Over the past decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in our knowledge, understanding and management of cancer, from its biologic basis and causative factors to new interventions and treatments, to the function and interactivity of the health system itself.
It’s essential that our workforce is empowered and equipped with this knowledge to continue achieving world-leading outcomes for Victorians with cancer, and that vision is the genesis of the newly launched VCCC Alliance Centre for Cancer Education.
Education plays a pivotal role in keeping pace with emerging cancer research, and the Centre is designed to deliver cutting-edge learning opportunities right across the cancer workforce: from discovery scientists to nurses, Allied Health professionals to General Practitioners and consumers.
I also want to mention the University of Melbourne and our partners, Cancer Council Victoria, the Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium and the Victorian State Government, whose input has ensured that our educational efforts are inclusive and impactful.
One of the great strengths of the Centre for Cancer Education is its online digital focus that makes it accessible across the state and beyond, bolstering access to cancer education for a large and diverse audience. This includes those learning and working in rural and regional areas, where we have also signed a further three partnership agreements, helping to strengthen ties and provide access to a range of programs and initiatives, including cancer research, clinical trials, and education and training opportunities for the regional workforce.
I am thrilled to officially announce the VCCC Alliance Research Conference 2023: Beyond the Breakthroughs.
The conference (to be held in Narrm, Melbourne from 12-13 September, 2023) represents a unique offering because it covers so many aspects of cancer control and is a great chance to reconnect with peers and build new networks. I have just returned from ASCO, where there was a real buzz around some of the emerging research developments but also the opportunity to connect, talk and learn face-to-face again.
So, I’m already excited about doing that closer to home at our conference later this year. A big shout out to our convenors Professor Christobel Saunders, Associate Professor Edwin Hawkins and Associate Professor Delphine Merino who are working with an amazing scientific committee to plan a brilliant, interactive program.
Abstract submissions are open now, representing a great opportunity to join a stellar line-up of presenters and showcase your research to an engaged and influential audience.
The breadth and depth of topics covered will provide attendees with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities, and I encourage you all to attend.
We have made great strides in recent years bolstering our efforts to shift the dial on the inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians in cancer care and outcomes. Associate Professor Kalinda Griffiths has been a driving force behind this work, and I was delighted to see Kalinda appointed as the new Director of the Poche Centre, Flinders University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research centre.
I was also very pleased to see strong support for a national lung cancer screening program announced in the recent budget. The VCCC Alliance has been actively involved in addressing the implementation challenges of lung cancer screening, and I want to make particular mention of the valuable work being done by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) in this area in collaboration with our Health Equity team, as well as the leadership of Associate Professor Gavin Wright, our Research and Education Lead, Lung Cancer.
Despite the fiscal challenges in the current environment as we recover from pandemic-related expenditure, I look forward to further funding announcements as the Australian Cancer Plan is launched later this year.
Lastly, I invite you to keep an eye out for opportunities to engage with us as we develop the details of our new VCCC Alliance strategy. Your input and collaboration are invaluable as we develop a convincing business case for funding from the Victorian Government by the end of the year.
Professor Grant McArthur
Executive Director
