Share, help others, give back, be heard
If you or a loved one have had a cancer diagnosis you have ‘lived experience’ which gives your feedback weight and collectively, can influence change, which is an invaluable thing.
While Victoria has some of the best cancer survival outcomes in the world, there are still differences in cancer treatment and inequities in patient experience and survival.
Cancer Council is working to improve cancer outcomes for all Victorians, but we can’t do this alone and need your help. By joining our Community Advisory Network, you get the opportunity to use your experience and be involved in activities that aim to improve the cancer experience for others.
Community Advisory Network
I like getting involved at various levels of the organisation as it helps me understand how the organisation works. It also stimulates my brain. I want to ensure that the organisation hears the voice of the consumer and community whenever they undertake any activity.”
Naveena, Community Advisory Network member
Our Community Advisory Network has over 140 members who have either had a cancer diagnosis themselves or who have cared for someone who has.
With a range of cancer and treatment experiences, all members have joined so they can use their personal experience to give back, inform the work we do and help to see improved cancer outcomes for other Victorians.
Ways to get involved may include:
- sharing your story to illustrate your experience with health or support services
- providing feedback on our cancer information or support services
- informing research funding decision-making
- participating in discussion groups on important issues
- sharing insights to support our policy and advocacy activities
- speaking at events or in some cases doing an interview with media
- joining committees that steer our programs and research.
Register your details and we’ll be in touch with opportunities to get involved .
Get involved
Issues we’re tackling
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve had cancer yourself, having family members with cancer affects you, your family and your friends. By volunteering my time, I feel I can help others”.
Sandra, Community Advisory Network member
Through our policy and advocacy activities we work with clinicians, researchers, community members, governments and policy makers, non-government organisations and cancer agencies to highlight key areas of need and inequity.
Our priorities for urgent action focus on improving outcomes in prevention, early detection, treatment, support and research for all Victorians and include:
- providing equitable access to treatment and supportive care
- reducing the cost of cancer
- preventing and detecting cancer early
- improving access to clinical trials.
Learn more about ways you can get involved with our policy and advocacy work here.
Cancer stories
Thursday 10 February 2022
With a surge of COVID-19 cases throughout the community and conditions changing rapidly, it’s a critical time for Cancer Council Victoria to provide support for people affected by cancer.
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Wednesday 12 January 2022
Kathrine’s immunocompromised, in remission from ovarian cancer, and has tested positive for COVID. This is her experience.
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Wednesday 8 December 2021
Paul didn't mind the two hour commute from his regional hometown to Melbourne for his cancer treatment – but it was an entirely different story when it came to getting support.
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For Martin, cancer came into his life at just 12 years of age, and it has had a profound impact on him ever since.
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Without better treatments there is a real risk that this Christmas may be Brendon’s last one with his family. We need your support so researchers like Dr Paul Beavis can help others like Brendon.
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After a life lived in dedication to others, Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM continues to make an incredible contribution to the world through the gift left in his Will.
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Jane couldn't find an appropriate book to help her kids prepare for her cancer treatment – so she wrote one.
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Support groups are increasingly being recognised as an important aspect of professional health care. Yet, many men struggle to seek help.
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Geoff was given only a 30% chance of surviving oesophageal cancer. But thanks to his own diligence and the unwavering support of his wife, Jeanette, he’s still here today.
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“Warren always put his hand up for any extra tests. His theory was that even though none of it worked for him, we would learn something from it to benefit people in the future. "
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Cancer Council Victoria is recognising and celebrating the tireless work of our volunteers for National Volunteer Week (May 17 – 23).
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“I see a beautiful little boy growing up without his dad, who won’t be there to share his milestones."
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Brent began taking part in Relay For Life as a 28-year-old. Ten years later, his passion led him to another step: leaving a gift in his Will.
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“When I was diagnosed, it was a time in my life when I was just starting to find my feet and discover where I belonged in the world. Then it all came crashing down.”
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Being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 74 was the last thing Pat expected. Now she wants to ensure her own children and grandchildren are diligent about their breast health.
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