Network News

The global shortage of iodinated contrast media (contrast) diagnostic agents is impacting some health screening and surgical procedures in Australia and around the world, including some cancer assessments. The TGA has urged conservation of stock until the shortage is resolved.

Prof Clare Delany, Clinical Ethicist and a member of the VCCN Taskforce, supports the group’s consideration of complex issues using ethics principles to enable discussion and to progress resolutions. Here Prof Delany outlines how the Principle of Justice can be applied to two recent VCCN Taskforce resolutions that call for changes to currently imposed restrictions on the delivery of health care and availability of resources.

Victoria has reserved COVID-19 vaccine appointments for people aged 16 and over deemed to be vulnerable and at high risk from COVID-19, including people with or recovering from cancer, as well as children aged 12-15 years who are immuno-compromised.

These priority appointment are effective from Wednesday 3 August 2021.

COVID-19 vaccination is highly recommended for people with cancer due to the higher risk of morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 infection.

The Victorian COVID-19 Cancer Taskforce has launched a new campaign urging all patients affected by cancer to get vaccinated after the latest research revealed alarming statistics relating to the effects of COVID-19 infection on people with cancer.

Friday 9 April 2021

• One year on - reflections on the achievements of the Victorian COVID-19 Cancer Network.
• Taskforce update on COVID-19 aftershocks and the hidden cancer cases coming through.
• View the VCCN educational webinars covering topical issues around the management of cancer during COVID-19.

Wednesday 31 March 2021

• Covid-19 vaccination resources with latest safety and efficacy information for patients with cancer.
• Register for the latest VCCN webinar providing the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine specifically for cancer clinicans.

Thursday 11 March 2021

• As Phase 1A of the COVID-19 vaccination program begins, the VCCN Taskforce has been proactively advocating for prioritisation of patients with cancer in the next phase of the roll out.
• COVID-19 vaccine iformation and resources available to patients.
• Embedding telehealth in cancer care after COVID-19.

Tuesday 9 February 2021

• VCCN action plan for 2021 - Supporting, connecting and advocating for our sector, and planning for future needs.
• Impact of the ongoing lag in cancer diagnoses; prioritisation of COVID-19 vaccination for vulnerable people with cancer, and improving telehealth service delivery for cancer.
• Service planning for cancer care 2021.

Friday 11 December 2020

• Management strategies for surge in new cancer diagnoses expected in coming months.
• Continuing concern as prostate cancer notifications remain low with modelling estimating around one thousand people undiagnosed.
• Measuring the impact of the Victorian COVID-19 Cancer Network and planning for 2021.

Friday 20 November 2020

• Concern as prostate cancer notifications drop by 26 per cent since April 
• Cancer, COVID-19 and General Practice - addressing the impact of restrictions on new cancer diagnoses and the effect on Victoria's primary care sector
• VCCN Next Steps Survey - Help shape the future of the network

Friday 30 October 2020

• Call for consistency of hospital visitation restrictions across health services.
• Reduction in pathology notifications with little sign of return to usual levels.
• VCCN Oncology Nursing Group determining priorities to support equity across the state.

Friday 9 October 2020

• Concern that anticipated surge in cancer cases will impact nurse workforce already experiencing burnout.
• VCCN Taskforce advocate for rapid implementation of SURC clinics for those currently operating without.
• Cancer Australia release COVID-19 Recovery road map.

Friday 25 September 2020

• Victorian Cancer Registry data shows little increase in pathology notifications. 
• Hospital visitation restrictions a cause of significant distress among patients with cancer and their families.
• Cancer Care Never Stops campaign launch.

Friday 11 September 2020

• Cumulative deficit in cancer cases could place major strain on cancer services in future.
• Community palliative care under pressure due to increase in demand for services.
• VCCN advocate for cancer patients requiring ongoing access to regional cancer services.

Friday 28 August 2020

• COVID-19 cases decline, concern moves to healthcare workers’ wellbeing.
• Latest data reveals upswing in telehealth for primary and specialist care.
• Cancer leaders unite to address border closure issues effecting patients and healthcare workers.

Friday 14 August 2020

• Telehealth cemented as new normal but not without frustrations.
• Latest data shows flattening of decline in cancer notifications in most tumour types.
• Best practice guide to managing sarcoma patients during COVID-19.

Friday 31 July 2020

• Surge in cancer burden likely in coming months.
• Cancer Council Victoria launch public awareness campaign Don’t Delay.
• Concern at growing levels of depression and anxiety among healthcare workers.