Did anyone catch "Cancer: A story of hope" on Catalyst last week? If not, it's available to view here for free (approx 1hr) https://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/cancer-a-story-of-hope/13460750    It follows several cancer patients at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse (in Sydney) as they go through treatment (including chemotherapy and surgery - warning: there is video of surgery which can be skipped through) as well as oncology massage and exercise to reduce cancer-related fatigue.   What were your thoughts on this episode? ... View more

I came across this article over the weekend (linked below), and it had me thinking about the fruit and veggie recommendations and how easy/difficult it can be to achieve these.   I know that looking at my dietary habits over the last year in lockdown, I fall into 2 types of eating - 1) I have more time to cook and I am making delicious, nutritious meals, but then being tempted and falling into 2) Let's get some takeaway pizza, Thai etc.   In general, the guidelines are to eat 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables. How are you trying to meet these? I've been enjoying grapes recently with some yoghurt (1 serve fruit, 1 serve calcium) and either an orange or apple each day.  I have also been cutting up cucumber and cherry tomatoes to make a snack pack, in addition to veggies at dinnertime.   Do you have any tips to include more fruit and veggies in your diet?   The Cancer Council has some great recipes to help you to achieve these recommendations:  Healthy lunchbox ideas - https://healthylunchbox.com.au/    Read the ABC News article here - https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/eating-the-recommended-amount-of-fruit-and-veg/100201402?utm_campaign=abc_everyday&utm_content=mail&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_everyday ... View more

Advanced cancer - This means the cancer has spread from the original (primary) site or has come back (recurred).   Health professionals use several different terms to describe cancer that has moved beyond early stages, including secondary, metastatic, stage 4 and advanced. Sometimes health professionals don’t use a particular name. Regardless of the words used, it’s frightening to hear that the cancer has spread or come back.   Cancer Council offers general information about advanced cancer: what it is, how it is treated, what might happen and what support is available. There is also information for the family and friends of people who have advanced cancer. You may find reading about advanced cancer distressing – read what seems useful now and leave the rest until you’re ready.   Cancer Council has a webpage on Advanced Cancer which can be accessed via this link. Click through the pages on the left handside. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/advanced-cancer/living-with-advanced-cancer/what-is-advanced-cancer/    Additional resources 131120 Information and Support Line - Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm The Thing about Advanced Cancer podcast - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/advanced-cancer-podcasts/  Living with Advanced Cancer booklet - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/LIVING1.pdf  ... View more

If you are between 18-65 years old, diagnosed with bowel cancer (stages 1-3) in the last 5 years and had a paid job at the time of the diagnosis, you may be interested in participating in this survey. See the attached flyer.   (Not affiliated with Cancer Council NSW) ... View more

Concord Hospital Study (not affiliated with Cancer Council)   About the study This study will obtain information about side effects that might occur as a result of chemotherapy in older breast cancer survivors. These include tiredness, and subtle changes in the ability to think, concentrate, remember and react to things (cognitive function). There is growing awareness that these issues can affect the quality of life of breast cancer survivors, and if we can discover what is causing these symptoms, then we can look at strategies to prevent or overcome them. Who can take part in the study? The study compares two groups of people: • women diagnosed with early breast cancer at 65 years or older who have  completed chemotherapy in the previous 6 months-5 years; • women of a similar age who have no history of cancer. Early breast cancer is cancer that hasn’t spread outside the breast to other parts of the body.   What is involved? On one occasion only at Concord Hospital (in Sydney, NSW) you will be asked to: * complete a series of tasks that measure your cognitive function. A research assistant will guide you through the tasks. * fill out some simple forms that ask about how you’ve been feeling and getting on recently.   We would like you to participate whether or not you have noticed changes in your memory and thinking. In total this study will take between 2 to 3 hours of your time. We are not able to reimburse you for your travel to Concord Hospital but we can provide free parking during the assessment.   Researcher contact details If you would like to know more about the study, please contact the study coordinator, Corrinne Renton, on 1800 778 167. ... View more

Exercise in Survivorship: What role does exercise play in my cancer recovery?   There are many benefits to exercising during and after cancer treatment.  Moderate exercise has been found to not only improve the effect of chemotherapy but also enhances wellness after cancer treatment and may reduce the chance of cancer returning. Often, cancer survivors experience a range of challenges after cancer treatment, and whilst incorporating exercise into their daily lives may not be a priority for many people, it can restore their physical and emotional wellbeing. In this webinar, we will explore the role exercise plays in cancer recovery and welcoming panellists Dr Di Adams (Medical Oncologist), Jennifer Chan (Exercise Physiologist), and Veronica Leonardo (cancer survivor) to share their expert opinion and real-life experiences with us. Date:   Thursday, June 17 2021 Time:   7 pm to 8 pm AEDT Duration:   60 Minutes Where:   Online – join via your computer, tablet or smartphone Presenters:   Dr Diana Adams, Veronica Leonardo and Jennifer Chan.   Register here: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/webinars/  ... View more

CanCope is a mental health research study running online wellbeing programs for cancer survivors. The online programs are developed by cancer and mental health researchers at Monash University (Melbourne) who acknowledge that it can be difficult to cope once primary treatment comes to an end.   The CanCope team is currently looking for cancer survivors (i.e., anyone who has finished primary treatment, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation) to take part in these programs and contribute to meaningful mental health research. The programs comprise 8 weeks of online support material, are free, and can be completed from any location in your own time.   If you would like to be involved, you can read more at www.cancope.weebly.com and you can sign-up directly at https://redcap.link/cancope. If you have any questions or hesitations, please email psych.cancope@monash.edu - the CanCope team are more than happy to chat with you via phone/email and provide additional information. ... View more

Griffith University Nutrition and Dietetic Students are undertaking a community public health project at Lismore Base Hospital to help support cancer survivors (who have completed their active treatment) and their carers.   They are asking for your H.E.L.P in regards to generating a new online Cancer Survivorship program. Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Program (H.E.L.P) is an evidence-based pilot program looking to address the need for greater accessibility to survivorship programs in our community.    Please click the link below and partake in a 2-minute survey to help us collect valuable information in developing this program for Cancer survivors and their families/carers.   If you have any further questions please email us at tanya.bachmann@griffithuni.edu.au   Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcHcn8jbpmts4_VIxiXZwxJitZVwhs7l3KWFcb4AxJABRZxQ/viewform ... View more