South Australian Cancer Research Collaborative (SACRC) is launched. It involves the SA Government, key cancer research organisations: Cancer Council SA, 3 Universities- Adelaide, Flinders, South Australia, and cancer consumers!. Click here for YouTube interviews about this Collaborative. (1 Sept)

A brief report on Cancer Conversations held by Cancer Voices SA has been featured by the Campaign to Control Cancer.

Cancer Voices Australia lists issues for the next Australian Government to consider for people affected by cancer : Travel and Transport Scheme; Gene patent laws – Senate Inquiry and Review; Consumers in Research – National Policy; National Clinical Trials Networks; Total Review of Cancer workforce – all professions and allied health to identify gaps; Bowel Cancer – Access to Therapies; Review of MBS Items pertaining to Gene patenting, Lymphodema, MRI and CT; National Clinical Guidelines for all Cancers; Amalgamation of CA and NBOCC to benefit all people affected by cancer

CANCER advocacy group Cancer Voice Australia (CVA) and Brisbane breast cancer patient Yvonne D'Arcy launch legal action against four biotechnology firms, challenging patents over human genetic material. CVA executive officer John Stubbs said there are also implications for other cancers with genetic links: "We don't want to see a precedent set for patenting this kind of genetic material."

Cancer Voices SA are now on FaceBook. Find out about our activities, post your comments or join in our Discussion topics.

The Federal and South Australian Government will invest a total of $84.8 million to provide new and enhanced cancer facilities and equipment for Whyalla and regional South Australia, under the regional cancer centres initiative. $69.3 million for a new regional cancer centre at Whyalla will include: a day chemotherapy centre; in-patient and palliative care facilities; a Wellness Centre; educational and research facilities; a digital tele-health network; and more accommodation for patients and staff. $5.4 million towards the establishment of chemotherapy units in the 10 other rural and regional sites: Mt Barker, Mt Gambier, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor, Clare, Murray Bridge, Gawler, Northern Yorke Peninsula, Naracoorte and Port Lincoln.
The project is in addition to the Rudd Government’s announcement of $7.6 million to build a new bunker and provide an additional linear accelerator at Lyell McEwin Hospital in northern Adelaide. This expanded facility will provide radiotherapy services for rural and regional cancer patients, and will link to the new cancer centre to be developed at Whyalla.

The Rudd Government will invest $560 million in new or upgraded cancer centres in regional and rural communities across Australia. This investment will fund around 20 regional cancer care projects around the country – including approximately eight new regional cancer centres, seven upgrades to existing facilities, and four patient accommodation projects. The Delivering Better Cancer Care document outlines what the government is doing to tackle cancer.

Mr Rudd and Mr Abbott have locked horns over health reform at the National Press Club debate, with both accusing the other of failing to make any headway to improve the system. View video segments, analysis and reactions to the Leaders' health debate. View the Consumers Health Forum comments on the debate.

Cancer Voices asked for a study that has revealed many Australian cancer patients are not receiving chemotherapy due to a big shortage of Oncologists. The Australian Medical Oncologists Workforce Study 2009. Report released March 2010. 'A Workforce Plan is needed' says the Medical Oncology Group of Australia. A newspaper report reveals that only 19% of cancer patients receive chemotherapy, yet it is estimated that roughly 50% would benefit from chemotherapy.

.The Federal Government proposes taking major responsibility for the funding and quality of our public hospital system, and to introduce a better integrated system of primary care. See details in 'A national health and hospitals network for Australia's future'. This was welcomed by the Consumers Health Forum (CHF). View the CHF response.

.This this report provide a comprehensive picture of ovarian cancer in Australia including how ovarian cancer rates differ by age, Indigenous status, country of birth, socioeconomic status and geographical area..

LIVESTRONG's Chris Brewer interviewed Cancer Voices cyclists/ survivors on video and posted it on the LIVESTRONG Blog.