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Groups

Head & Neck Cancer Support Australia

Head & Neck Cancer Support AustraliaWe are a small group who have been through the treatment for a variety of forms of Head and Neck Cancer this site is to help with support for patients, carers and family members. Most people affected by Head and Neck Cancer experience a range of emotions including shock, anger, fear and depression after diagnosis. The majority of us have very little knowledge of the disease, treatment options and possible results. Uncertainty at various stages often brings anxiety and confusion. This group offers an opportunity to talk, listen and share experiences and information in a relaxed, caring environment. Find out more.

Model Radiation Therapy Machines

Model Linac by Connor’s Bricks (Australia)

model linac australiaIn mid 2018 Connor’s Grandmother was diagnosed with a tumor on her jaw that required radiotherapy treatment. At around the same time, Connor was approached by Dr. Sean Geoghegan, State Director of Radiation Oncology Medical Physics at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, to take part in a project to design and create a Lego model of a Linear Accelerator (Linac) for children who are about to undergo treatment for cancer to build, play with, and reduce any anxiety they have for the treatment. Find out more.

Little Linac Project by IPEM (UK)

Litt;e LinacThe Little Linac project was started by Professor David Brettle, when he was President of IPEM. His vision was for IPEM to provide every child in the UK undergoing radiotherapy treatment for cancer with a free kit of play bricks to make a model treatment machine (linac, short for linear accelerator).  Toy bricks are every child’s favourite toy and are an ideal way to educate young patients about their treatment in a way that is designed to reduce their stress and anxiety, and so contribute to successful treatment sessions. Find out more.

Organisations

St Vincent’s Hospital

St Vincent’s HospitalFounded in 1857 by the Sisters of Charity, St Vincent’s Hospital is one of Australia’s most iconic Hospitals, which functions as a full service acute public teaching hospital. Part of the NSW-based arm of St Vincent’s Health Australia, the Hospital provides significant training and research activities housing several specialty units that are internationally recognised as centres of excellence. Find out more.

 

The Kinghorn Cancer Centre

The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Kinghorn Cancer Centre is placed as a major centre in Australia focused on the translation of research breakthroughs into novel diagnostic, prognostic, treatment and prevention options for a number of key National Health Priority cancers including: breast, prostate, GI (pancreas and colorectal) and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The Kinghorn Cancer Centre is not necessarily aimed at high throughput treatments but rather builds on its unique strengths to deliver targeted, cost effective, personalised therapies suitable for integration into larger nationwide cancer treatment services. Find out more.

Cancer Council NSW

Cancer Council NSWWe are Australia’s leading cancer charity, working across every area of every cancer. We believe in a cancer free future. Every year in NSW alone, almost 48,000 people will hear the words “you have cancer”. Every day, we: support families affected by cancer; speak out on behalf of the community; empower people to reduce their cancer risk; find new and better ways to detect and treat cancer. In 2018/19, more than 246,000 people across the state raised almost $64 million to fund world-class research, prevention, advocacy and information and support services for people affected by cancer. Find out more.

Head & Neck Cancer Australia (formerly BeyondFive)

Head & Neck Cancer AustraliaHead & Neck Cancer Australia was established as BeyondFive in December 2014 and is Australia’s only not-for-profit organisation supporting patients with head and neck cancer, caregivers, family and health professionals. Head & Neck Cancer Australia was established to provide comprehensive, easy to understand and easy to access information to everyone, regardless of where they live. Head & Neck Cancer Australia is the first organisation in Australia supporting patients and their families through their cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and life after cancer. Find out more.

Targeting Cancer

Targeting CancerThe Radiation Oncology Targeting Cancer Campaign is an initiative of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR). The Campaign aims to increase awareness of radiation therapy as an effective, safe and sophisticated treatment for cancer. It is designed to reach people with cancer, their families and loved ones to improve their knowledge and access to this (sometimes overlooked) treatment. The Campaign also strives to educate health professionals about radiation therapy, in particular, general practitioners.  Find out more.

TROG Cancer Research

TROG Cancer ResearchTROG Cancer Research has been improving the way in which radiotherapy is delivered to cancer patients for almost 30 years. Working with doctors and researchers from Australia and New Zealand, TROG Cancer Research conducts clinical trial research involving radiotherapy to treat many types of cancers such as breast, lung, prostate, skin, head and neck. Radiotherapy controls and even cures various cancers using high energy x-rays. Our cutting-edge research is continually improving techniques and treatments for cancer patients. Find out more.

Cancer Australia

Cancer AustraliaCancer is a disease of the cells, which are the body’s basic building blocks. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. These abnormal cells can damage or invade the surrounding tissues, or spread to other parts of the body, causing further damage. Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care. Find out more.

Cancer NSW

Cancer NSWWe are NSW’s cancer control agency, established under the Cancer Institute NSW (2003) Act to lessen the impact of cancer across the State. We work across the health care system to promote better cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and care. The Cancer Institute NSW is a pillar organisation of NSW Health, providing the strategic direction for cancer control in NSW. We collect and use the latest cancer data, information and evidence to drive improvements in cancer outcomes. We are the largest funder of cancer research in the state, with a focus on the translation of research findings into clinical practice. Find out more.

Life Force Foundation

Life Force FoundationSince the first support group was set up in 1993, over the years we at Life Force have had the privilege of witnessing wonderful transformations in people’s lives as they are supported to navigate a path through new and difficult terrain. Patients and families find themselves in uncharted territory and no-one gives you a map. So it is important for people to know that they have somewhere to turn to, to support them through the experience at all different stages, to soothe the pain and suffering that come with cancer. Find out more.

Personal Stories

Share Your Story

Share Your StoryBeyond Five
Sharing your head and neck cancer experience can provide comfort and courage to others. Personal stories may encourage people to: get symptoms checked by their GP; provide hope and support to people who may be going through a difficult time; highlight the importance of early detection and symptoms to look out for. Personal stories also help Beyond Five engage with the public and may encourage someone to make a donation or take part in a fundraising event. If you’d like to share your story please get in contact with us. Find out more.

Projects

Remove the Mask

Remove the Mask ProjectACRF Image X Institute, University of Sydney
Reducing anxiety and distress for head and neck cancer patients. Immobilisation masks are used during head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy to ensure an accurate treatment, by holding the patient’s head and shoulders still. We’re developing surface monitoring technology that can detect & guide patient motion, which will allow us to “remove the mask” from HNC radiotherapy treatment. Read more about the project. This project came about partly with the support of a generous crowdfunding campaign. Read more about the campaign.

Reading

Pharyngeal Cancer

Pharyngeal CancerPharyngeal cancer is associated with heavy use of tobacco and alcohol.

Studies show that cancer is more common among asbestos workers than in the general population. Treatment is effective, especially when the cancer is caught early.

So we created a great guide that you can check here: Pharyngeal Cancer.

Contact Julie Donado, Outreach Coordinator, Asbestos.com

The Mask and How to Help

The Mask and How to HelpAmanada Bolderston, MedRadResearch, 7 January 2020
This month’s blogger, Julie McCrossin, is an Australian journalist and broadcaster, she is also an oropharyngeal cancer survivor who was treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy over 5 years ago. “The most traumatic aspect of my treatment for stage four oropharyngeal cancer in 2013 was the immobilisation mask. I wore it every day for 30 consecutive days. My time alone in the bunker receiving radiation therapy was 20 minutes. The setting up period meant I was tightly secured by the head for up to 25 minutes each day.”  Read more.

Understanding Head and Neck Cancers

Understanding Head and Neck CancersCancer Council
A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends. This booklet has been prepared to help you understand more about head and neck cancers, a general term for a range of cancers in the mouth, nose, throat and neck areas. Specific head and neck cancers are named after the area where they start – for example, oral cancer, nasal or paranasal sinus cancer, salivary gland cancer, pharyngeal cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Read more.
 

GP-focused Publications

Targeting CancerTargeting Cancer
Targeting Cancer has a growing body of literature tailored to the busy GP to enhance knowledge about modern radiation therapy (radiotherapy). They encourage visitors to download the articles on radiation therapy technology advances for localised prostate cancer, brain metastases, high risk cancers and more. Volunteer ROs contribute to the materials and are often contactable for more information and clinical educational collaborations.  Read more.

Screening

Oral cancer screening and prevention (Victoria)

Dental Health Services VictoriaOral cancer is on the rise in Victoria. Dental Health Services Victoria is leading a new program with oral health professionals to promote prevention and enable earlier detection. Oral cancer is a leading cause of disease burden in Victoria, with an average of 14 new diagnoses and three deaths a week. Oral cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, with poor prognosis and survival. This innovative program will support Victorian oral health professionals to raise awareness of oral cancer and detect it early, reducing the impact of the disease. Find out more.

Videos

My Radiation Treatment

Mask Art for Survivors