The latest news from the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) for March 2009.
New sentinel node biopsy guide for general practitioners now available
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) has developed a new resource to help general practitioners answer patient questions about sentinel node biopsy and manage follow-up care for women who have had the procedure.
The new resource, The use of sentinel node biopsy in early (operable) breast cancer: a guide for general practitioners, is a summary of NBOCC’s existing clinical practice guideline for the use of sentinel node biopsy in early (operable) breast cancer. It provides information on how to assess a patient’s suitability for sentinel node biopsy, including a flow chart on the assessment of the axilla. Also included is information on the benefits of sentinel node biopsy, guidance on post-surgical care including the risk of lymphoedema and specific information on the role of the general practitioner in the lead up to and following sentinel node biopsy.
The use of sentinel node biopsy in early (operable) breast cancer: a guide for general practitioners was developed in consultation with a general practitioner reference group and has been endorsed by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
The use of sentinel node biopsy in early (operable) breast cancer: a guide for general practitioners is now available to download online. For more information on this resource, please contact Jan Peterson (02 9357 9415).
NBOCC hosts expert ovarian cancer forum
As part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, NBOCC convened an expert Ovarian Cancer Forum to address current issues in screening and early detection of ovarian cancer. Over half of Australia’s gynaecological oncologists were able to attend in addition to a number of clinical geneticists, general practitioners, consumers and representatives from key cancer organisations.
Discussion of the issues regarding population screening and surveillance of women at high risk of ovarian cancer at the Forum resulted in agreement by the participants on two consensus statements: (1) Population screening and early detection of ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women and (2) Surveillance of women at high or potentially high risk of ovarian cancer. Both consensus statements encompass the latest evidence in ovarian cancer screening. Endorsement is currently being sought from key clinical groups before the public release of the statements.
For further information on the Forum, please contact Katie Rampling (02 9357 9409).
NBOCC national post-surgical care survey
NBOCC is conducting a project on the post-surgical care of women who have had surgery for early breast cancer. As part of this project, NBOCC is inviting nurses who care for women with breast cancer after surgery and in the month after discharge from hospital to complete a survey looking at information and support services delivered by nurses in the post-surgical care period. The project aims to identify successful components of current models of post-surgical care.
NBOCC would like to hear the views of a range of nurses, including specialist breast care nurses, oncology nurses, community nurses, ward and surgical nurses to inform recommendations for improvements to the delivery of care.
The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Please follow the link to complete the survey online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/nbocc3.
For further information on the survey, please contact Phillipa Hastings (02 9357 9412).
Grants available to boost community-based breast cancer support
From 6 April 2009, NBOCC will invite applications for seeding grants of up to $10,000 to improve community-based support for women with breast cancer in areas where access to treatment and support services can be difficult. The grants are funded by the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign and administered by NBOCC.
Community groups, volunteer organisations and health providers in regional, rural or remote areas with innovative and sustainable ideas to improve access to health and support services for women with breast cancer are encouraged to apply for the grants.
Applications for the seeding grants are assessed according to six criteria including evidence of benefit, community support, clear identification of project outcomes, accountability and value for money.
Examples of past projects funded by the seeding grants include:
- A program allowing women with breast cancer in South West Victoria to have regular face-to-face communication with their families through web-cam technology when travelling vast distances away from home for treatment.
- The establishment of a peer support group for Indigenous women with breast cancer in Broome.
- The establishment of a local resource library in the Bega Valley to ensure women with breast cancer have access to the most up-to-date treatment information.
- Seeding grant applications will be open from 6 April to 13 May 2009.
For further information about the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign, or how to apply for seeding grants, visit the Pink Pony website or contact Janelle Webb (02 9357 9414)
New cheeky check-up community service announcements released
Two new community service announcements (CSAs) have been released as part of NBOCC’s Cheeky Check-Up campaign. The campaign seeks to empower young women to get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts as part of everyday life and to report any unusual changes to their doctor.
The two new CSAs, Hairdryer and Carwash, continue NBOCC’s cheeky theme to reassure young women they do not need to learn a complicated technique to check their breasts for changes. The CSAs have been released to televisions stations across the country. To find out more about Cheeky Check-Up, please visit www.cheekycheckup.com.au.
Any organisations interested in promoting the Cheeky Check-Up campaign are invited to contact Kaley Payne (02 9357 9417).
Staff news
NBOCC is pleased to announce the following staff changes:
Jane Salisbury has taken on the role of Corporate Communications Manager.
Bree Stevens has taken on the role of Manager Policy & Public Affairs.
