A Message from Cancer Council ACT Board President, Roger Buckley

As June comes to a close and we conclude 2022 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea we extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who hosted, supported, or donated to a morning tea event throughout May and June. 

On behalf of the Board, I would also like to also extend a thanks to our Patron Her Excellency Mrs. Linda Hurley, who together with His Excellency General the Honorable David Hurley, hosted Cancer Council ACT staff, volunteers, and fundraisers for a special morning tea at Government House on 19 May. During this event we were excited to announce the Cancer Council ACT Research Grant recipients for 2022 and congratulate Dr Ferreira and Dr Mathur on this achievement.

Finally, I’d like to commend our CEO and our hard-working staff for all their efforts and contributions during the last year. Our staff is committed to raising the funds and providing the services so desperately needed for our fellow Canberrans diagnosed with cancer. 

- Roger

A Message from Cancer Council ACT CEO, Verity Hawkins

With the end of financial year approaching, now is a good time to look at some meaningful ways which you, our wonderful supporters, can continue to get involved and nurture the work we do together in our community.

This Winter news edition highlights how donating your time or helping fund projects can make a real difference to the lives of Canberrans living with a cancer diagnosis. From our appeals, to volunteering, bequests and regular givers like Gary (read his story below), your generosity can help Cancer Council ACT continue to provide support services, prevention programs and research funding that changes lives. Thank you.

- Verity

Gary and Mary's Story

When Gary's wife, Mary, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Gary reached out to Cancer Council ACT for information to help him better explain to his adult children what was happening. The Cancer Support Coordinators were able to send him some information booklets that he could then share with their children.

When Mary started chemotherapy and experienced hair loss, Gary again reached out to us and made an appointment for Mary with the Wig Service, where the friendly staff were able to help Mary select a wig.

It was this support and kindness that led to Gary becoming a supporter of Cancer Council ACT for the past 8 years since his wife passed, including being a regular monthly giver, having a team at Relay For Life and regularly supporting Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and Daffodil Day. 

Cancer Council ACT Research Grant Program

Cancer Council ACT is dedicated to contributing to the world class cancer research that happens right here in Canberra through our annual Research Grant Funding Program. This year these grants have been awarded to Dr Anukriti Mathur and Dr Rita Ferreira, both from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University.

Dr Mathur’s project is investigating the role of immune proteins in preventing and protecting against bowel cancer. Findings from this study will help to generate new diagnostic screening tools and immunotherapies for cancer. 

Dr Ferreira’s project will explore the use of new and effective anti-cancer drugs to help prevent the reduction of blood platelet numbers caused by chemotherapy and allow cancer treatments to continue, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients.

End of Financial Year Appeal – For Brendon.

Give families like Brendon’s more moments together.

Brendon’s cancer has come back in six places. He is grateful for every minute he spends with his family, as he doesn’t know how long he has.

With your tax-deductible donation, you can help fund lifesaving research that will give people with cancer, like Brendon, a better chance of survival.

To help make a difference, please give before 30 June.

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

The National Bowel Cancer Screening program invites eligible Australians aged between 50-74 to complete a free screening test in the privacy of their own home.  This test screens for traces of blood in the stool that is unnoticeable just by looking. Cancer Council ACT recommends completing this screening every two years. 

If you have misplaced or thrown your kit away, call 1800-627-701 for a replacement kit. For more information on bowel cancer screening, call our 13 11 20 Information and Support phone line to talk to one of our medical professionals. 

Updated Cervical Screening Guidelines

Regular screening is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer. About 800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Australia each year, and about 80% of these cases occur in women who have never screened or were not up-to-date with their screening. It is recommended that women aged 25 to 74 years who have ever been sexually active should have a cervical screening test every 5-years.  

From 1 July 2022, self-collection will be an option for women over 30-years-old who have never had a Cervical Screening Test (or Pap test) or are at least two years overdue for cervical screening. Self-collection is when a woman collects her own sample for cervical screening.  

Speak to your healthcare provider to find out if you meet the criteria for self-collection or call or 13 11 20 Information and Support phone line to talk to one of our medical professionals about your screening options.    

13 11 20 - We're Here to Help

Cancer Council's 13 11 20 is a free, confidential telephone information and support service.

Anyone can call - cancer patients, people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends, teachers, students and healthcare professionals.

We're here to listen Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Wig Service Update

The Wig Service has recently received new stock of wigs and turbans!

The refreshed range of wigs include shoulder length styles in colours from blonde to pink, long styles, and a selection of men’s wigs. The new turban range offers a selection of colours and styles for men and women.   

The Wig Service is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. To book a confidential consultation in the Wig Service contact Cancer Council ACT on (02) 6257 9999 or email cancer.information@actcancer.org.

Volunteer with us

Do you want to give some time to an important cause, whilst making connections in our community? We are always taking expressions of interest for volunteers.

You can help sell daffodils this August, be part of the planning for Relay For Life, share what Cancer Council ACT does with the community, or use your special skills to help us out in a variety of other ways.

Bequests

We rely on the generous donations of local Canberrans like you to help us provide support and information services to people in our community who are affected by cancer.

Leaving a gift in your will to Cancer Council ACT is another way you can help us fund research, education and awareness programs for years to come, and help move us all closer to a future free from cancer.

To learn more about how to leave a gift in your will, please click the button below or talk to a member of our team on 02 6257 9999.