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This news section includes content published in state and national media which may not necessarily represent the position of Cancer Council SA.

SA research decreases depression & anxiety post cancer
September 6, 2010

Cancer Council SA research has identified that people can be affected by cancer long after doctors have given the ‘all clear’, prompting the development of a new SA based program, Managing Cancer Stress.

Symptoms of distress have been identified in around 40 per cent of people with cancer – prompting it to be recognised as the sixth vital sign in assessing wellbeing.

Details of Cancer Council SA’s initiative, published this week in the Medical Journal of Australia, identify the program as an effective intervention for people with cancer and their carers, helping reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Mindfulness-based approaches were originally developed for people experiencing chronic pain and stress-related disorders, but Cancer Council SA’s pilot study recognises its effectiveness in the cancer setting.

“There is considerable evidence that many people affected by cancer suffer from substantial long-term psychological distress, which may include symptoms of anxiety and depression,” says Jacqueline Bowden, co-author and Manager of Behavioural Research and Evaluation, Cancer Council SA.

“As cancer survival rates continue to improve, there is an increasing need to support people affected and their carers through all stages of the cancer journey.”

The eight week group program, involving weekly two hour sessions and 45 minutes homework on most days is best suited to those who are nearing the end of their cancer treatment or have completed it.

Participants explore new ways of managing difficult thoughts and emotions resulting from their cancer experience.

“This ‘mindfulness’ approach is about being able to take a non-judgemental attitude to whatever is happening and connecting fully to the present moment – an approach believed to be particularly valuable when facing the challenges of cancer,” says Dr Vikki Knott, co-author and Senior Project Officer, Cancer Council SA.

“We want to help arm South Australians with the best coping skills they can to apply to everyday experiences, post cancer.

“This research is another important step in recognising that optimal care of cancer patients includes effective psychosocial support.”

The Managing Cancer Stress program is available free of charge to eligible people who are affected by cancer, including carers and family members.

For more information and support contact Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20. Our website is also an invaluable source of information www.cancersa.org.au .

NB: This program is not designed to replace specialised psychological treatment for people diagnosed with depression. It is to address day-to-day distress associated with cancer.

Managing Cancer Stress – about the program.

Features of the program include:
• 8 x 2-hour weekly sessions covering
o Stepping out of automatic pilot
o Dealing with barriers
o Mindfulness of one’s breath
o Staying present
o Acceptance, holding, allowing, letting be
o Thoughts are not facts
o How can I best take care of myself?
o Using what you have learned to deal with future mood

• Homework – 45 minutes of mindfulness based exercise 6 out of 7 days following notes and cd’s to complete
o Body scan and mindfulness of breath
o Mindful movement and extended sitting meditation
o Mountain and lake meditations (guided visualisations to explore the ability to remain steady in spite of the changing ‘weather’ or seasons of life

• Optional 3-hour follow-up session 6 weeks after program ends to reinforce principles and practices

Cancer Council SA’s experience reveals that participants find the group setting with others who have had similar cancer experiences quite valuable.

Spring heralds SunSmart reminder for Adelaide Show
September 2, 2010

Spring marks a seasonal rise in UV level and timely reminder to stay safe in the sun when the Royal Adelaide Show starts tomorrow.

Cancer Council SA says the UV alert has already started climbing and now that it’s over three unprotected skin is at risk.

“It’s time to get back to the habit of Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide – even if the weather appears dull and the temperature mild,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

“Many people may not be aware that damage to their skin can still occur during the cooler weather – even when the temperature is in low teens, UV can still be damaging.

“People caught without adequate sun protection at the Show, or anywhere else for that matter, are at risk of skin damage which could result in skin cancer.

“Parents of children particularly are urged to be vigilant in protecting their children from the danger of UV.”

We should all take extra care between the hours of 10am and 3pm when UV index levels peak.

The majority of people burn when the temperature is below 27 degrees, so people need to be aware that even if it is cloudy or cool we need to be SunSmart.

School SunSmart policies should be actioned again from today and Cancer Council SA encourages parents to ensure these practices are maintained out of school hours.

Exposure to UV radiation in the first two decades of a person’s lifetime bears a substantial impact on the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life, so it is vital that parents instil good SunSmart practices in their children.

Every year around 440,000 Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer, which could have easily been avoided.

To minimise sun damage, protect your skin in 5 ways when the UV Alert is three or above:

• Slip on some sun protective clothing
• Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Slap on a hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on some sunglasses

The SunSmart UV Alert appears on the weather page of The Advertiser and some regional newspapers, television weather segments and available on the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au or linked from Cancer Council SA’s SunSmart webpage.

For more SunSmart information check Sid the Seagull on Cancer Council SA’s website at http://www.cancersa.org.au/aspx/sunsmart.aspx .

SA in world leading cancer research initiative
September 1, 2010

South Australia’s key medical research partners are uniting to form an unprecedented South Australian Cancer Research Collaborative (SACRC). This will return our State to the forefront of cancer research, prevention and treatment.

A collaboration of SA Government, Cancer Council SA and three local universities (the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia) presents a powerful united front and a world leading opportunity to leverage many millions of dollars from national and international sources to tackle cancer.

Cancer Council SA raised the idea of the Research Collaborative and has worked hard with SA Health and university partners in nurturing its development through the embryonic stages.

Health Minister John Hill commends all parties on the strategic positioning saying, “This combined clout forms a strong case to win funds and take the lead projects in the next frontier against cancer.”

“We will aim to attract world-class researchers into new screening and treatment technologies and support our own emerging and established talent.”

Cancer Council SA and the State Government’s decision to commit equally to the $20m over five years is supported by commitments from the universities to co-fund Research Chairs in Collaborative Cancer Research.

“This signals a switch from cancer research competition in this State to pursuing a concerted cooperative approach. The one in two South Australians who experience cancer by the age of 85 will be the main beneficiary,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

“With South Australia’s share of national cancer research funding having diminished in the years leading up to 2008, it’s pleasing to see this united effort to introduce more strategic funding of our cancer research effort here in SA.

“It means that in addition to pursuing high quality biomedical research, researchers will focus on cancer behaviour and the performance of our services in SA to better define local cancer control needs, identify how effectively our services are addressing those needs and help close the gaps.”

A $4.4m Data Development Project (another SA Health / CCSA partnership) will help the State better target and evaluate our cancer services and develop better approaches to care.

A SACRC Leadership Group has already started meeting, chaired by Dr Richard Head of the CSIRO and including Deputy Vice Chancellors (Research) from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University as well as Pro-Vice Chancellor Health Sciences from University of South Australia and senior officials from SA Health. It will soon commence allocating research funds. All areas of research will be eligible, including biomedical research, clinical research, population health research and health services research.

The SACRC will:

• Promote research of the highest international standard;
• Systematically identify research priorities, competitive advantages and research directions;
• Support a greater vision, planning, capacity-building, advocacy and promotion of cancer research;
• Assist researchers and research institutions to attain recognition as national and international cancer research leaders;
• Increase South Australia’s capacity to attract funding from the Commonwealth Government and other national and international sources;
• Catalyse the formation of competitive, multi-disciplinary teams to target significant funding opportunities;
• Help translate research outcomes to health policy, clinical practice and health services in SA;
• Promote the commercialisation of intellectual property to increase research funds in SA.

Marjorie Jackson-Nelson’s team passes the baton
August 31, 2010

After more than 30 years of hard work and diligently fundraising $6 million, Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC CVO MBE, founder of the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund, will this morning pass the baton to Cancer Council SA.

Cancer Council SA has been host to the administrative meetings and tasks of the Fund since its inception in 1977 and is well-placed to continue administering the research initiatives on behalf of Ms Jackson-Nelson and her committed team.

Today’s thank you event honouring Marjorie and her colleagues for their outstanding efforts also reassures South Australians that the funds raised will allow research to continue in perpetuity, creating a great and truly practical memorial for fellow Olympian, Peter Nelson.

“Most South Australians will know Marjorie, or ‘Marj’,” said Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA. “She is a powerhouse. A great lady. One of a kind.”

“Thankfully she has also had the support of a great team of determined supporters who have each shared a vital role in furthering the fight against leukaemia through valuable research.

“One key to Marj’s achievement is that she set goals. Then she did whatever it took to meet them.

“‘I can’t do that’ is not in my dictionary”, Marj once said. “That’s why the Fund has been such a success, raising funds for early career researchers, the ones with the newest and brightest ideas, to make a real impact on leukaemia,” said Professor Wilson.

Determined simply to make the Olympic team, the Lithgow Flash (as she is known) broke 10 world sprinting records and brought home 9 gold medals for Australia.

She met and married Olympic cyclist, Peter Nelson, who died of leukaemia in 1977.

Marjorie came out of retirement to focus on the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund in memory of her husband. Her goal was to raise $1 million. She surpassed that in record time and set a new goal - $5 million. She and her loyal team of fundraisers, over 30 years have now raised $6 million for the Fund.

Professor Wilson said “Cancer Council SA vows to continue raising money for the Fund’s specialised leukaemia research.”

“It’s made significant advancements in the battle against this deadly cancer. The progressive focus on early career researchers helps bring fresh eyes to a problem opening up the possibilities of a quantum leap by applying never before tried ideas.”

Adelaide researcher, Mark Gutheridge, one of nine researchers funded by the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund made a world breakthrough by discovering a simple ‘on-off’ switch which gives leukaemia cells an advantage over normal blood cells.

Normal blood cells die and are replaced every six hours. But the researchers found leukaemia cells have the survival switch permanently ‘on’, meaning they live for days or even weeks.

This appears to be the reason why many people in remission after chemotherapy kills most cancer cells eventually succumb to the disease. This research evolved to offer much more targeted treatment to patients with leukaemia.

Over the years Mrs Marjorie Jackson-Nelson, AC, CVO, MBE, has worked tirelessly to enable and support leukaemia researchers to find ways of improving outcomes for people with the disease which her beloved husband Peter Nelson, also a supreme athlete, died of in 1977 – 24 years into their marriage.

Smoke-free grounds
August 30, 2010

Greenhill, Flinders and Seaview Lodges will take the final step in their smoke-free transition, making the entire grounds smoke-free from 1 October 2010. The rooms were already smoke-free and some restrictions placed outdoors.

The motels, owned and operated by Cancer Council SA, offer low-cost accommodation for regional South Australians receiving cancer treatment in Adelaide, and encourage and support all guests to avoid smoking while also providing non-smokers the necessary protection from the harmful effects of second hand smoke.

“We want to avoid exposing the thousands of guests who are undergoing cancer treatment to harmful tobacco smoke that can detrimentally affect their health outcomes,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

“Research shows that smoking decreases the effectiveness of cancer treatment and may exacerbate treatment side effects.

“Survival rates of people with cancer are also higher among non-smokers who are also less likely to experience post surgery complications.”

We recognise it is crucial for people with cancer to have access to smoke-free environments to ensure their best possible health outcomes.

Tobacco is a major cause of cancer, responsible for approximately 22 per cent of all cancers in Australia and the death of 1,130 South Australians each year. This means that every week 21 South Australians die from diseases caused by smoking tobacco.

Guest support options arranged with Quit SA include a direct dial to Quitline from rooms, telephone or in person counselling, access to Quit SA’s free 12-week call back program and qualification for free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) from Quitline 13 7848 to help manage nicotine dependence*.

Advance notification of this final step in our smoke-free transition is designed to assist potential guests with their planning should they have forthcoming accommodation needs in Adelaide during treatment.

* Conditions apply

SA cancer survival promotes hope this Daffodil Day
August 27, 2010

Today’s Daffodil Day brings hope for around 9,000 South Australians to be diagnosed with cancer this year, as funds raised support vital research, prevention and support initiatives implemented by Cancer Council SA.

South Australians are asked to Unite in the Fight to Beat Cancer – with newly released statistics showing death rates from cancer in SA have decreased slightly (in the five years to 2007) and projections through to the end of this year show a continued decline in likely deaths*.

This is despite this week’s statistics also revealing more South Australian’s are being diagnosed with the disease, largely due to our ageing population and improved awareness assisting the take up of screening.

“Increased cancer survival rates show our efforts are working and by purchasing Daffodil Day products South Australians can continue to fund vital research, prevention and support initiatives delivered through Cancer Council SA,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

“Every small effort helps us Unite in the Fight to Beat Cancer – a lifesaving bid when you consider 1 in 2 South Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85.

“One day it could be your Mum, Dad, Uncle, friend, co-worker or even son or daughter.

“Marking the international symbol of hope for people with cancer (the daffodil) also brings valuable awareness and the chance for us all to take preventative steps.

“Up to half of all cancers can be prevented by not smoking, avoiding exposure to second hand tobacco smoke, limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy food intake with lots of vegetables and fruit and exercising for at least 30 minutes every day.”

This Daffodil Day Cancer Council SA seeks to raise more than $600,000 toward research, prevention and support initiatives in SA through the sale of fresh daffodils and products at outlets across the State, including more than 70 managed sites in the metropolitan region alone.

Gifts include a daffodil pin (ranging from $5-$50), branded pen ($5), mini soccer ball ($7), sparkling diamante pin ($10), cuddly Dougal Bear ($10), key ring ($7) or a branded USB ($20).

Merchandise will be on sale at volunteer sites or throughout August at these supporting outlets: Coles,IGA, Foodland, Cheap As Chips, BankSA, ANZ, National Pharmacies, Chemplus, United Discount Chemists, Raine & Horne, Mobil Quix, Millers, Rockmans, BeMe, Crossroads, and Autograph stores.

For more information check www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.

Daffodil Day started 24 years ago in New South Wales, and this is its 17th year nationally.

*Taking into account age and changing populations over projected years

SA statistics:

• 25 South Australians are diagnosed with cancer each day
• 8,988 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in SA in 2007 (396 more than in 2006)
• 3,466 deaths from cancer were recorded in SA in 2007 (30 more than in 2006)
• Cancer costs the SA community almost $375m a year
• The most common cancers in SA men are prostate, colorectal and lung
• The most common cancers in SA women are breast, colorectal and lung
• Up to 50 per cent of cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades

Cancer rates on the rise this Daffodil Day
August 25, 2010

Even more reasons for South Australians to Unite in the Fight to Beat Cancer this Daffodil Day (Friday, 27 August 2010) with cancer rates on the rise.

Newly released statistics show almost 9,000 (8,988) new cases of cancer diagnosed in South Australia during 2007 and 3,466 deaths resulting from cancer. This is 396 more diagnoses than the previous year and 30 more deaths than in 2006.
Cancer Council SA says the diagnosis of 25 South Australians every day with cancer is projected to rise to 26 new cases daily by the end of this year.

“On average, 10 South Australians are expected to lose their battle with cancer every day this year,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

“These are not just frightening numbers. This is the heartache and emotion of losing friends, family and co-workers or even parents, siblings or sons or daughters.

“We can all help the 1 in 2 South Australians who will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85 this Daffodil Day by contributing vital funds for Cancer Council SA’s research, prevention and support initiatives.

“United we can increase awareness of cancer, its impact and risk factors.

“We’ve come a long way in past two decades with the survival rate for many common cancers having increased by more than 30 per cent – but there is more to do.

“We know that up to half of all cancers can be prevented by decreasing the risks. This means not smoking, avoiding exposure to second hand tobacco smoke, limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy food intake with lots of vegetables and fruit and exercising for at least 30 minutes every day.

“This week’s Daffodil Day promotes the international symbol of hope for people with cancer, while also working toward better outcomes for those who will be treated in years to come – even preventing some from being diagnosed.”

This Daffodil Day Cancer Council SA seeks to raise more than $600,000 toward research, prevention and support initiatives in SA through the sale of fresh daffodils and merchandise at outlets across the State, including more than 70 managed sites in the metropolitan region alone.

For more information check www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.

Daffodil Day started 24 years ago in New South Wales, and this will be its 17th year nationally.

SA statistics:

• 25 South Australians are diagnosed with cancer each day
• 8,988 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in SA in 2007 (396 more than in 2006)
• 3,466 deaths from cancer were recorded in SA in 2007 (30 more than in 2006)
• Cancer costs the SA community almost $375m a year
• The most common cancers in SA men are prostate, colorectal and lung
• The most common cancers in SA women are breast, colorectal and lung
• Up to 50 per cent of cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades

Source: Cancer in South Australia 2007

It's time to Get Behind Bowel Screening
August 15, 2010

Cancer survivor says bowel screening cannot wait for a fourth election

Making bowel cancer screening available to all Australians 50 and over is the best investment the next Australian government can make in reducing the human and economic cost of cancer, according to Cancer Council Australia’s pre-election cancer plan.

The plan calls for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which is currently only available to three age groups, to be expanded to include two-yearly screening for all Australians 50 and over.

Lisa Drury-Hudson and Barry Gunner from Adelaide’s north are passionate advocates for bowel cancer screening after Barry’s bowel cancer was picked up in the advanced stages.

He is one of the lucky ones to have survived following chemo, radiotherapy, surgery and yet more chemo and radiotherapy.
Lisa’s sister-in-law sadly wasn’t so lucky passing away from bowel cancer.

“Had the test have been made available to me the cancer would have been caught much earlier,” says Barry.

“In the end symptoms lead to my cancer being identified through a GP visit and I had to go through far more extensive treatment and emotional upheaval than would have been the case if I was diagnosed earlier.

“Surely, the financial cost of comprehensive screening is much less than the treatment costs that I endured, let alone emotional trauma and loss.”

Cancer Council SA CE, Professor Brenda Wilson, says it has been six years since both sides of politics committed to introducing bowel cancer screening, when Julia Gillard was shadow health minister and Tony Abbott was health minister. Yet two terms of office later, the program – which could save 30 lives a week if fully implemented – consists of a one-off test only to people turning 50, 55 and 65, with no funding beyond this financial year.

“The lack of a comprehensive screening program for one of Australia’s most common and curable cancers is the biggest hole in our national cancer response. Expanding the program is the best national investment for immediately reducing Australia’s cancer burden,” said Professor Wilson.

Cancer Council Australia’s election priorities, with detailed backgrounders, are available at www.cancer.org.au/policy/electionpriorities2010.htm
To support Cancer Council’s campaign for bowel cancer screening visit:
www.getbehindbowelscreening.com.au

Greens show national leadership on bowel cancer screening
August 12, 2010

Critical cancer issue finally on election agenda

Australia’s unacceptable bowel cancer burden would be reduced under the Australian Greens’ proposal for expanding the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, Cancer Council Australia said today.

Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, welcomed the announcement today by Greens Senator Rachel Siewart for a plan to maintain the current program, add 60 and 70-year-olds and prepare for a move from one-off testing to rescreening every two years by 2012-13.

“As Senator Siewart said today, expanding the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is the best and most cost-effective investment the next Australian government can make to immediately reduce cancer mortality and morbidity in Australia,” Professor Olver said.

“If the current investment is not expanded by the next government, we will in effect be going backwards in bowel cancer control, with a piecemeal one-off screening test dragging on as increasing numbers of Australians develop bowel cancer.

“The Greens are showing leadership on bowel cancer screening, by announcing a plan that would maintain the momentum of a vital cancer control program that both the Labor and Coalition parties committed to introducing in the 2004 election.

“We call on all parties to support the expansion of the program, which would save up to 30 lives each week if available to all Australians aged 50 and over.”

Professor Olver said that an independent evaluation of the program as proposed by the Greens would build on published analyses that have shown overwhelmingly that bowel cancer screening through faecal occult blood testing saves lives and is cost-effective.

“The key to a screening program is repeat testing over appropriate intervals,” Professor Olver said.

“The Greens’ proposal to begin screening program participants every two years rather than on a one-off basis from 2012-13 would be a shift to proper screening, as defined by the World Health Organisation.

“The Greens should be commended for showing national leadership on this critical cancer control initiative, particularly in an election campaign which so far has featured no specific new commitments to reducing Australia’s increasing cancer toll.”

Cancer Council Australia’s election priorities are online at: www.cancer.org.au/election2010

In is the new Out
August 4, 2010

A night IN with the girls can mean a lifetime withOUT cancer

This October join the IN crowd and be one of 200,000 Australian women who will attend a Girls Night In fundraising event for Cancer Council in a real show of support for the 45,000 Australian women diagnosed with cancer this year*. Putting this into a visual perspective - this figure represents approximately one half of all the attendees at an AC/DC stadium concert.

A night with the girls can come in many forms from dinner parties; chick flick nights; trivia games; clothes swaps and facial treatments, but no matter what the activity the main content of the night will be a great deal of talking, laughter and support. Girls Night In could be deemed therapeutic!

“Girls Night In is all about going beyond buying pink products, it’s about sharing knowledge, information, and supporting each other, all the things women do best, while helping fund cancer support services and research for women’s cancers,” said Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

Last year more than 150,000 women joined together at more than 11,000 Girls Night In events across Australia to raise $4.4 million. This year the Cancer Council is aiming to raise more than $6 million to help in the fight against women’s cancers.

Money raised from Girls Night In will help Cancer Council fund new innovations in women’s cancer research and support services. These breakthroughs aim to overturn the confronting statistic that *1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.

Who:           You and your girlfriends (family, friends or colleagues)
When:          Any date in October
How:            Invite your girlfriends around for a ‘night in’ and ask them to donate the equivalent of what they would usually spend on a night out. What you choose to do is completely up to you!
Where:         Your house, social club etc.
Register at: www.girlsnightin.com.au / 1300 65 65 85 or find us on Facebook

Registrations open on 1st August 2010. Check out www.girlsnightin.com.au for more details.

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