Download How Cancer Council NSW is Investing in the Community Clarence

How Cancer Council NSW is Investing in the Community
Clarence Valley 2015-2016
As an evidence-based organisation, we recognise that research improves our collective knowledge about cancer and
helps us identify the areas where we can have the most impact. Research underpins our prevention, information and
support, and advocacy programs.
We recognise that each community is unique in the challenges and needs it faces in relation to cancer. As such,
Cancer Council NSW programs and services are implemented on a community needs basis. Community needs are
determined through an annual community consultation survey, highlighting key focus areas in prevention,
information and support, and advocacy at the local level.
Prevention Cancer Council NSW works to reduce cancer in the NSW community by encouraging people to lead
healthy, cancer smart lifestyles.
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Eat It to Beat It – Eat It To Beat It is a program run in local primary schools aimed at providing parents with
practical, simple and budget friendly ways for the whole family to eat more fruits and vegetables every day,
to reduce their cancer risk.
Sun Sound - Grafton Aquatic Centre - The Sun Sound is a short, catchy jingle designed to be played at regular
intervals on load speakers in outdoor areas as a friendly reminder for young people to protect their skin
from the sun
Sun Smart - A free Sun Smart program supports primary schools to develop and implement a sun protection
policy that minimizes student and staff over exposure to UV radiation, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
o 98% Schools now SunSmart across Far North Coast/ Northern Rivers
Information and Support Cancer Council NSW works to empower and support people affected by cancer, so that no
one need face cancer alone.
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The Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health (ENRICH) program rolled out in Grafton
Feb/March 2015 and will run again in 15/16. The six week program is free for cancer patients and carers and
is co facilitated by an accredited Exercise Physiologist and Dietician.
Cancer Council Information Centre (CCIC) – Trained Cancer Council information Centre volunteers connect
cancer patients, their carers and their families with information and support services. The St Vincent’s
Hospital Cancer Council Information Centre that provided information and support to over 400 cancer
patients and their families in the last 12 months
o The St Vincent’s CCIC is available to Clarence Valley residents when undergoing treatment in
Lismore.
Our House Accommodation Facility –Cancer Council NSW contributed $500, 000 to the establishment of
‘Our House’ in Lismore. It is a purpose built accommodation facility for patients, carers and their families
who are receiving treatment at the new Cancer Unit at Lismore. The service is well utilised by Clarence Valley
residents, who comprise around 40% of guests accessing the service.
Transport to Treatment and in Home Support– Through working with a partner organization, Cancer
Council NSW’s transport to treatment service enables eligible patients to access free transport to their
medical appointments and treatment. Cancer Council NSW’s in home support programs help people who
have been diagnosed with cancer and their families deal with everyday household tasks such as light house
work, dog walking, shopping, carer respite, or simply providing some friendly company.
 In Home Support service provided by CRANES Palliative Volunteer Service
 Transport to Treatment provided by Clarence Valley Community Transport
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Cancer Support Groups – Cancer Council provides ongoing support and Support
Group Leader training to Yamba Breast & Other Cancer Support Group, Clarence Valley
Prostate Support Group, Grafton Cancer Support Group and Grafton Breast Cancer Support Group
Cancer Council Marquees and Sunscreen – Can be loaned free of charge for suitable community events
Ongoing services available to Clarence Valley residents:
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Free webinars addressing topics such as financial management, work life balance and personal relationships
for 18-45 year- olds affected by cancer.
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 – Speak to one of Cancer Council NSW’s experienced oncology health
professionals who can provide evidence based information or access to a range of emotional or practical
support.
Understanding Cancer series of booklets – Understanding Cancer is a series of more than 50 resources for
people with cancer their families and friends. The series include easy to read information and specific types
of cancer, treatments and emotional and practical supports.
Our website cancercouncil.com.au and peer support website cancerconnections.com.au
Free face-to-face, telephone support groups and mentoring
Pro bono legal and financial planning services – Pro bono Programs comprise four different services,
offering legal assistance, financial planning service, a workplace advisory service and a small business
advisory service.
Practical Assistance - including the No Interest Loans Scheme
Advocacy Cancer Council NSW works to ensure that governments take action to reduce cancer risk and improve
access to care and treatments. There are over 14, 000 registered advocates across NSW.
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Saving Life 2015 Campaign – In 2014, we launched our Saving Life 2015 campaign in the lead up to the
March 2015 election. Five opportunities were identified for the next State Government to take action and to
ensure that people with cancer and their families get quality cancer care, no matter where they live. The
campaign resulted in the abolishment of chemotherapy co-payments and a review of the aboriginal
workforce in cancer care.
Harmful not Helpful – Tobacco, a product which is harmful by nature and kills half its long-term users, is
much more widely available than other goods which are not by their nature harmful to health. Cancer
Council continues to advocate for tobacco retail reform in NSW.
Local Advocate Training – Cancer Council NSW offers a free, two-day training workshop where participants
learn everything from developing a campaign strategy, understanding media and Government structures to
visiting MPs, enabling the community to fully participate at all levels where decisions about cancer policy are
made. Visit canact.com.au to find out more.
Research Cancer Council NSW is able to conduct and fund world-class research that reduces the impact of cancer.
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$14.2 million invested in 2014
219 Researchers, 93 Projects and 53 Institutions funded – Some of these new projects include research on
how to stop liver cancer resisting treatment; developing a new blood test for a wide range of cancers,
including childhood and poor-prognosis cancers; and creating new treatments for breast cancer.
Our research spend by cancer type 13/14: