behavioural Research in Cancer Control conference, 15-17 May 2019. Supported by Cancer Council Australia through its Public Health Committee, this biennial conference attracts behavioural researchers and program staff from Cancer Councils, public health practitioners, universities and research institutes from around the nation and internationally.
The conference provides a unique opportunity to discuss the latest developments in cancer control research, helping us to optimise our impact in preventing cancer and improving cancer outcomes. It provides an excellent forum to network with colleagues and to share your ideas and expertise.
Registrations close: Monday 6 May 2019
April WACE Meeting
When: Tuesday 16 April 2019
Topic: Highlights from European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society's Annual Conference
Venue: University Club UWA
Time: 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Communication Workshop
Undertaking the Cancer Clinicians Communication Program (CCCP) skills training can:
- Enhance your communication skills and improve your resilience
- Allows you to discuss difficult issues more effectively with patients, their families and friends
- Improve patient understanding and satisfaction, facilitating shorter consultation times
Click below for more information and workshop dates.
Newsletter of the Western Australian
Clinical Oncology Group
 |  |  |  |  |  |
420 Bagot Road, Subiaco WA 6008
You are receiving this email as you have previously attended a WACOG event.
Please note by clicking unsubscribe below you will no longer receive any emails from WACOG, including event invitations and newsletters.
To update your preferences or stop receiving all emails from Cancer Council WA, please email wacog@cancerwa.asn.au
