Cancer Support Networks
The National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers has funded three cancer support projects through the Building Cancer Support Networks program. Two of these projects are in Victoria, and one in rural Western Australia. The WA project supports Aboriginal women with gynaecological cancers.
Development of evidence-based resources for consumers
Following an open tender process in October, the Centre has signed a contract for the production of a suite of evidence-based fact sheets on gynaecological cancers, which will be suitable for both consumers and health professionals. To avoid duplication this suite will include links to existing resources which have been assessed as best practice, modified where necessary to suit Australian models of service delivery. This project will conclude in May 2009.
Analysing patterns of referral for gynaecological cancer care
Following an open tender process, the Centre has signed a contract for survey services for the establishment of baseline referral practices by general practitioners and gynaecologists for women with gynaecological conditions. Results of this survey will inform future work of the Centre with regard to the education and training requirements of general practitioners and gynaecologists concerning the referral of women with gynaecological cancers. The project will be completed by August 2009.
Development of clinical practice guidance material for the management of women with endometrial cancer
The Centre has recently, following an open tender process, signed a contract for the development of clinical practice guidance material for the management of women with endometrial cancer in the following three priority areas:
- Evidence-based guidance on the psychosocial, psychosexual and supportive care needs of women with endometrial cancer
- Evidence-based treatment options for women with recurrent and locally advanced endometrial cancer
- Evidence-based identification and description of ideal treatment(s) for abnormal bleeding in pre-and post-menopausal women.
Partnering in the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme
The Centre is a research partner in the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. Following consultation with the Centre’s Advisory Group, two research priorities for gynaecological cancers have been included in the 2009 Priority-driven Collaborative Research Scheme. These are:
1) Research into improving quality of life, supportive care, survivorship outcomes and continuity of care for women following treatment for:
- Cervical cancer;
- Endometrial cancer; or
- Other gynaecological cancers; and
2) Research into changing practice that will reduce the barriers and optimise timely referral for women with suspected ovarian cancer, to multidisciplinary specialist gynaecological oncology care.
For the full list of the research priorities and further details on the priorities within the 2009 Research Scheme, including application details, visit the Cancer Australia website, www.canceraustralia.gov.au The Scheme is now open for applications, which close on 17 March 2009.
Professional development for health professionals including primary care providers
The online educational module for gynaecological cancers, developed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, is now available through the gplearning website, www.gplearning.com.au. This learning module is based on four case studies relating to ovarian, cervical, endometrial and vulval cancers, and complements the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre General Practitioner Education Series on ovarian cancer. Since its release in June 2008, over 230 general practitioners have accessed the learning module. The module has recently been linked to the Cancer Learning website, www.cancerlearning.gov.au
Implementing minimum data set for ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers
The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, in partnership with Cancer Australia, through the National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, have developed a Minimum Data Set for Gynaecological Cancers. The minimum data set includes 14 data items for ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers. The Centre is currently working with its Advisory Group to scope the piloting and testing of the data items, and the next stage of this work.
Strengthening the gynaecological cancers workforce
The final report on the gynaecological cancers workforce has recently been received. The Centre is currently consulting with its Advisory Group and the Project Working Group to identify the next stage of work for the Centre in this area.