Cancer stories and news

Are you or someone you love aged 50 or over? If so, you may be at a higher risk of bowel cancer. Tragically, bowel cancer claims the lives of 80 Australians every week. But it doesn't have to. A home screening test is available for free as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Read more

Bill was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 44. After treatment, Bill decided he wanted to ‘give back’ to the community and become a Cancer Connect volunteer - a telephone peer support program for people affected by cancer. Read on to learn more about Bill and his story.

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I have been a cancer nurse for over twenty years. In the hospital setting, I worked in day oncology units where people have chemotherapy as day patients. Being able to support and educate patients who had a cancer diagnosis gave me great satisfaction. Jeanne has given us a glimpse into her experience as a 13 11 20 cancer nurse. Read on to learn more about Jeanne and the calls she receives. Read more

Friday 25 August is Daffodil Day – a day where we come together to support those affected by cancer. We’d love it if you could be part of Daffodil Day by buying and wearing a daffodil pin. Every dollar makes a difference and will ensure that Cancer Council Victoria can continue its life-saving work in cancer research, prevention and support. Read more

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer affecting Victorians. If found early, 90% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated. The key is early detection. Our Cancer Council booklet, Understanding Bowel Cancer is a very handy resource to refer to if you have any symptoms, in the process of being tested, or have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Read more

The decision of whether to participate in a clinical trial can be difficult. We are introducing a new pilot program to connect people with others who ‘have been there before’. Based on the successful Cancer Connect program, Trial Connect aims to provide peer support around decisions to engage in a clinical trial. Read more

Cancer Council Victoria’s Information and Support line is staffed by experienced cancer nurses who are there to help with any questions about cancer. Around 10% of these calls relate to palliative care, prognosis, recurrence and death and dying, topics that are often difficult to deal with among family and friends.

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If you have had cancer diagnosed at a late stage, or if treatment has stopped working and remission or cure is no longer possible, you may be told that the cancer is end stage or terminal. Everyone’s reaction is unique and people cope in their own way with the news. Our information booklet designed for people facing end of life, their carers, friends and family, may help. Read more

By volunteering this Daffodil Day, you’ll be making an incredible difference to the 31,628 Victorians diagnosed with cancer each year. Every dollar from every pin, pen, and bear sold counts and will ensure Cancer Council Victoria can continue its important work in cancer research, prevention and support. Read more

The Living with Cancer Education Program helps people make sense of cancer in a safe and informal environment. These programs facilitated by local health professionals provide an opportunity to connect with others in similar circumstances. A positive outcome from this Program has seen the start of the Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group. Read more

National volunteer Week (8–14 May) is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. Rochelle Serry is one of our trained volunteers with the phone-based peer support program Cancer Connect and we thank her for her time and enthusiasm. Read more about why she continues to be involved with the program. Read more

The results of a new study suggest that people who participate in our free phone-based Healthy Living after Cancer program see positive changes to their diet and physical health. So far, we have found that participants increased their physical activity along with intake of fruits and vegetables and on average have decreased their body mass index. Read more

Get your aprons on, open up your doors and put the kettle on - Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is back for 2017. Hosting a morning tea is a delicious and fun way to raise vital funds for Cancer Council's important work in cancer research, prevention, and support. Register now to receive your free host kit. Read more

The way Victorians plan for medical treatment decision making and advance care planning has now changed with introduction of the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016. A free webinar on how these changes impact you and your family will be held on Tuesday 21 February, available on any computer or mobile device. Read more