Cancer Council 13 11 20 – for information and support www.cancerwa.asn.au

LifeLines The Newsletter of Cancer Council WA

08.2015

Contents

Letter from our CEOThe fi rst half of 2015 has left us with plenty to be thankful for as we look ahead to the next half of 2015 and what we hope to achieve in our continued fi ght against cancer.

National Volunteer Week presented a fantastic chance for the organisation to celebrate the wonderful contribution of our 1,839 volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Cancer Council WA. They play a vital role in our fundraising, support services, education and research programs in a host of roles throughout the organisation. We work daily to ensure the valuable skills our volunteers willingly bring

to the organisation are recognised and appreciated for the positive difference they make and the week was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get together in celebration of their commitment.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Teas were held across the state in May and June. I had the pleasure of attending a number of events, including the annual Friends of Cancer Council WA morning tea at Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, where an incredible $25,000 was once again contributed to cancer research. It was an honour to be there to personally

thank the Friends for their ongoing commitment to fi nding a solution in the fi ght against cancer here in WA. Reports of successful morning teas fl ooded our Facebook page on a daily basis, from major annual

community hosts raising upwards of $20,000,

to fi rst-time hosts raising several hundred dollars with friends and family – all working together to bring in vital funds for our collective fi ght against cancer.

Our new offi ce building in Subiaco has proven to be a resounding su ccess so far. Our Fundraising, Cancer Information and Support Services, Corporate Services and Education and Research divisions are now settled in. This new fi t-for-purpose offi ce has been designed to facilitate productivity and collaboration and it’s fantastic to see an increased sense of teamwork as the carefully designed space brings our divisions together on a daily basis.

Looking forward, we have a busy month ahead with Daffodil Day and the Dig Deep game rapidly approaching. We hope you will continue to walk alongside us to help the thousands of West Australians affected by cancer and through our education and research programs, move step by step towards a cancer-free future.

Susan RooneyChief Executive Offi cer

National Volunteer WeekAn opportunity to thank our volunteers for their invaluable contribution

Daffodil DayShow you care this Daffodil Day – 28 August

Australia’s Biggest Morning TeaThanks for raising a cup for a good cause!

WA’s Brightest Research StarsCelebrating our second annual Research Excellence Awards

Cancer Council WA staff celebrated our volunteers at morning teas throughout

National Volunteer Week

LifeLines | Issue 08.152

National Volunteer Week in May provided a fantastic opportunity to offi cially recognise and thank our volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the fi ght against cancer.

In the 2014/2015 fi nancial year, 1,839 volunteers – both regular and event – contributed a massive 80,717 hours to Cancer Council WA. Our volunteers work with a range of important tasks, including: assisting with administration tasks; sitting on committees; providing complementary therapies; helping facilitate support groups; providing Pro Bono legal and fi nancial counselling services; managing our Wig Service; transporting patients

to and from treatment centres; corporate volunteering; staging events such as Relay For Life; assisting with street appeals and much more. Every single one plays a vital role and we couldn’t do what we do without them.

To see our current volunteer vacancies, including event and corporate volunteering opportunities, visit http://bit.ly/

VolunteerCCWA.

Celebrating service for National Volunteer Week

What do Cancer Council volunteers do?• Sit on our board and committees

• Admin support

• Pro bono fi nancial, legal and corporate services

• Complementary therapies

• Stage Relay For Life events

• Events and community fundraising

• Wig Service

• Support patients and families in hospitals

• Support groups

• Transport patients to treatment centres

• Social support

• Marketing and communications

• Special projects – research

• Community representation

• Surveys

• Gardening/handy person

• Health promotion

• Library

• Peer support

• Publications

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Cancer Council 13 11 20 – for information and support www.cancerwa.asn.au

Why I volunteerLinda Verhoeff is a volunteer for our Wig Service and Fiona Stanley Cancer Centre. Both roles involve working closely with people affected by cancer, supporting them with wig selection and offering information about our supportive care services and programs to Cancer Centre visitors.

Linda, a former hairdresser, was motivated to apply back in 2014. Giving back has been a natural part of her life since she was young, and she had lost her father to cancer. She is also inspired by her mother who, at 79 years old, still volunteers.

“Within half an hour of submitting my application, Ron ten Hoor (Cancer Council WA’s Accommodation Services Manager) had phoned to make time for an interview. This gave me a sense of the professional standards at CCWA – that the gifts I have were of value to the Wig Service and that CCWA values its volunteers. This professional standard has continued throughout my volunteering experience.”

“I’m a talker naturally, so my volunteering roles have challenged

me to consciously practice my listening skills. Both my volunteering roles give me the opportunity to learn so much from speaking with a variety of people. I get a great lift from helping where I can; be it letting people know where information is available or sharing in a laugh or special moment.”

“When my volunteering role expanded to include the Cancer Centre, I took part in CCWA’s new two-day training course that equipped me with the tools, strategies and mechanisms to give me confi dence in handling diffi cult situations relevant to both roles.”

“The best part of volunteering is hearing the special things people were able to do because they were feeling well that week. Being able to draw on the life experience of others has really helped me in my life outside of volunteering.”

“I’ve been very fortunate in life and volunteering has given me the opportunity to connect with so many people I wouldn’t normally meet; it has enriched me as a person. I’d tell anyone thinking about volunteering to step out of their comfort zone and give it a go; it gives you so much.”

“The best part of volunteering is hearing

the special things people were able to

do because they were feeling well that week.”

Linda Verhoeff

Linda Verhoeff (second from left) with fellow volunteers June Rose, Suzanne Bradbury and Susan Galloway in the Fiona Stanley Cancer Centre

LifeLines | Issue 08.154

Show you carethis Daffodil Day

Friday

28August

On Friday 28 August we’re asking the entire state to showthey care about cancer by wearing yellow for Daffodil Day. This year, we’re ramping up our street appeal in Perth City with the addition of a new hub in the Perth Cultural Centre’s Urban Orchard in Northbridge. On the day, thousands of passers-by will have the opportunity to show they care by purchasing a daffodil, Daffodil Day pin or pen, and writing a special message to be ‘planted’ in our Field of Hope.

Workplaces are also encouraged to get involved by asking their teams to wear yellow on August 28 and donate to the cause. Donors across the state will have the opportunity to get their hands on an offi cial pin and daffodil by ordering online or attending one of our many

street and shopping centre appeal locations. To show you care and do your part to spread the word about Daffodil Day, please upload a picture of you wearing yellow to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and tag us using the offi cial hashtags #cancercouncilwa and #daffodilday. For more information about where you can purchase a pin or daffodil on the day, or to order merchandise to sell at your workplace in the lead up, visit daffodilday.com.au.

If you will be in the Perth metropolitan area on Friday 28 August and would like to volunteer as part of our street appeal team, please visit daffodilday.com.au/volunteer.

This year saw an increase in not only the number of new WA hosts, but the amount generously donated across the state for vital research, prevention programs and support services.

Bev and Brian Chitty have hosted Ellenbrook’s Biggest Morning Tea for the past 15 years and broke all previous records this year to raise more than $21,000. The 250 guests enjoyed raffl es, auctions, and a performance by the local school choir, while CCWA President Professor George Yeoh was on hand to share information about the

programs their generous donations support.

Inspired by the loss of her late husband to melanoma and both parents to cancer, Bev says it’s her passion for helping that keeps her going.

“Brian lost his late wife to breast cancer the same year my late husband passed, so we feel as though we’re helping them by hosting and raising money,” she said. “We don’t worry about the amount of work involved, it’s always a pleasure.”

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Cancer Council 13 11 20 – for information and support www.cancerwa.asn.au

Raising a cup for

a good cause

This year, 2,920 West Australians registered to make

their cup count by hosting a Biggest Morning Tea, raising

more than $1,535,000 for Cancer Council WA to date.

Can

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Three West Australian cancer researchers have been recognised for their signifi cant achievements in Cancer Council WA’s second annual Research Excellence Awards.

The awards are unique in recognising those working in cancer research in WA and cover three categories: Early Career Cancer Researcher of the Year; Cancer Researcher of the Year; and Cancer Research Career Achievement Award. Each award attracts a cash prize for the selected researcher to contribute to their work.

Chair of the Research Grant Advisory Committee, Professor Lin Fritschi, said the awards shine a public light on the work that has the potential to benefi t many West Australians in the future.

“This is just one small way we seek to encourage others to apply their talents to this important sphere of endeavour,” Professor Fritschi said.

The 2015 Early Career Cancer Researcher of the Year Award was awarded to Accredited Exercise Physiologist from Edith Cowan University and past Cancer Council Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr Prue Cormie, for her work investigating the role of exercise in the management of cancer. Dr Cormie has pioneered research into identifying exercise as an effective way of counteracting sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment. Dr Cormie said she was extremely honoured and hopes the award will encourage more West Australians to experience the benefi ts of exercise.

The 2015 Cancer Researcher of the Year was awarded to Academic Haematologist and Head of The University of Western Australia

School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Professor Wendy Erber. Professor Erber has an international reputation for her work in the fi eld of applied leukaemia research and said she is particularly proud of her achievements in translating scientifi c and research discoveries into diagnostic pathology practice to improve patient care and outcomes.

Several of her recent papers have led to signifi cant innovations in clinical pathology practice, including more accurate diagnosis of leukaemia and lymphoma using new imaging and genetic techniques. The award also recognises her long-term commitment to teaching students and researchers.

The 2015 Cancer Research Career Achievement Award has been awarded to Professor Bill Musk for his continual commitment to assisting people affected by occupational diseases. Professor Musk, a Clinical Professor in the Schools of Medicine and Population Health at The University of Western Australia and Respiratory Physician at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, has quietly championed the cause of people affected by asbestos-related diseases throughout his 35 year career.

Professor Musk was instrumental in establishing the Asbestos Review Program in WA and the

Mesothelioma Register within the Department of Health WA. The award also recognises Professor Musk’s signifi cant work as an active anti-smoking advocate, including his role as President of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health for more than 10 years. Professor Musk said he hopes this award will have a broader community benefi t by driving further research into asbestos-related diseases.

To fi nd out more about our donor-funded research taking place in WA, visit cancerwa.asn.au/research.

Awards recognise WA’sbrightest research stars

Photo: Early Career Cancer Researcher of the Year, Dr Prue Cormie, Cancer Research Career Achievement Award recipient, Professor Bill Musk, and Cancer Researcher of the Year, Professor Wendy Erber at Cancer Council WA’s 2015 Research Excellence Awards.

Shining a public light on the work that has

the potential to benefi t many West Australians

in the future

A new interactive training program is helping health professionals better communicate with patients. Cancer Council WA’s Palliative and Supportive Care Education have partnered with Cancer Council Victoria to deliver the Victoria Cancer Clinicians Communication Program (CCCP) in WA to improve outcomes for oncology and palliative care patients as well as clinicians.

The interactive four-hour program for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals is delivered by two facilitators and an actor, and includes the use of role-play with a simulated patient to equip participants with new communication skills and techniques to have the diffi cult conversations involved in their day-to-day work.

The initial training session focuses on ‘eliciting and responding to emotional cues’ which enables participants to attend future workshops such as ‘breaking bad news’.

Research shows insuffi cient training in communication and management skills is a major factor contributing to stress, lack of job satisfaction, and emotional burnout for health professionals.

Program participant Melissa Pickering said the training enabled her to gain practical skills in ensuring her patients felt comfortable and heard.

“Communication is generally something we all think we ‘do’ every day but we forget communication is actually a skill that can be improved to achieve better outcomes for patients and save time,” she said.

“In the safe environment of the role-play I was able to do a number

of ‘takes’ which doesn’t happen in reality. I liked that the context of the role-play could be made relevant to my particular role.”

Since the donor-funded CCCP began in February, ten WA facilitators have delivered the program to 64 local health professionals, with plans to expand the availability and scope of the project state-wide over the next three years.

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Cancer Council 13 11 20 – for information and support www.cancerwa.asn.au

Communicating for better outcomes

Our new home at 420 Bagot Road, Subiaco is now up and running.

The site brings together our Fundraising, Cancer Information and Support Services, Corporate Services and Education and Research divisions that were previously spread out across three locations. Designed to facilitate collaboration, the open plan space comprises eight meeting rooms, fi ve quiet rooms, 157 work spaces, a library, volunteer room, family room, a designated space for our Cancer Care Nurses, a communal kitchen area and fi ve comfortable collaboration spaces for staff members to work together.

The building was offi cially opened by Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia, on July 22.

Our new home in Subiaco

Photo: Cancer Clinicians Communications Program participant Melissa Pickering practicing her new skills with the guidance of Program Coordinator Grace Buchanan.

LifeLines | Issue 08.15

Upcoming events

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1

2

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My cheque/money order is enclosed and made payable to Cancer Council WA OR

Please debit the above amount from my credit card:

Card No.

Cardholder’s Name

Expiry Date / Signature

OR I would like to donate $ each month by credit card until I advise otherwise.

Please tell me how I can include a gift to Cancer Council WA in my Will.

Level 1, 420 Bagot Road Subiaco WA 6008 Donation Hotline 1300 65 65 85

Donation Hotline 1300 65 65 85www.cancerwa.asn.au/appealPost completed coupon to: Level 1, 420 Bagot Road, Subiaco WA 6008

Please accept my gift of: $60 $30 $100 OR my choice of $3 EASY WAYS TO DONATE:

Title DOB / /

First Name

Last Name

Address

State Postcode

Telephone

EmailWestern Australia

Level 1, 420 Bagot RoadSubiaco WA 6008Telephone 1300 65 65 85www.cancerwa.asn.au

Confi dential information and support for the cost of a local call.

During business hours, Mon – Fri

August10 August Cancer Update lecture“Teaching old drugs new tricks – repurposing drugs to beat cancer,” presented by Professor Michael Millwood. State Theatre, Alexander Library Building, Perth Cultural Centre

23 August Dig Deep GameWest Coast Eagles vs Western Bulldogs, Domain Stadium, Subiaco

28 AugustDaffodil Day Street AppealState-wide daffodilday.com.au

September4 – 5 SeptemberRelay For Life Exmouth

12 – 13 SeptemberRelay For Life Broome

OctoberAll monthPink Ribbon MonthWear a Pink Ribbon in October and help increase awareness about breast and gynaecological cancers. You can also help raise funds by registering to volunteer or holding a pink fundraiser at pinkribbon.com.au

10 – 11 OctoberRelay For Life Fremantle

10 – 11 OctoberRelay For Life UWA

17 – 18 OctoberRelay For Life Curtin University

17 – 18 October Relay For Life Joondalup Wanneroo

23 OctoberPink Ribbon Street AppealState-wide

24 – 25 OctoberRelay For Life Midwest

31 October – 1 NovemberRelay For Life Bunbury

Visitrelayforlife.org.aufor more details about how to get

involved

Join ourcommunity

Issue 08.15 / 2448