 |  | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE A monumental loss of normalcy |
As we approach the end of 2021 there is much to reflect upon. The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said we can only understand our life by looking backwards but we must live it looking forwards. In some ways, the monumental loss of normalcy encountered this year gave those of us working in health and medical research even greater insight into the effects of the stress and strong emotions that are commonly felt by those who experience a cancer diagnosis. Perhaps a new sense of hope and connection will help us to reimagine a future for patients... | | |
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Latest News |  |
 | First allied health cancer clinical trials unit to be based in regional Vic A new allied health cancer clinical trials unit specialising in cancer supportive care and survivorship will be established, thanks to a recent grant from Cancer Council Victoria, and the efforts of regional and metropolitan partners including the VCCC Alliance. | | |
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 | Shared view of colorectal cancer research will inform future focus A recent meeting convened by Professor Peter Gibbs, Research and Education Lead (R&E Lead) Gastrointestinal Cancers, brought together close to 100 researchers and clinicians with an interest in colorectal cancer to review current research among VCCC Alliance member organisations and to identify gaps and opportunities for collaborative effort. | | |
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 | Easing access for patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy A new initiative from the VCCC Alliance Research and Education Lead (R&E Lead) Haematology program, led by Professor Con Tam is seeking to improve access to CAR T-cell therapy for patients undergoing treatment for blood cancer. | | |
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 | Consumer Advocacy: An Untapped Resource The third annual consumer engagement forum on Friday 3 December, hosted online by the VCCC Alliance Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee (CCAC) brought consumers and researchers together to learn about the potential for consumer advocacy, hear how consumers are having a greater say in research funding and how effective partnerships can shift the paradigm in both cancer research and education. It was a major step forward in consumer-led initiatives, initiating a proactive discussion with funding agencies about involvement with grant applications. | | |
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 | Cancer in Australia 2021 Report Cancer survival rates in Australia are continuing to improve and the rate at which Australians are being diagnosed with cancer has been declining since 2008, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). |
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 | Consumer Reference Group, Personalised Cancer Care - regional members sought We are looking for regionally-based consumer representatives to join a new VCCC Alliance Consumer Reference Group. This is an opportunity to work together with other consumers through sharing lived experiences to inform improvements in genomic testing and equity of clinical access.
Applications close 5pm, Monday 13 December 2021.
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 | Health Equity Advisory Group - members sought A new VCCC Alliance Health Equity Advisory Group is being established as an initiative of the Strategic Program Plan 2021-24. Members are now being sought from a range of backgrounds to assist us in our goal to improve equity in cancer outcomes.
Applications close 5pm, Monday 13 December 2021.
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 | Deputy Chair Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee - Regional member sought We are seeking a highly motivated cancer consumer from regional Victoria with experience in contributing to the setting of strategic direction, collaborating with multidisciplinary stakeholders and capacity to be part of a dynamic committee.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 7 January 2022.
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 | Opportunity: Deputy Chair - Cancer Education and Training Advisory Committee We are seeking a highly motivated cancer educator for the new position of Deputy Chair, VCCC Alliance Cancer Education and Training Advisory Committee. You will join a community of like-minded professionals striving to foster an outstanding cancer workforce to help maintain and enhance world-leading cancer outcomes. Applications close 5pm, Monday 31 January 2022. |
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 | 4th Victorian Cancer Survivorship Conference - Shifting Gears, Rethinking Survivorship Presented by the VCCC Alliance and the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, this conference will showcase how recent advances in cancer survivorship research and care can be adopted, and will consider future system transformation to better meet the needs of the growing survivorship population. Register now for this hybrid event.
Bayview Eden, Melbourne
24-25 March 2022 |
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Upcoming Events | |
7 FEB | Monday Lunch Livestream Closing the Care Gap presented by the VCCC Alliance Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee
Save the Date: Part of World Cancer Day 2022 |
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15 FEB | Consumers as Active Partners in Research: workshop for researchers Facilitated by Anne McKenzie AM, internationally-regarded consumer advocate and engagement consultant.
Book now › |
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Education & Training | |
 | Melbourne MicroCerts - Emerging Topics in Oncology series Learn from leading oncological experts by enrolling in new Melbourne MicroCerts, delivered online through the University of Melbourne. Co-designed with the VCCC Alliance, courses are designed to give you practical, in-demand skills you can immediately apply to your workplace, or step into rewarding roles in the specified areas.
Register now for:
Drug Commercialisation Fundamentals - commencing 14 March 2022 5% discount for a group of 3+ people 10% for VCCC Alliance members 25% for University of Melbourne staff 30% for University of Melbourne alumni |
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 | Master of Cancer Sciences Take your professional qualifications to the next level in 2022 by enrolling in the Master of Cancer Sciences program created by the VCCC Alliance and delivered through the University of Melbourne.
Masters, Graduate Certificate and Specialist Certificate pathways are available. Enrolling now. |
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Spotlight on... | |
Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group This year's PoCoG Scientific Meeting is running as a series of seven themed webinars spread over two weeks. Join the final session on Fear of cancer recurrence this Friday 10 December 11.30-1.30pm. |
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Lorne Cancer Conference 2022 Lorne Cancer 2022 will explore in depth tumour immunology, genomics, molecular signalling, and lung and pancreatic cancers, and other key themes including single cell sequencing, aneuploidy, cell metabolism, tumour-stroma interactions, stem cell biology and epigenetic regulation.
Co-conveners: Professor Mark Shackleton (Alfred Health) and Professor Richard Lock (Children's Cancer Institute)
10-12 February, 2022
Mantra Lorne |
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Pancare Foundation Survey To inform the State of the Nation: Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in Australia, Pancare Foundation is engaging people affected by upper GI cancers (pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers), together with clinicians and researchers across Australia via their consultation hub to acknowledge and understand the individual and collective experiences, the challenges faced, key solutions to overcome these challenges and research challenges and opportunities.
Patients, carers, clinicians and researchers are invited to contribute to the survey which is open until 13 December 2021. |
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Giant Steps 2022 Early-bird tickets are now available for GIANT STEPS – Victoria’s best (and only) healthcare quality and safety conference presented by Safer Care Victoria.
The 2022 focus is on you and your wellbeing, as well as the health improvement and innovation content that Safer Care Victoria is known for. - Hear from inspirational keynote speakers.
- Take home practical tools and tips.
- Reconnect with peers at networking events.
26-27 May 2022
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre |
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November Snapshot | |
 | 13 Education and training events |
|  | 630 Education and training event attendees |
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| KEY | | Leadership and collaboration | | Clinical trials development | | Consumers |
| | Education and training | | Research development |
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