Welcome to the fourth edition of Todd Talks.
Thank you everyone who has shown their support for this monthly column. Please continue to ask questions, suggest topics, or let us know how we can help.
New campaign provides reassurance for people affected by cancer
Cancer Council Victoria has launched a new campaign ‘You’re Not Alone’ promoting our 13 11 20 support line.
With many restrictions across Victoria now relaxed, many people with cancer are preferring to take precautions and isolate. Our cancer nurses are hearing through our 13 11 20 cancer support line that some people are struggling, feeling anxious and overwhelmed and are missing support from family, friends, and regular cancer support groups.
This campaign focuses on these feelings and seeks to reassure people that Cancer Council Victoria is here to help, particularly in regional areas. The ad features Taryn (featured in the video below), one of our wonderful 13 11 20 cancer nurses located in regional Victoria and Shireen (pictured below), who has called for support from our nurses after her relapse of ovarian cancer.
We hope this increased awareness will encourage people affected by cancer to reach out for cancer support, particularly given the impact that COVID-19 has had on the services they rely on.
Speaking of our wonderful cancer nurses, we recently acknowledged International Nurses Day. I am so grateful for our cancer nurses on the 13 11 20 support line here at Cancer Council Victoria. They go above and beyond in their work each day to support people impacted by cancer who are facing some of the toughest times of their lives.
Throughout the last year, with many Victorians affected by cancer struggling with the impact of pandemic restrictions, delays in treatment and financial issues, more people turned to our
13 11 20 support line. In 2021 our cancer nurses responded to more than 9,700 requests for information and support.
Our 2021 Annual Review is out now
Our latest Annual Review provides us with the opportunity to stop and reflect on the year that was and the impact we have had as an organisation throughout 2021 for Victorians affected by cancer.
The report includes some of our highlights across our prevention, research, and support services.
Some of the highlights include the launch of the National Quit Training and Resource Centre for Nicotine Cessation (Quit Centre) Australia’s first comprehensive resource and training centre for smoking and vaping cessation. This will assist health professionals to support people with nicotine dependencies to quit smoking.
The new Vic Kids Eat Well initiative is bringing the community together to boost healthy eating right from the start so kids can be at their best. We celebrated ten years of the McCabe Centre making a global impact shaping laws that prevent cancer and protect people affected by it (I look forward to shining a light on the impact of the McCabe Centre in a later edition of Todd Talks).
We focused on improving cancer outcomes for people in regional and rural communities and our ‘Get Factsinated campaign that provided reliable, evidence-based vaccine information for people affected by cancer.
We were not able to gather in person for much of the year, however our staff and supporters stayed connected and supported each other by practising kindness and compassion. I was proud that Cancer Council Victoria was awarded with a Voice Project ‘Best Workplace’ award – a testament to the passion and dedication of the people who make up our organisation.
My thanks and gratitude go to our staff, supporters, volunteers and Board for their unwavering support and hard work as we work towards a cancer free future.
Read the annual review here.
An exciting transformation is taking place for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Cancer Council Victoria is thrilled to have teamed up with world-renowned contemporary Indigenous artist and proud Noongar man Peter Farmer to shine a light on the impact of cancer on Aboriginal Victorians.
Over three days, Peter is transforming a giant teacup with Aboriginal artwork at Collins Square in Melbourne’s CBD.
The artwork will shine a light on two concerning statistics:
- Aboriginal Victorians are 71 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than non-Aboriginal Victorians, and
- Aboriginal Victorians are nearly 2.5 times more likely to die from cancer than other Victorians.
Peter says, “We know what these statistics are – they’re not good. We as Australians all have a role whether it’s just a small donation or continuing in important medical research roles. Everyone should join the fight against cancer."
"The Aboriginal artwork I'm proposing is about journeys. They will be reflected in the work by highlighting the many challenges we have and that the road is a little longer and more filled with challenges especially for First Australians.”
See part of the amazing transformation below. I look forward to sharing more about how our supporters participated in this year’s Biggest Morning Tea in the next edition of Todd Talks.
Until next time
Thank you for your support. Stay safe and I look forward to providing more updates next month in the next edition of Todd Talks. Have a question for me? Ask away!