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 Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) is hosting a symposium for people affected by head and neck cancer, around intimacy and sexual health.   What's it about? The increasing incidence of human papillomavirus-associated (HPV) oropharyngeal cancers has seen some patients report on the challenges in the resumption of sexual activity and intimacy following treatment, with feelings of guilt, resentment, or blame common among patients, and within their intimate relationships.   Hosted by Professor David Wiesenfeld (VCCC Research & Education Lead for Head and Neck Cancer) and Dr Lachlan McDowell (Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre), this symposium will provide a better understanding of the importance of sexual health to survivors and address common HPV-related concerns in the clinic, whilst mapping the referral pathways currently available for sexual dysfunction treatment.   When: 30th March Time: 4:30pm-6pm Where: Online Registration is free, here via EventBrite.   Please find the program attached for your information. ... View more

Cancer affects not just the person with cancer, but also affects their carer, family members and friends.   As a carer, you may find you are so focused on your support role, that you may not realise the impact it is having on you or even neglect your own self. It is important to remember that your wellbeing matters too.     Who is this episode suitable for? This episode is suitable for anyone in the role of caring for someone with cancer. This episode may answer some of the questions you have been may be thinking about, as well as where you can seek further information and support.   Who is in this episode? In this episode of The Thing About Cancer, host, Julie McCrossin, talks with health psychologist Dr Ben Britton.   Dr Ben Britton 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

Look Good Feel Better is back for 2021!   Look Good Feel Better, is a community-based service program that is run by the Cancer Patients Foundation and supported by Cancer Council Western Australia.   The program aims to improve the well-being and self-image of people diagnosed with cancer.   Using a relaxed, workshop setting, trained volunteers work with clients, teaching them how to manage the appearance related side-effects that can be caused by cancer treatment.   Current planned workshops and locations are as follows: 9/3/21: Joondalup 13/3/21: Nedlands 22/3.21: Albany 24/3/21: Nedlands 27/3/21: Shenton Park 30/3/21: Subiaco Registrations are made by contacting Look Good Feel Better on 1800 650 960 or take a look at their website to find a location near to you. ... View more