Menopause is a natural process that usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. However, some cancer treatments can cause menopause to occur early, or suddenly, and this can cause some discomfort and symptoms.   Cancer Council QLD is hosting a free online session for women to gain practical tips and hints to manage menopause during or after cancer treatment, as well to ask questions in the Q&A chat.   Date: 10th August, 2021 Time: 1-2pm Where: Online - join via your computer, tablet or smartphone.   Register for free here. Registration closes August 9th.   We've also attached a handy flyer with further information for you. ... View more

  Dealing with hair loss as a result of cancer treatment is a very individual experience. Knowing your options can help you work out what’s right for you.   Join this free online session, hosted by Cancer Council QLD, for people affected by cancer, their families and friends to hear about headwear options and our support services.   Date: 22nd July, 2021 Time: 10-11am Where: Online - FREE   Register for free online here by July 20th.   We've also attached a handy flyer below, with further information. ... View more

Researchers at the University of Sydney are inviting you to participate in a study that seeks to explore individuals’ experiences of care after colorectal cancer treatment.     Who can take part? Adults (≥18 years) who have completed primary (first-line) treatment for colorectal cancer What does the study involve? There are two parts to the study: an online survey and/or an interview. You are invited to participate in one or both parts as you wish.   The online survey can be accessed by clicking the link below: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=K4XT4PLHMW (If the link does not work, try copying the link into your web browser)   The survey will take about 20-30 minutes to complete.   The interview can be face-to-face or by telephone and will take about 30 - 40 minutes.   If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact the study researcher, Bora Kim: email: bora.kim@sydney.edu.au or phone: 02 8627 1523.   Please feel free to share the link to this post with others who may be interested. ... View more

Research opportunity - iConquer Fear: Demonstrating the potential of a self-guided online treatment for fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors.     Feeling worried or anxious about breast cancer returning is very common for people who have had breast cancer and can impact on day-to-day activities and planning for the future.   Researchers from the Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales and University of Sydney are doing a study with the Cancer Council to see whether the interactive online program, iConquerFear, is a useful and practical tool for helping people affected by breast cancer manage fear of cancer recurrence.   Who can participate in the study? You are eligible to participate in the study if you are: 18 years or older Have been diagnosed with early breast cancer Have completed hospital treatment (i.e. surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy) Please note – you are eligible to participate if you are currently taking hormone blocking therapy (e.g. tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors) Have access to the internet and an email address What does the study involve? If you decide to participate in the study, you will be invited to use the online iConquerFear tool over a 10 week period.   iConquerFear has 5 modules in addition to a welcome module and contains written information, interactive exercises, audio recordings and videos of a woman living with breast cancer reflecting on her experience of fear of cancer recurrence and how iConquerFear has helped her to manage. It takes 1-2 hours to complete the activities within each module.   A member of the research team will phone you one week after you start to help with any technical issues you might experience.   As part of the study, you will be asked to complete three online surveys – one when you first sign up to iConquerFear, another 10 weeks later, and a final survey three months afterwards. These surveys will take about 20 minutes each and will help the researchers understand how well iConquerFear is working. Any research findings that are published will be done in a way that does not identify you, so your use of the iConquerFear tool will be confidential.    How do I participate in the study? For more information and to participate, visit the Study Website.   If you have any questions, please contact Dr Ben Smith, Principal Investigator, by emailing iconquerfear@unsw.edu.au or ben.smith@unsw.edu.au. Thank you for considering this opportunity. ... View more

The Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA) are hosting a Brain Tumour patient support day in Sydney on May 20th.   When: 20th May 2021 Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm Where: Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney This day is a forum where patients and their carers will be able to hear presentations and interact with leaders in the Brain Tumour community.   The cost of this event is free.   Please find the agenda attached below and you can register online here. ... View more

What does it mean to live your best life during and after a breast cancer experience? What services are available to support your physical and emotional wellbeing? How can you make sure you’re heard and are your own best advocate when it comes to your care?     The Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) are hosting a virtual conference that will explore what it means to live, love and learn with breast cancer. They will be unpacking the emotional, physical and practical implications that come with living with breast cancer, what loving yourself means, and learning about the role a Breast Care Nurse plays in your journey.   There's a jampacked agenda, see the conference program attached!   When: Thursday 29 April 2021 What Time: 5.00 – 9.00 pm (AEST) Local Times: - WA: 03.00 pm - NT, SA: 04.30 pm - QLD, ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 05.00 pm   Registration is completely free: register online here. ... View more

As a carer, it can be a little bit scary to think about looking after someone in their last months. It's natural to be worried and you will no doubt have questions about what the future holds.     Who is this episode suitable for? This episode is suitable for family members and carers of people in their last months of life. Caring for someone can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. This episode looks at the common questions that come up, along with the feelings you may be having, whether negative or positive, and offer practical solutions to assist you in your caring role.   Who is in this episode? In this episode of The Thing About Advanced Cancer, host, Julie McCrossin sits down with Jane Philips, Director and Professor of Palliative Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).   Professor Jane Phillips with Julie McCrossin You can find out more about this episode here, including resources to assist you.   If you're having difficulty listening to this podcast or want to find about listening it on your phone, head here. ... View more

Cancer can affect your sex life in different ways, and it's important to have open and honest conversations about it with your partner, as well as your treating doctor.   Sex impacts much of our lives, from identity through to our self-esteem and how we perceive ourselves in the world around us. Whilst sex may be the last thing on your mind during a cancer experience, it can in some cases be a real issue.     Who is this episode suitable for? This episode is suitable for anyone affected by cancer. This episode explores the impact a cancer experience may have on your sex life, and why it's important to communicate with your partner and your doctor. Sex can be hard to talk about but it's important to. The physical and emotional impacts of cancer, may change how you feel about sex.    Who is in this episode? In this episode of The Thing About Cancer, host, Julie McCrossin, talks with Professor Jane Ussher from Western Sydney University.   Professor Jane Ussher with Julie McCrossin You can find out more about this episode here.   If you're having difficulty listening to this podcast or want to find about listening it on your phone, head here. ... View more

Caring for someone with advanced cancer means that you may be putting your own needs last. Juggling practical care needs, emotional support, sometimes work and other family commitments can seem an overwhelming task list. People may say, you need to look after yourself as well, but how do you actually do that?   In this episode of The Thing About Advanced Cancer, Julie McCrossin talks to Liz Lobb, Professor of Palliative Care, about why self-care is so important, some of the demands carers may be juggling, how you can find the time to look after yourself, and more.   At a time that suits you, listen to: Self-care for Carers Listen to the episodes on the Cancer Council NSW website or on your phone or tablet through your favourite podcast app. If you’re new to the world of podcasts and not sure how to download or listen to them on your smartphone or tablet, see our step-by-step guide.   ... View more

When someone close to you dies, feelings of loss and grief are a natural response. But at times grief can feel intense and overwhelming and it may last longer than you imagined.   In two podcast episodes of The Thing About Advanced Cancer, Julie McCrossin talks to Bereavement Counsellor Nathan MacArthur about strategies to help you cope with grief, how you can use your existing support system, and when you might need professional support to help you through these challenging times.   At a time that suits you, listen to: Life After Loss Coping with Grief Listen to the episodes on the Cancer Council NSW website or on your phone or tablet through your favourite podcast app. If you’re new to the world of podcasts and not sure how to download or listen to them on your smartphone or tablet, see our step-by-step guide. ... View more