The AMA supports the Cancer Council during its national fundraising and awareness raising month and reminds doctors they can refer patients, themselves or other health professionals to the national service for help, support and information.
The AMA supported the Cancer Council's fundraising and awareness initiative by welcoming representatives of the ACT branch to its Federal HQ and staging one of "Australia's Biggest Morning Tea" events.
AMA staff heard from Cancer Council ACT CEO, Verity Hawkins and Support Co-ordinator and helpline nurse, Kathlene Robson about the work they do in the ACT, including face-to-face education and providing help and support from local cancer nurses, especially after a person is diagnosed.
The pair wanted to remind doctors the Cancer Council is only a phone call away and is there to support patients, their families, and doctors themselves.
Ms Hawkins also said it was important for people to return to making appointments for breast and bowel screening tests as well as any skin abnormalities.
"The screening appointments really dropped off during COVID and I can't say it has come back to normal yet. People really need to come out and have those screenings done."
The ACT branch also announced grant funding for two cancer research projects to be undertaken in Canberra at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University by Dr Anukriti Mathur and Dr Rita Ferreira and their teams.
Dr. Mathur's project is investigating the role of immune proteins in preventing and protecting against bowel cancer and Dr Ferreira's project will explore the use of new and effective anti-cancer drugs to help prevent the reduction of blood platelet numbers caused by chemotherapy and allow cancer treatments to continue.
The Biggest Morning Tea events are happening across Australia throughout May and June. Ms Hawkins said all money raised goes towards cancer research and information and support services as well as prevention work and the promotion of screening.
Donations can be made to the Cancer Council's activities here.
The Cancer Council's free confidential telephone support service can be reached by dialling 13 11 20 in every state and territory.
