20 years on the frontline of cancer support

Wednesday 21 July, 2010

The Cancer Information and Support Service (CISS) has celebrated 20 years of providing support and invaluable information to those affected by cancer.

Melbourne Town Hall provided a grand setting for the ‘birthday party.' Guests gathered to share stories and look back at 20 years of the internationally renowned program, which has provided help for an astonishing 750,000 people.

The event featured a colourful (and delicious!) cake that was shared amongst the crowd of survivors, carers, staff, volunteers, donors and fundraisers. The services provided by CISS are entirely funded by donations from fundraising efforts such as Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, and quite a few cuppas were shared at the event.

Since its humble beginnings with only five staff answering calls in 1990, CISS has grown to a team of over 30 program and administrative staff. The team provide individualised support and accurate information across multiple platforms including online communities and one-on-one peer support.

The Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Victorian Minister for Health, expressed gratitude to CISS and Cancer Council Victoria for their contribution to help ease the burden of cancer on the community.

"On behalf of all Victorians, I want to thank the Cancer Council Victoria and their hard-working staff for the important job of providing information and support to the many people touched by cancer across our state," Mr Andrews said.

"Cancer affects one in three Victorians, and about 70 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer each day, so most families know someone who has been affected the disease, either now or in the past.

Mr Andrews also praised the vision of former Director of CISS, Doreen Akkerman, who retired earlier this year after founding and guiding the program for 20 years. Ms Akkerman said that CISS was founded to fill a gap in service that existed in Victoria.

"Back then there weren't the number of cancer charities or support agencies there are now. If you were diagnosed with cancer you had pretty limited support options outside of your family, friends or GP," Ms Akkerman said.

"We took the best ideas from all around the world and developed a uniquely Australian support program that has truly become the gold standard internationally," Ms Akkerman said.

Dr Amanda Hordern, Director of CISS, helped Minister Andrews to cut the cake, and said she is proud of the programs commitment to provide practical and reliable information.

"A cancer diagnosis can often be overwhelming since there is such a huge amount of information out there. For instance, there is a lot of unnecessary anxiety caused by self-diagnosis or reading conflicting information on the internet. By calling the Cancer Council Helpline, Victorians know they are receiving the most up-to-date and reliable information possible," Dr Hordern said.

Currently, CISS is a hub for numerous cancer support options, available in over 80 languages to better accommodate Victoria's diverse population. In partnership with the Think Pink Foundation, over $2.5million of financial assistance has been provided to people affected by cancer.

The gateway to the services offered by CISS is the Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20) and online support is available via www.cancerconnections.com.au.

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