Cancer Australia Connections May 2010

From the CEO

It has been some time since our last newsletter and there are many changes and achievements on which to provide an update. Firstly as you will be aware our inaugural CEO Professor David Currow has moved on from Cancer Australia to take up the CEO position at the Cancer Institute NSW. I would like to take this opportunity to thank David for all his hard work and leadership of Cancer Australia over the past 3 years and wish him well in his new role. 

It was a busy second half of 2009 and things have not slowed down in 2010. The two new programs for Cancer Australia Improved lung cancer data and treatment guidelines and Cancer data to improve cancer survival  have both been active, with work already started on a wide range of Data Set Specifications (DSS) and research is underway in the lung program.

In November the Minister for Health and Ageing the Hon Nicola Roxon joined our Chairman Dr Glasson AO and Professor Currow to announce the successful grant recipients of the 2009 round of the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme (PdCCRS). There were 42 successful grants in the 2009 round totalling $12.2 million, bringing the overall total of successful grants to over 100 totalling $37.5 million.

Cancer Australia remains committed to engaging with the community in all of our activities. To this end we have recently concluded a new recruitment round of consumers to help guide current and future projects. I am happy to report that this has resulted in the successful recruitment of 28 new consumers to Cancer Australia. The Parliamentary Secretary for Health the Hon Mark Butler joined with Cancer Australia in February at Parliament House to announce the 22 successful recipients of the latest round of the Building Cancer Support Networks Initiative Better Cancer Support Through Consumers grants.

The National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers continues to deliver a suite of programs and resources in the broad field of gynaecological cancers. This includes the recent launch of a wide range of web-based consumer information fact sheets on multiple forms of gynaecological cancers. This is the first time that all of this information has been available to consumers in the one location.

Cancer Australia continues to work with the jurisdictions and other cancer organisations and interested stakeholders in working towards increasing research on and the uptake of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) including those specific to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples.

Regards
Joanne Ramadge
Acting CEO

Mentoring for Regional Hospitals and Cancer Professionals

The Mentoring for Regional Hospitals and Cancer Professionals measure consists of a range of inter-related programs.  The major components include:

CanNET

Cancer Australia continues to work in collaboration with all jurisdictions to further develop and refine the Cancer Service Networks National Program (CanNET). The first phase of CanNET officially concluded in December 2009. The outcomes and achievements of this phase are available in the National CanNET Evaluation report on the Cancer Australia website.

Cancer Australia continues to work with jurisdictions to develop new project plans to further embed, enhance and improve the outcomes achieved to date. The next phase of CanNET will also include a CanNET ACT project.

Several CanNET projects will also be undertaking specific activities to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Information about the progress and detail of the CanNET projects will be regularly updated on the Cancer Australia website.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control Research Project

Cancer Council South Australia (CCSA) has been engaged to undertake a review of research and initiatives aimed at improving cancer control for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Specifically, CCSA is reviewing the academic literature and grey literature, and will also consult with key stakeholders to identify key works and activities occurring in Indigenous communities around cancer control. The results of this research will help define future projects that Cancer Australia may support in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer arena in order to reduce the disparities experienced throughout their cancer journey.

Multidisciplinary Team Research Project

Cancer Australia is intending to undertake a research project relating to the operation of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). This research project will consolidate the current evidence surrounding the factors contributing to MDTs – including external influences such as environmental, funding, policy, behavioural and clinical elements – and examine these factors within established MDTs across different states, territories and environmental settings. This research will provide a better understanding of what factors are required and how they interact to facilitate the best possible MDT outcomes at all three levels – patient, service and provider.

Primary Care – Role Redesign

In November 2009, Cancer Australia engaged GSB Consulting and Communications to perform a literature review and consultation process to identify role redesign options that support greater engagement of primary care providers in cancer treatment and surveillance post treatment. Cancer Australia is currently considering the outcomes of this work for future opportunities.

Cancer data to improve cancer survival

Cancer Australia has received $2.1 million to investigate opportunities to link data currently held in population-based registries with data on stage, treatment and recurrences.

WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network

The WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network has been engaged to evaluate the collection of stage, treatment and recurrence data using the Medical Message Exchange service for Health Professionals (MMEx) system, a web-based clinical information system. The applicability of this work to jurisdictions using other clinical information management systems will also be addressed.  

Cancer Council Victoria

The Cancer Council Victoria has been engaged to trial the use of the Clinical Data Analytics Language (CliniDAL) natural language technology to capture, code, process and store additional data items that will augment existing population-based cancer registry data collections with information on clinical stage, and metastatic disease at diagnosis and first recurrence. This project will focus on cancer types and cancer lesions often detected through imaging, endoscopy and means other than tissue specimens, where results are not normally notified to cancer registries. 

Cancer Australia education professional development resources

EdCaN, Cancer Learning and the eviQ Primary Health Care resources continue to be extensively used by cancer care providers. 

EPICC, (the Education Program in Cancer Care), developed by the Medical Oncology Group of Australia (MOGA) for non-specialist medical practitioners, is now being adopted by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. These Colleges will develop the EPICC resources to fit their online education platforms and processes. 

The following links will take you to these resources:

• Cancer Learning http://www.cancerlearning.gov.au/ (University of Sydney)
• EdCan http://www.edcan.org/ (Queensland University of Technology)
• EviQ https://www.eviq.org.au/ (Cancer Institute NSW)
• EPICC http://www.epicc.org.au/ (MOGA)

Review of Cancer Australia supported Continuing Professional Development Resources

Cancer Australia has engaged Siggins Miller to conduct a review of the above education and professional development resources supported by Cancer Australia. If you wish to provide input to this review you can do so via an online survey that is available via a link on the project websites. You are also most welcome to contact Melissa Williams at Siggins Miller on (02) 9368 1977 or email melissa.williams@sigginsmiller.com.au

Improved Lung Cancer Data and Treatment Guidelines

The Australian Government provided $6.83 million in new funding over four years from 2009-2013. Cancer Australia, through the National Lung Cancer Program is building an accessible evidence-base through research, clinical guidance material and improved cancer data, and supporting health professionals to deliver consistent best practice care through targeted programs.

Cancer Australia has committed to providing funding for lung cancer research activities through the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme and TRIP Fellowships.

Cancer Australia has engaged Curtin University of Technology to identify gaps in the optimal management of lung cancer through consultation and research into the investigation, referral, treatment and care of people with symptoms and signs that may indicate lung cancer. 

Cancer Australia has funded Cancer Council Australia to review and update the clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of lung cancer to increase availability and accessibility of evidence-based lung cancer information for health professionals using a wiki-based process.

Research

Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme

The Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme (PdCCRS) aims to support research which reduces the impact of cancer in the community and improves outcomes for people affected by cancer through a coordinated, national approach to funding cancer research in identified priority areas.

Cancer Australia is pleased to announce that 42 research projects are being supported from the 2009 round of the PdCCRS. Grants will be funded by Cancer Australia in partnership with beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Cancer Council Australia, Cure Cancer Australia Foundation, Leukaemia Foundation, National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Radiation Oncology Section of the Department of Health and Ageing.

We are pleased to advise that since the first round in 2007, Cancer Australia and its funding partners have funded more than 100 cancer research projects in priority areas, with investment totaling over $37.5 million.

In the 2010 round, Cancer Australia has partnered with eleven organisations: beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Cancer Council New South Wales, Cancer Council Tasmania, CanTeen, Cure Cancer Australia Foundation, Leukaemia Foundation, Meat and Livestock Australia, National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Lung Cancer Program, and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

The call for PdCCRS grant applications closed on 22 March 2010 and over 360 applications for funding have been received – a 25 per cent increase from last year. The National Health and Medical Research Council is currently reviewing these applications in the first part of the two-step assessment process. Results are expected to be announced towards the end of 2010.

Regional Multi-site Clinical Trials Capacity Building Network

The Regional Multi-site Clinical Trials Capacity Building Network was established by Cancer Australia in 2009 to assist regional centres and hospitals to activate and recruit to clinical trials conducted by the Multi-site Collaborative National Cancer Clinical Trials Groups. This initiative will assist to build clinical trial capacity in regional centres, and increase access to high-quality trials for patients living in regional Australia.

Cancer Australia is currently providing funding to five regional centres to participate in the Regional Multi-site Clinical Trials Capacity Building Network. The centres are:

• Border Medical Oncology (Albury/Wodonga)
• Royal Hobart Hospital
• Bendigo Health Care Group; and
• North Coast Cancer Institute (at Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour).

In 2010, together with the Victorian Cancer Agency, Cancer Australia will expand this initiative to more regional centres throughout Australia. More information is available at: http://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-australia/research-and-clinical-trials/support-clinical-trials#6

National Gynaecological Cancers Service Delivery and Resource Framework: Improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer

The National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers (NCGC) in partnership with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RANZCOG) has recently undertaken the development of a National Service Delivery and Resource Framework for gynaecological cancers (the National Framework). This national framework has been developed by consultants, Sheila Hirst and Alison Amos, in close collaboration with consumers, state and territory government health representatives and key professional groups responsible for the care and support of women affected by gynaecological cancers, their families and carers. The development of the framework is part of the NCGC’s Gynaecological Cancers Workforce Initiative that includes state and territory projects to implement elements of the framework and a national coordination support and evaluation service to share scarce resources and minimise duplication.

Our purpose in developing a national framework for gynaecological cancers is to guide future service development to enhance the care all Australian women with, or at risk of gynaecological cancer gain access to high quality care. 

The National Framework draws on the needs of women throughout all stages of the patient journey. Extensive consultation has occurred and the project has been steered by a national reference group. Evidence gathered to inform the Framework has included research findings, evidence-based guidelines, national and state / territory policy directions, and consultations with consumer and key stakeholders. The consultation process culminated in a very successful national workshop held in Melbourne on 19 April 2010, that included over 60 participants from around Australia.

Based on the needs of women, the National Framework addresses the issues of specialist and generalist service providers involved in the care of women with gynaecological cancer within and across urban and regional services and public and private sectors.

Challenges facing the whole gynaecological cancer workforce include:

• the broader health care issues including access and the burgeoning costs of health care
• increasing gynaecological cancer service demand
• variation in practices in gynaecological cancer care
• a ‘stretched and changing’ workforce
• balancing access, equity and efficiency to ensure the best use of available and valuable resources.

To address these and other challenges, the National Framework has developed a patient (and family) centred approach to care. The following eight service delivery elements will address quality and safe practice in gynaecological cancer care.

Each element is underpinned by: i) flexible and robust models of care; ii) supportive organisational networks and; iii) a recognised skilled and supported workforce.

The National Framework is due to be completed by June 2010. Once finalised, the National Framework will be forwarded to professional colleges and state and territory government health representatives for support.

Supporting Women Living with a Gynaecological Cancer

The National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers has released online resources on gynaecological cancers. This is the first time Australian women, and health professionals, can access reliable, current information about gynaecological cancers from a single website: www.gynaecancercentre.gov.au .  

The resources provide comprehensive information on cervical, endometrial, fallopian tube, other uterine cancers, ovarian, placental and gestational trophoblastic disease, vaginal and vulval cancers.

These resources are part of the Australian Government’s $5.1 million commitment to improve outcomes for women affected by gynaecological cancers, their families and carers. 

The resources were developed with valuable, collaborative contributions from a number of Australian and international organisations.

Consumer Support Program

Building Cancer Support Networks Initiative: Better Cancer Support Through Consumers. In January 2010, 22 new projects commenced under the Building Cancer Support Networks Initiative: Better Cancer Support Through Consumers (BSCN Initiative). To date 66 projects have been funded across Australia spanning all states and territories. 

The cancer support projects promote innovative approaches and improved access to support and information, include face-to-face, internet and telecommunication and multimedia resources to improve cancer outcomes. Priority areas for the BSCN Initiative included: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living in rural and remote areas, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and cancers with poorer outcomes.

Cancer Australia has strengthened collaboration with 13 partners including state and territory cancer councils, through a consultation process and the development of a communication strategy with BCSN Initiative partners. 

Cancer Australia, along with our partners have contributed funding with a combined total of more than $1.5 million (2009-2010). Cancer Australia’s partnerships with organisations actively committed to improving access to coordinated, quality information and support for people affected by cancer will help strengthen local and national cancer support networks, and build ongoing sustainability.

AYA Cancers CDS (clinical data set). Cancer Australia has been commissioned by CanTEEN (under the Australian Government’s Youth Cancer Networks Initiative) to develop a clinical data set specific to adolescents and young adults with cancer. The project working group chaired by Professor Roder has met and the project is underway. 

Australian Cancer Trials Online (ACT Online). The University of Sydney, Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Centre and Cancer Australia have reviewed the preliminary results of the randomised controlled trial with a view to further develop the consumer website. A procurement process is underway to engage an organisation to improve the website before making it publically available later in 2010.

Consumer Engagement. Cancer Australia views the engagement of consumers in cancer control as pivotal in improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. A workshop for 29 new consumers was held on 17/18 May 2010. This workshop introduced our new consumers to Cancer Australia and aimed to provide our consumers with an understanding of their contribution to cancer control.