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 – important to look at all professions and allied health to identify gaps across the board.  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

Care provided in centres treating a small number of patients has been found to be 'less than the best' cancer treatment. Patients in large hospitals had a 5 per cent likelihood of getting poor treatment. In centres with smaller numbers, the rate was as high as almost 30 per cent. Getting the smaller centres in line with world's best practice is the key. if cancer centres want to do complex treatments, they need to be able to show that they can do it safely and effectively so that patients do not miss out.

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.

Cancer Voices SA promotes their cycling team and connection with the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign.

Understanding Your Rights is a useful new booklet by the Cancer Council NSW. It sets out what patients can reasonably expect, both from health services and themselves as they undertake the cancer journey

In a media release, the SA Minister for Health, John Hill, listed 13 things the Rann Govt has set in place to combat cancer over the past 8 years.

Two new reports on breast cancer have been released: Breast cancer in Australia: an overview, 2009 (AIHW), and Breast cancer risk factors: a review of the evidence (NBOCC).

Cancer Voices SA team in the first Cancer Soccer Cup, a one-day soccer carnival, held on 3rd October 09, at Hackham, south of Adelaide.

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) shows the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) has resulted in earlier detection of cases of colorectal cancer. This is expected to increase survival rates .  The study also raised concerns of poor uptake amongst socially disadvantaged sections of the population.

Adelaide poet Geoff Goodfellow's throat cancer journey - 'Waltzing with Jack Dancer' - in poetry and photography, now ONLINE at Randy Larcombe Photographer, stories, jack dancer. 

Intravenous Chemotherapy Supply Program (ICSP) - hope for a rethink of Minister's plan to reduce wasteage of chemo drugs or add cost to patients.

New brochure lists professional organisations representing qualified practitioners of complementary therapies.

Cancer Voices SA representatives attended the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin. See our summary of the event.

beyondblue and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) have developed a resource for all men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. ‘Maintaining your well-being: Information on depression and anxiety for men with prostate cancer and their partners’ is a booklet providing information on: common reactions to a diagnosis of  prostate cancer, the cancer  journey, helpful strategies to deal with  prostate cancer, signs of distress, including  depression and anxiety, how to seek help for depression and  anxiety.

Join the "Conversation" and have your say on possible actions to improve the safety and quality of health care. Discussion Paper feedback and submissions close 11 Sep 09.

A new website 'your Health' has been set up by the Government to engage with the community and professionals on health reform. Find Fact Sheets, Links to the PM's blog & Twitter .....

The Health Issues Centre applauds the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) report for making its first and most important principle that health reform must be ‘people and family-centred’. “For too long health has been built largely around illness, professions and institutions.” “resources must be made available for wide-spread, effective, and long-term consumer participation in these reforms.”

The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) report, entitled A Healthier Future for All Australians, called for a major shake-up of the country's health system, with the Commonwealth taking over the funding of most services. The Consumers Health Forum says ‘a health system that places the needs of patients first’ will take enormous courage from government', to provide access to the services people need, rather than the services that the health system wants to offer.

Cancer Voices have submitted 4 commitments to the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign. Cancer Voices SA reps have been awarded travel scholarships to participate in the Global Cancer Summit in Dublin in August.

The Cancer Council of Western Australia has produced a series of CDs to help people deal with the changes in their sex lives during and after cancer treatment. See Specific cancer issues...

Lance Armstrong outlines why he is racing, to make cancer a global priority

Disclosure regimes for charities and not-for-profit organisations. Senate Standing Committee Report makes 15 recommendtions.

Support for people living with cancer - initiatives taking effect from 1July09 - MRI rebate, Avastin for bowel cancer, PET services, Radiation Oncology training

Major Fraud Investigation Section detectives have been examining the records of the Cancer and Bowel Research Association after being alerted to certain aspects of its financial operations.

Join the Cancer Voices Cycling Team and get ready for the 2010 Tour Down Under Mutual Community Challenge Ride.

Most complementary therapy practitioners in Australia are 'unregistered'. A new Information Sheet Unregistered practitioners - what to expect and what to do if you have concerns about an unregistered practitioner

Several members of the LIVESTRONG Staff discuss their experiences. Connect with others....

More than 7 drinks per week confers 60% greater risk of developing bowel cancer, compared to non-drinkers. Smoking, obesity and diabetes were also associated with a 20% greater risk, while physical activity lowered risk...

Cancer Voices SA have held a series of Cancer Conversations, hearing about the high's and low's of cancer experiences...

A review of SA Cancer Services makes 12 recommendations focused on governance, incident management, reporting, and staff credentialing....

The Australian Government will invest a record $2 billion to build a world-class cancer care system...

Cancer Advocacy Training commences in SA, in a collaboration between the Cancer Council SA and Cancer Voices SA...

A resouce worth checking out is the online cancer textbook 'Cancer Management: a multidisciplinary approach'. Find other useful resources on the Cancer Voices SA weblinks page...

The genital wart Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is associated with cervical, some head and neck cancers, vulvar, vaginal, penile and, anal cancers. Find out more about vaccination and cancer prevention...

Communicate with others affected by cancer via the Cancer Council NSW online forums and blogs...

"Complementary and alternative cancer therapies- for patients, their family and friends" is a new booklet from the Cancer Council Victoria...

"Understanding Complementary Therapies – a guide for people with cancer, their families and friends" is an excellent introduction to therapies that may assist during cancer treatment and care...