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Lung cancer in Indigenous people and the elimination of cervical cancer will come under the microscope at the third World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC), to be held in Naarm (Melbourne) from 18-20 March, 2024.
Sponsored by the Victorian Government and hosted by the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (VCCC Alliance) in partnership with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, WICC 2024 will identify international research priorities and foster collaboration between delegates.
Overcoming inequity in cancer
International Women’s Day provides a timely moment to pause and reflect on the incredible contributions of women in cancer. However, it’s also a time to consider the challenges women still face in our sector and what each of us can do to make progress.
In this month’s newsletter, three preeminent Australian women in cancer share their personal experiences and insights with us on these inequities in a special feature.
For International Women’s Day 2024, we asked three preeminent Australian women in the cancer sector for their observations on findings from a Lancet Commission. How does this play out in an Australian context, what are their personal experiences and what can be done to change the status quo?
On Friday 23 February, we were honoured to welcome the US Ambassador to Australia, Ms Caroline Kennedy, her spouse Dr Edwin Schlossberg and the US Consul General, Ms Kathleen Lively, for a tour of the VCCC building. It was a unique opportunity to learn more about some of the life-saving research being undertaken across the VCCC Alliance.
From earthquakes and a global pandemic, to power outages and limited resources, Dr Andrew Soma defied many obstacles to complete his Master of Cancer Sciences. What would have discouraged most people, spurred him on, to become the first oncologist in the Solomon Islands.
A year of huge potential
It’s terrific to have so much to celebrate this month. As 2024 kicks off, the opportunity and momentum to deliver a genuine paradigm shift in cancer has rarely been greater.
In our outstanding Australians of the Year, Professors Georgina Long AO and Richard Scolyer AO, we have an exceptional example of brave, bold and selfless leadership. It’s also an opportunity to see what can be achieved when we throw accelerant on cancer research such as the pioneering treatment for Richard’s glioblastoma.
The Victorian Government marked World Cancer Day 2024 with the announcement of its latest Grant Recipients, who share $8.8 million in funding to support research into cancers with low survival rates including ovarian and brain cancer.
A new Victorian initiative launched by the VCCC Alliance promises to reduce the barriers faced by people with penile and testicular cancer.
When Sarah Fennelly began her pursuit of the Master of Cancer Sciences, her goal was to help cancer patients achieve better outcomes and quality of life. Her capstone project has taken an idea from academic literature and brought it into a real-world context, where it can impact a patient’s treatment and experience.
A vast data resource developed by the VCCC Alliance is poised to deliver information that will contribute to improving outcomes for cancer patients, says Professor Grant McArthur AO.
Victoria has become the first state to establish a statewide regional cancer network, after Mildura Base Public Hospital became the final regional cancer centre to join the VCCC Alliance Regional Partnerships Program.
Taking bold strides in biotech
It’s been another impressive year for biotechnology in Victoria, further cementing our State at the leading edge of research and capability in this fast-moving sector.
Consumers, researchers and health professionals united on Friday 8 December to celebrate and explore a new era of integrating lived experience expertise into cancer care and control.
In March 2024, Indigenous leaders from around the world will come together in Naarm (Melbourne) for the third World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC).
WICC 2024 is set to be a landmark meeting for those working towards reducing cancer disparities for Indigenous peoples around the world.
Innovative registry-based and early phase clinical trials presentations by VCCC Alliance teams were on display at the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA) International Clinical Trials Symposium in November.
Shared visions for the future
I recently joined many colleagues from across the sector and state to participate in workshops to provide input for the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028 which is currently being developed. In particular, I was delighted to see the synergies between the draft plan and the strategic direction being shaped at the VCCC Alliance.
A core part of this is the shared focus on consumer input in education and clinical care, as well as the urgency and importance of tackling inequity in the cancer system.
There was a buzz in the air at the 50th ASM of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, a highlight event of the year to connect and share insights with the wider cancer community. This year’s theme, 50 years of innovation in cancer care: Learning from the past to inspire the future, set the scene for an exciting three days of programming for over 600 delegates.
Almost 30 attendees experienced the inaugural Leadership Academy Excellence Program in October, hearing from guest speakers including Professor Shelley Dolan, Royal Melbourne Hospital CEO. The program included a residential retreat at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley over two days, as well as an online masterclass and small group coaching.
A significant change to the VCCC Alliance governance model will introduce more diversity and inclusivity into the Board, with the changes approved by Victorian Health Minister, The Hon Mary Anne Thomas MP.
Celebrating remarkable legacies
New and ambitious collaborations like the VCCC Alliance only succeed when people with particular zeal, courage and conviction step forward to lead. This month we recognised two such people as new Fellows of the VCCC Alliance. Emeritus Professor Linda Kristjanson AO and Ms Sophy Athan made exceptional contributions and played pivotal roles in shaping our organisation through their generous, inclusive leadership.
‘Affirming’, ‘inspiring’, ‘informative’ and ‘brilliant’– just some of the words delegates used to describe the VCCC Alliance Research Conference, held 11- 13 September 2023 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The judging panel at the VCCC Alliance Research Conference had their work cut out for them deciding the winning presentations and posters from a very full and high-quality program.
On 27 September, the VCCC Alliance co-hosted a panel discussion with Cancer Council Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), to hear from Indigenous health experts on how a Voice can make a real change in cancer care and control for Indigenous peoples.
Individual and team leadership have been recognised in the VCCC Alliance inaugural Leading for Impact Awards acknowledging exceptional leadership in improving outcomes for those affected by cancer.
Following a hotly contested nomination process, the awards were presented at the VCCC Alliance Research Conference dinner. Three categories were recognised: Outstanding Leadership by Example, Outstanding Team Leader and Outstanding Changemaker.