smart living A U T U M N / W I NT E R ' 1 0
Tim Cahill Scores funds for cancer
Call To Arms Sporting clubs fight back against cancer
Save the males Tips for preventing cancer in men
Food feature Healthy eating at work
02 | smart living
Thanks to our corporate sponsors and supporters
Contents
Food feature: Healthy eating
16
Professor Colditz: Workplace tips to prevent cancer
18
News
3
Healthy kids
19
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Nerada Tea Travelscene American Express Franklins
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
6
Pink Ribbon Day
20
Helpline Q&As
7
Call To Arms
22
Interview: Tim Cahill
8
Do Your Thing: Sh*tbox Rally
23
Pink Ribbon Day Autograph Woolworths Millers Rockmans/BeMe
Volunteers: Celebrating our lifeblood 11
Social pages
24
How fundraising helps: CLEAR study 12
26
Changing directions
13
State round-up: Marrickville Council takes action against cancer
Girls Night In UnderCoverWear Curves The Cranberry Institute Sir Stamford Hotels and Resorts Qantas
Daffodil Day
14
Call To Arms Supporters Wests Tigers Parramatta Eels AFL NSW/ACT Football NSW NSW Rugby NRL FOXTEL FOX SPORTS Daffodil Day sponsors A big thank you to all our wonderful corporate partners who helped us raise $3.67 million through Daffodil Day last year: Star Track Express - each year Star Track Express drivers deliver Daffodil Day boxes to our supporters completely free of charge. Franklins NAB Harris Farm Markets IGA Pearsons Florist CityRail Corporate supporters Medicare NSW HCF Newsagents Association NSW Spar Foodworks National sponsors Coles Sorbent ANZ Gordon and Gotch Bostik Tanita Mobil Quix Millers Rockmans/ BeMe Crossroads Autograph
CEOo m’se W e lc
Welcome to our Autumn/Winter 2010 edition of Smart Living, keeping you up to date on the latest news and information from Cancer Council NSW. In this issue, we’re delighted to feature Socceroo and international soccer player Tim Cahill: we take a sneak peek at his training and health routine in the lead-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. Our food feature provides information on cancer-prevention tips you can use whilst at work, an exciting area for us to lead the charge – Australians are getting older, overweight and less active, all of which equal a greater risk of disease. Prevention can lead to a healthier Australia and we encourage workplaces to support simple, healthy changes. Together, we really can make a difference. We received an overwhelming response to the lentil salad recipe featured in our Spring/ Summer 2009 issue, and we hope that you
Cover: Tim Cahill. Photo courtesy of Fossil. ISSN: 1445-1824 Published by Marketing and Communications Division of Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846 Printing: SOS Print + Media Director: Manisha Amin Production and design coordinator: Carol Balatincz Writers: Christine Attenborough, Helen Dudgeon, Natalie Bazina, Charlotte Elliott, Catherine Stace Contributors: Julie Roberts, Nichole Anasson, Jayne Steer, Luke Alexander, Lorna Allan, Annie Miller, Vikki Boulton, Tammy Wilson, Anita Tang, Romi Scolladero Smart Living Editorial Committee: Kathy Chapman, Charlotte Elliott, Carol Balatincz, Vikki Boulton, Catherine Stace
Mythbuster: 27 Plastics used for food storage and cancer
enjoy our delicious winter soup recipe (page 17) just as much. We launched the inaugural Brain Cancer Action Week at Kirribilli House on Sunday 2 May – my sincere thanks go to the committee for making the week such a great success. Congratulations also to one of our Brain Cancer Action Week Ambassadors, Julian Huxley, on his return to rugby after receiving the all-clear following a brain cancer diagnosis. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our major fundraiser, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, on Thursday 27 May 2010. Together, we raised vital funds for cancer research, prevention programs and support services. Our next major fundraiser is Daffodil Day on Friday 27 August: we look forward to creating a sea of yellow daffodils across NSW to honour and support the many thousands of people who have cancer. Let’s remind ourselves of why we do what we do and look towards the day when cancer is no longer a burden on anyone. We know we can change course and influence outcomes through prevention. Let’s get cracking, NSW. Warm regards, Dr Andrew Penman CEO, Cancer Council NSW
Proofreading: Deirdre Mowat, Manisha Amin Design: Cobe Design Photography: iStock and Cancer Council staff Copyright 2009 Cancer Council NSW Cancer Council New South Wales 153 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 PO Box 572 Kings Cross NSW 1340 Australia Ph: 61-2 9334 1900 Fax: 61-2 9358 1452 Email: feedback@nswcc.org.au Website: www.cancercouncil.com.au All care is taken to ensure that the information contained here is accurate at the time of publication. Before commencing any health treatment, always consult your doctor.
rol r cancer cont An agenda fo nd. 2011 and beyo
news
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, organ osie M on, R l Morgan s in k ichae Hodg Bruce Gerstle, M Menzies. Gary nd Jenny a
With a NSW State election due in March 2011, we are asking all political parties to take action so that fewer people will get cancer, and that those who do will face fewer burdens during treatment.
commonsense and all within the power of the State Government to implement.
Cancer Council’s Saving Life paper outlines solutions for more radiotherapy services, better assistance for patients who travel for treatment, an increased focus on quality care, the adoption of smoke-free alfresco dining areas, and stronger safeguards on selling tobacco. Our recommendations are all
Help us to make sure that politicians hear this message – visit www.cancercouncil. com.au to spread the word and add your voice to the campaign.
So our question to political leaders and parties is: Why wouldn’t you?
You can also join a community conversation group or host your own afternoon tea or event, to allow people to share their stories and pledge actions.
S SE D AI OR ! R EC 1M $
Saving life: why wouldn’t you?
R
will er, we Togeth ifference d make a care and h lt er. to hea of canc n io t n preve
Posh 2o1o
Over the past 11 years, POSH Auction has raised nearly $7 million to fund research into cancer prevention and new cancer treatments, and to support those affected by cancer. This year 750 people came together for the gala ball at the Westin Ballroom to support Cancer Council’s work. The audience also enjoyed an insightful presentation by Professor Graham Colditz, an internationally renowned cancer prevention oncologist. Comedian Vince Sorrenti, who has been with us from the start, once again donated his services as the MC and kept everyone entertained. Cancer Council would like to thank all our sponsors, corporate partners, suppliers and guests for giving so generously. Next year POSH will be held on Saturday 2 April 2011 at the Westin Sydney.
Race Thing, Bowls Thing, Pink Thing – Award Thing! � Pink Thing
Bowls Th
� Race Thing
ing
Our Do Your Thing website recently won the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) NSW Award and was highly commended nationally. This award recognises our leading ideas and efforts in the not-for-profit category. Our thanks to Cancer Council’s team, VOX Marketing Group and everyone who has used the site, for making it possible. We’d love you to check out our winning site at www.doyourthing.com.au and do your thing too.
750 gu ests and ra attended PO ised $1 S million. H
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news
04 | smart living
WORKING BEYOND CANCER WORKSHOPS The Working Beyond Cancer workshops, proudly supported by Mortgage Choice, are designed for people who are working during their cancer treatment, or who have finished treatment and are keen to return to work. “Returning or continuing to work is a very important aspect of life for many people, not simply for financial rewards. It also provides a sense of independence, increased self-esteem, and continued relationships with colleagues,” said our Community Education Project Coordinator, Annie Miller. Attendees to the first free workshop were treated to knowledge-sharing sessions from counsellors as well as workplace, exercise and nutrition experts, who covered a variety of relevant topics. These included how to deal with practical and emotional issues around returning to work, communication, legal and human resource advice, and healthy lifestyle choices. Please contact the program information line on 1300 200 558 for more details.
RELAY STEADY COOK The Eat It To Beat It team showed attendees at the Newcastle Relay For Life how to cook up a storm when they presented a “cooking duel” between celebrity chef Janelle Bloom and local chef Ben Sales, to show families new, simple and tasty ways to prepare, cook and serve budget-friendly vegetables and fruit. The contest was sponsored by Newcastle Kitchen & Cutlery. As on the TV show Ready Steady Cook, the two chefs were given a mystery box containing seasonal vegetables, fruit and a protein food, with 45 minutes to create a main meal and a dessert – and the crowd voted for the winner. Ben Sales was cheered on to victory for his effort of incorporating 10 different vegetables into one meal! Visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/ eatittobeatit to find out more about the Eat It To Beat It Program in the Hunter Region.
Make sure your kids are SunSmart at school Kids spend a big chunk of their waking day at school, where many love nothing more than playing in the sunshine. But young skin is particularly vulnerable to sun damage, and exposure to harmful UV rays can increase the risk of developing skin cancer in later life.
That’s why it is so important that Cancer Council’s SunSmart Primary School Program is introduced into every school in NSW. Our free program helps schools to develop a policy that protects students and staff from the sun, with 10 recommendations in areas such as the wearing of protective clothing and hats, and lessons on the dangers of getting sunburnt. If your child’s primary school is not yet SunSmart, contact the principal and ask them to join our program. For more information, visit www.cancercouncil. com.au/primary or call (02) 9334 1761.
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Save the date Ripples Pink Ribbon Breakfasts 2–29 October 2010 Venues Aqua Dining Milsons Point Ripples Chowder Bay Ripples Milsons Point Ripples Sydney Wharf Ripples Whale Beach Ripples and Aqua Dining restaurants will once again host a series of Pink Ribbon Breakfasts this year. In 2009, Bill Drakopoulos and his team volunteered their time pro bono, contributing an extraordinary $100,000 in kind and through fundraising with this popular event, and they aim to raise even more this year. Enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course breakfast served with tea and coffee. You can host a table with friends, family or work colleagues. Book in early to secure your table at this fantastic event. Please phone Selda Simsek on (02) 9334 1879 for information. Our sincere thanks to Ripples and Aqua Dining for their amazing generosity.
ONE COMMUNITY, ONE PURPOSE The National Rugby League (NRL) has selected Cancer Council as one of its One Community charity partners for the next three years, supporting a range of national health, education and social issues.
Cancer Council will partner with Rugby League’s grassroots and the Telstra Premiership Finals Series to promote our Call To Arms campaign, to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer in men.
“Since its inception three years ago, Rugby League’s One Community program has raised close to $1 million for its charity partners and importantly, helped them boost awareness of key community issues,” said NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop. “One of the key factors in selecting the new One Community charity partners was their ability to respond to major health, education and social issues,” said NRL Director, Community Relations, Trish Crews.
F lower power Cut flowers have an uplifting effect that can be used to heal, rehabilitate and bring a sense of wellbeing. Flowers by Mercedes is kindly supporting Cancer Council by donating funds raised at flower-arranging workshops throughout the year. Visit www.flowersbymercedes.com.au to find out more. Mercedes shares her tips for using lavender: • Lavender has a tranquil, healing quality and its colour, purple, revitalises the soul. In ancient times, lavender was used to keep evil spirits away. Today it is used as a relaxant, because of its delightful fragrant properties and its ability to restore calm. • Lavender can be easily grown in the garden or in pots on a balcony, or it can be purchased as a cut flower from your local florist. • To extend the life a bunch of lavender, simply recut the stems to allow them to take in water. If your lavender is looking limp, scald the stems for five seconds in boiling water to release the air bubbles that cause them to wilt. Place cut flowers in a vase one-quarter full of filtered water.
Media person ality Mik Bill Dra kopo e Ca with mo ulos; and fash rlton; owner o io f dels at the Pin n designer Ca Ripples, kR mill at Wha ibbon Breakfa la Franks le Beac st hoste h. d
• Lavender can be dried and then used to scatter in a bath, to make potpourri, or to add fragrance to lotions and oils.
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biggest morning tea
06 | smart living
Diary Note for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 2011
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 2010
gest Next year Australia’s Big on d hel be l Morning Tea wil ward for k Thursday 26 May. We loo in. to having you join us aga
Thanks for making a difference Thank you to all our hosts who registered and held an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea this year, and congratulations on your amazing fundraising efforts. Although we won’t know exactly how much we’ve raised until later this year, we are well on track to reach our target of $5 million across NSW. Funds raised will help continue work to fund vital research, prevention programs and support services for patients and their families. To get you thinking about what you could do at your morning tea, we asked two hosts what made their Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea a success:
Individual host – Di Tolley Di Tolley hosted her Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at Thai Rim Nam Restaurant & Cafe in Como, where opening the doors to the public attracts an average of 200 guests each year. The event is nonstop, with raffles and auctions throughout the morning. Di has hosted an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea for over 10 years now, and in this time has raised more than $51,000. A survivor of cervical cancer, Di is extremely passionate about raising funds for research. She became a host to help those who were in hospital with her and those who would battle cancer in the future.
Corporate host – Count Financial Limited Count Financial Limited hosts morning teas in memory of work colleague Keryn Leonard, who was 25 years old when she passed away from cancer in June 2005. Staff have since raised funds for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea through both their charitable foundation and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. To cater for the morning tea, team members participate in a bake-off, and there are great door prizes, including golf or kayaking with the chairman or CEO, and lunch with a team manager of the winner’s choice.
Time for tea
Congratulations Thank you and congratulations to the winners of our Refer a Host competition, Carly Brown and Lauren Hamilton, who received $500 in Westfield Gift Cards as prizes.
•
Tea was discovered as a wild plant growing in China 3,000 years ago.
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In the early sixteenth century, the Dutch East India Company exported the first shipment of tea from China.
•
By the late eighteenth century, tea had become a beverage in most parts of the world.
•
India is the world’s largest tea producer, with an estimated 850,000 tonnes of tea being processed each year.
•
On average, about 2.5 million tonnes of tea are produced worldwide annually.
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Helpline
Q&As Q1: I was fine when undergoing treatment, yet today I sat in the doctor’s waiting room sobbing. Is this normal now that my treatment is complete? A: When treatment is over, people may think their life will return to what it was like before the cancer diagnosis. The reality is often more complex, both physically and emotionally. While going through treatment, people often feel safe while they are in the care of health professionals. This can change once treatment ends. Some people describe this as feeling as if they were kicked out of the nest before being strong enough to fly. Others say that while going through treatment, they didn’t have time to reflect on the implications of the diagnosis. Whatever the feeling, research has shown that seeking support early significantly reduces the social and psychological impact of cancer in the long term.
Support can be accessed in a variety of ways: • Call the Helpline 13 11 20 • Attend a Living Well After Cancer Program: call 1300 200 558 or email livingwellaftercancer@nswcc.org.au • Talk to someone who has been there: Cancer Connect 13 11 20 • Join a cancer support group • Seek one-on-one counselling: this can be accessed through your treatment centre, or by calling the Helpline 13 11 20 • Find online peer support at www.cancerconnections.com.au • Read our Cancer Council NSW booklet: Living Well After Cancer: A guide for cancer survivors, their families and friends.
Q2: My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and my dad had prostate cancer 10 years ago. Should I be tested to see if I have the cancer gene? A: Many people will have someone in their family diagnosed with cancer. In most cases, cancer occurs in more than one person in the family by chance, or because family members have environmental and lifestyle influences in common, such as smoking or sun exposure.
A very small proportion of cancers (approximately 5–10 percent) occur because patients have inherited a faulty gene that increases their risk of developing cancer. This is more likely in families with: • Early age of cancer diagnoses • Multiple generations affected • Multiple blood relatives who have been diagnosed or more than one cancer diagnosis in one person. Some people who inherit a faulty gene that causes an increased risk of cancer never go on to develop cancer. It’s helpful to note your family history of cancer diagnoses, paying attention to relatives who have been diagnosed, the age at which these relatives were diagnosed, and type of cancer. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselling service (such as a family cancer clinic or a hereditary cancer clinic). For more information about inherited cancers and genetic counselling services, you may wish to speak to your GP, contact the Centre for Genetics Education (www.genetics.com.au) or phone our Cancer Council NSW Helpline on 13 11 20.
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interview
08 | smart living
INTERVIEW: TIM CAHILL SCORES FUNDS FOR CANCER
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For club and country, Socceroo and international soccer player Tim Cahill is an inspirational character. A supremely gifted athlete, his sublime skills and uncanny ability to score goals on the big occasion have won him a legion of fans around the world. Tim spoke with Smart Living prior to lockdown training for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
Q: Have you changed your dietary intake since becoming an elite athlete? If so, what are the changes you have made? A: Diet is very important and I’ve kept mine the same since becoming an athlete. For breakfast, I eat cereal and fruit with yoghurt, and some form of protein such as a slice of ham or chicken. For lunch and dinner, I eat pasta, rice and chicken, with either vegetables or salad. Snacks throughout the day include protein shakes and fruit with yoghurt. A balanced diet is very important to ensure I have the right amount of energy each day, so I can participate and perform to the best of my ability in the training and match schedule.
Q: What are you doing in preparation for the FIFA World Cup South Africa? A: I am spending a lot of time in “prehab” and “rehab” before and after training. I get regular massages, do a lot of stretching, and find Pilates and yoga really help. I get the best treatment on any knocks and injuries; and I enjoy swimming – it’s a great form of exercise. Combining all of these activities makes sure my body is in top condition. I also make sure my diet is filled with the best food and drink, and I keep myself mentally focused on the World Cup so I am prepared for training every day.
Q: Your coach, Pim Verbeek, has a good motto for the World Cup: “Fear no one”. How do you overcome fear? A: I think you overcome fear by going out on the pitch and leaving everything on there. Make sure you come off with no regrets. Put all your energy into winning the game. The World Cup is a competition where you get one shot at it and if you get through our group, anything can happen. Fear is good because it keeps you on your toes – it makes you work harder and stops you becoming complacent.
Q: Have you known anyone whose life has been touched by cancer? A: I know some footballers I play with, and some family members and close friends. Unfortunately, almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. What’s important is making people aware of how they can prevent cancer and how to manage recovery when going through treatment. The key is to understand and be educated about the disease.
Q: Tell us about the Tim Cahill Cancer Fund for Children at Cancer Council. A: The fund has been created so that I can increase awareness and raise money for children who are unfortunately suffering from cancer. It was set up in 2009 and we aim to raise $500,000 over two years. I am lucky enough to be able to make a difference, using my football, my reputation and my status to help beat cancer.
Q: What’s the biggest highlight of your career to date? A: Being the first goal scorer for Australia at the last World Cup; and for my club, the two FA Cup finals and my scissor kick against Chelsea.
Q: Who is your mentor, and why? A: My parents, as they have always believed in me and helped me make my dreams come true.
Q: Your favourite quote or saying? A: “You know it makes sense.”
To donate to the Tim Cahill Cancer Fund for Children Visit www.cancercouncil.com. au/timcahillfund or call the donor hotline on 1300 780 113. Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
New DVD Tim Cahill: The Unseen Journey is a documentary providing a unique and fascinating look at his life both on and off the pitch. Enjoy all the amazing action as the Socceroo superstar’s brilliant performances help the national team qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and inspire his club to the 2009 FA Cup final. Packed with great soccer action, as well as being honest, revealing, emotional and funny, Tim Cahill: The Unseen Journey offers a rare insight into the life of a sporting superstar in the lead-up to one of the biggest events on the planet: the soccer World Cup. Recommended retail price: $24.95.
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10 | smart living
volunteering
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Celebrating our lifeblood In any community-focused organisation, you would expect to see volunteers taking a leading role. At Cancer Council NSW, we go further: our volunteers are a fundamental part of our mission to beat cancer and are the true lifeblood of our organisation.
Volunteer profile Kevin York, or Big Kev as he is known, works every Friday at our Woolloomooloo office. Kevin (pictured) runs a newsagency on the Central Coast, and began volunteering in 2004, shortly after his wife died of cancer. “I love coming here – it’s a marvellous place to work. I believe that by volunteering my time, it saves a wage, and that’s more money we can spend on research.”
“We have more than 2,000 regular volunteers who contributed over 47,000 working hours last year, equivalent to more than $2 million in staff costs,” Donna said. These figures, whilst amazing, do not include the many thousands of people who give generously of their time during events such as Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Daffodil Day. Many of these supporters return to volunteer each year, helping us raise vital funds for cancer research, prevention and support services.
This makes our Volunteer Resources Manager, Donna Purcell, excited and proud of what we can achieve. “It’s almost impossible to give an overview of a ‘typical’ volunteer, because their roles cover nearly every area of our operations, from advocacy and administration, through to research, fundraising and mentoring.
For Donna, the biggest thrill with our volunteer program is the diversity of people who are attracted to the organisation, and their reasons for getting involved. “Many have been touched by cancer, and most have seen the devastation it has on family and friends. All are united by the sense that they can help defeat cancer by giving their time, and also receive a great sense of satisfaction from their work,” she said.
For more information about volunteering at Cancer Council, email volunteervacancies@nswcc.org.au or call (02) 9334 1733.
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news
12 | smart living
How your fundraising has helped: $14.7 million for research in 2009 In 2009, Cancer Council again funded more cancer research than any other charitable organisation in the state, with our commitment of $14.7 million. This money funds studies undertaken by Cancer Council’s Research Division as well as vital cancer research in hospitals, universities and research institutes across NSW. All of these research projects have the potential to make medical breakthroughs that could save many lives, and are conducted by passionate researchers who share the vision that cancer can be beaten. One such research project is the CLEAR Study, which will provide the most comprehensive information to date on the lifestyle and genetic factors that influence cancer in the NSW community. Its findings are expected to lead to a much better understanding of what causes many types of cancers. We have a goal of enrolling 10,000 participants by mid-2011. We are falling short of this number and urgently need your help to recruit more people in this study. See below for details of how to get involved.
LIFESTYLE? GENES?
WHAT REALLY CAUSES CANCER? Cancer Council NSW is undertaking a landmark research initiative to assess the influences that may cause cancer. You can participate if you have been diagnosed with cancer for the first time within the past 18 months. For more information, call us on 1800 500 894 (free call in NSW).
THE CLEAR STUDY. www.clearstudy.org.au
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CHANGING DIRECTIONS When her daughter Lucie received devastating news, it changed the course of Robyn Leonard’s life. By Catherine Bullivant of the Cancer Institute NSW In the rich coastal plains of Morocco, a Sydney family like any other enjoys a colourful North African holiday. It’s the end of a painful two-year journey that began with a phone call from an emergency room in London. Lucie Leonard, 28, was enjoying her fifth year living and working in the UK as a media planner when she had a seizure and was rushed to hospital. A few hours later, she was presented with the results of an MRI showing a large tumour in the right frontal lobe of her brain. “Everything stopped,” said her mother, Robyn, who flew to London to bring her home. In a not–so-different office on the other side of the world, mother and daughter confronted the reality of a diagnosis of a benign brain tumour they were told would almost certainly become malignant in 5 to 10 years. “Lucie wanted to get on with life,” Robyn said, “but I was so freaked out”. Getting on with life included six-monthly scans, which were arranged with a clinic in London. The first scan showed no change, but six months later, the tumour had grown by 40 percent – and needed operating on straight away. Another long haul flight to London, and Robyn was helping her daughter pack up the UK life she loved: quitting work, farewelling friends and leaving the buzzing metropolis of London for a Sydney hospital room.
One operation led to a second, but the tumour was wrapped around a middle cerebral artery, and couldn’t be completely removed.
Cancer Australia-funded Cancer Nursing Education Project (EdCaN). The Cancer Institute NSW agreed to commission the module, to be developed this year.
“Worse than the two operations, was waiting for the results to see what type of tumour we were up against,” Robyn said.
“It’s great that the Institute listens to and acts on consumer views,” Robyn said.
A year later, when approached at a meeting of the Cancer Institute’s NSW Oncology Group (NSWOG) NeuroOncology by a neuropathologist member, Robyn realised the complexities of the diagnosis: “I was told, ‘I remember your daughter. It was so unusual; we just couldn’t work out what it was’,” she said. It was finally diagnosed as a Grade 3 astrocytoma, a tumour they were told recurs in three out of four people. Radiation treatment followed for six weeks, then six months of chemotherapy, at which point Robyn was immersed in the brain tumour community. She left her job in landscape architecture to volunteer her media background to raising awareness of brain tumours and promoting related conferences and workshops. Through her involvement with the now defunct Brain Tumour Australia (BTA), Robyn became a member of the Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology (COGNO) Scientific Advisory Committee, where she first heard about and joined NSWOG as its consumer representative. “My first impression of NSWOG was, wow, this is a professional group,” she said. “Everyone was open to discussing new ideas.” One of Robyn’s ideas was to develop a brain tumour nursing education module. She contacted the Chair of Cancer Nurses Society of Australia, Gabrielle Prest, and a few phone calls later found the
Celebrating her sixtieth birthday in Palm Cove, Robyn is reflective; her daughter is back to full-time work with no physical or neurological deficits, and Robyn is contemplating the next phase of her life: “Although being a consumer rep is time consuming, you meet some great people; it’s really inspiring and rewarding”. It was Lucie’s dream when she was living in the UK to visit Morocco, until her life in London came to an abrupt end. When the family finally arrived there together in 2008, it marked a symbolic crossing through a country famous for changing landscapes and unpredictable adventure.
Brain Cancer Action Week (BCAW), held 2–9 May 2010, is an initiative of Cancer Council NSW in collaboration with the NSW Oncology Group Neuro-Oncology and the Australian Genomics and Clinical Outcomes of High Grade Glioma (AGOG) group. It aims to highlight the devastating impact of brain cancer, to broaden support and participation in the current strategy being pursued in Australian brain cancer research, and to stimulate ongoing funding in this area. Visit www.cancercouncil. com.au/braincancer for more information.
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daffodil day
14 | smart living
Get ready for Daffodil Day! When you see a burst of yellow appearing at work, at the station, on the street, even on lapels, it can only mean one thing – Daffodil Day is here again! Friday 27 August will be our biggest, brightest day of the year, to give hope and show support to people affected by cancer in our community.
What’s new this year? This year’s range of merchandise is colourful and cute – which makes it very easy to sell and raise funds. The Daffodil Day box contains new daffodil charm key rings, diamante brooches, yellow pens and a range of tax-deductible Donation Cards that come with a daffodil pin for the purchaser to wear and show their support.
Order your box today. It’s easy: 1.
Visit www.daffodilday.com.au to order a Daffodil Day box and other items.
2.
We send you the box and posters (free of charge).
3.
You simply sell as many items as you can throughout August, bank the funds raised, and return unsold merchandise after Daffodil Day.
4.
Feel proud that you are one of the caring, special people who are helping make a difference to people living with cancer.
NEW! Schools dress yellow for Daffodil Day A new and easy way for NSW schools to raise funds and awareness is to suggest that schoolkids, staff and parents wear yellow on Daffodil Day and make a gold coin donation. You can also order merchandise to sell from our range of discounted school items. Register now at www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85. We will send you posters to promote Daffodil Day at your school and stickers to give to everyone who participates. Volunteers selling daffodils on Daffodil Day.
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Dougal Bear by Russ This year we’re partnering with Russ to bring you a soft, fluffy and totally gorgeous 30cm Dougal Bear. Dressed in a surfer hoodie similar to that of his smaller cousin, the limited edition Russ Dougal will be available for sale at $30 on Daffodil Day and online at www.daffodilday.com.au as well as through Cancer Council shops.
$7
$10
le: Als o availa b lls ba er Socc si e! C om e on, A us
le: Als o availa b l ga ou D r Surfe - so cu d dly!
How to get involved: Visit www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to register to: Order a Daffodil Day box and sell daffodil merchandise during August. Volunteer at a Daffodil Day stall selling fresh daffodils and merchandise to the public. Think YELLOW! Hold a yellow fundraiser – dress yellow for the day, hold a yellow morning tea, raffle off a yellow prize – the yellow possibilities are endless!
Bijoux Collection: Daffodil Hope Bead The talented people at Bijoux are making an exclusive bead for Daffodil Day, with all profits donated to Cancer Council. This beautiful bead is available for purchase at Bijoux stores and online at www.bijoux.com.au at $24.95. Add the bead to your existing jewellery, or purchase it with a sterling silver bracelet or necklace for a beautiful and meaningful gift for yourself or a loved one. Bijoux is proud to support Daffodil Day and the team is excited to be involved in this important cause.
Daffodil Day Gift of Hope Once again, Pearsons Florist is on board with its beautiful Gift of Hope arrangements, with half of the purchase price donated to Daffodil Day. These arrangements come in a glass vase and make a wonderful gift, perfect for office foyers and reception areas. “Everyone loves bright, cheerful daffodils, and each beautiful Gift of Hope arrangement we deliver provides a donation to Cancer Council. We’ll also be donating 50 percent of daffodil flower sales from our Sydney stores. We’re aiming to make 2010 the best Daffodil Day yet,” said Pearsons Florist Director, Barbara Pollak.
A big thank you... … to all our wonderful corporate partners who helped us raise $3.67 million through Daffodil Day last year:
Daffodil Day sponsors
Each year Star Track Express drivers deliver Daffodil Day boxes to our supporters, completely free of charge.
Daffodil Day corporate supporters
Star treatment for Daffodil Day Star Track Express is a proud supporter of Cancer Council, generously covering costs for Daffodil Day logistics and freight – which in 2009 cost $90,000 – in addition to providing over 600 vehicles that reach 2,500 destinations. That’s a sizeable contribution! Star Track Express Account Manager, Fiona Henderson became involved with Cancer Council in 2006, the year her father fell ill with cancer. Coupled with her own personal health issues with cancer, Fiona knows the value of hope and resilience – and how important it is to contribute to a
worthwhile cause such as Daffodil Day. She firmly believes that Daffodil Day is important. “It is a reminder of both loss and survival, and that what we’re trying to achieve is to live a healthy and happy life. The daffodil is a beautiful symbol of hope, and that’s what everyone on the cancer journey embraces,” she said. “We have been proud sponsors for many years, and will continue to be. We believe Cancer Council provides the community with a support line that all can hold on to, if needed.”
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food feature
16 | smart living
Food feature: healthy eating
Winter soup, top tips for cancer prevention and healthy habits for kids.
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Warm up with a healthy bowl of soup
1.
Combine stock and cabbage in a large pot and bring to the boil. Simmer over gentle heat for 5 minutes or until tender.
Asian noodle soup
2.
Add chilli, coriander, bok choy, ginger and sauces. Divide hot noodles and chicken between 4 deep serving bowls.
10 minutes preparation + 5 minutes cooking 7 serves of vegies in this recipe
3. 4 cups reduced-salt chicken stock ¼ Chinese cabbage, finely sliced 1 small red chilli, finely sliced (optional) 2 tablespoons coriander, chopped 1 bunch bok choy, shredded 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped 2 tablespoons reduced-salt soy sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce 125g Hokkien egg noodles, cooked 1 cup skinless chicken, cooked and shredded 1 cup mung bean sprouts 1 spring onion, sliced
Ladle soup mixture over noodles, add bean sprouts and garnish with spring onion.
This delicious winter soup comes from the Go for 2&5® recipe collection. Visit www.gofor2and5.com.au to find more fruit- and vegetable-filled recipes. © State of Western Australia (2006) reproduced with permission.
Serves 4.
Helpful hint: Most soups freeze well. Make a big batch on the weekend and your workday lunches will be ready to go all week. Simply add a wholegrain bread, roll or muffin.
What’s best in July FRUIT
Apples Avocados Custard apples Grapefruit Kiwifruit Lemons Mandarins Nashi pears Oranges: Navel Pomelos Quinces Rhubarb Tangelos
VEGETABLES
Beetroot Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Fennel Jerusalem artichokes Kohlrabi Leeks Okra Olives Onions Parsnips Potatoes Pumpkins Silverbeet Spinach Swedes Sweet potatoes Turnips Witlof
Thanks to Sydney Markets (www.sydneymarkets.com.au) for this What’s best in July list.
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food feature
18 | smart living
Healthy at work Encouraging physical activity and healthy eating – as well as creating environments that support these good habits – are critical for reducing the burden of overweight and obesity as well as cancer and other chronic disease, according to Professor Graham Colditz, an international cancer specialist. However, healthy eating isn’t just an issue at home. The workplace is a key area where we can change our habits. This is no surprise, given that the average working person spends about half of their waking hours at work on five or more days of the week. Most of us will eat at least one meal and two or more snacks at work each day. While eating is one side of the energy balance equation, being physically active is the other, and increasingly, many of us find ourselves in jobs that are more sedentary. This makes it even harder to manage the energy balance equation and keep our weight in check. Simple changes at work can make all the difference to our long-term health and wellbeing. Cancer Council encourages employees and employers to be part of the solution when it comes to healthy workplace environments. Healthy, active workers have more energy, improved job satisfaction and a better quality of life, while the workplace benefits from improved productivity, reduced staff turnover, better workplace relationships and reduced absenteeism.
About Professor Graham Colditz Professor Graham Colditz is a world-renowned specialist in cancer prevention. His work guides many organisations in the United States, Canada and elsewhere around the world, in public health and cancer prevention strategies. Professor Colditz was at Harvard University for 25 years. With a longstanding interest in the causes and prevention of chronic disease, particularly among women, Professor Colditz has evaluated numerous lifestyle factors, documenting that current use of postmenopausal hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. Other areas of his expertise include tobacco and obesity in relation to cancer.
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Workplace tips for employees: • As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you can’t make time for it at home, make sure you do at work. Possibilities include wholegrain toast, fruit bread, fruit, low-fat yoghurt, and high-fibre cereal with low-fat milk. Research shows that breakfast eaters are better able to manage their weight. • Keep healthy snacks at work, so you can resist the biscuit tin or chocolate fundraising box that creeps into many workplace staffrooms. Good snacks for the work fridge include fresh fruit and low-fat yoghurt. Meanwhile, stock your desk drawer with individual fruit packs, low-fat multigrain crackers or a can of tuna. • Choose low-fat milk for hot drinks at work, especially if you purchase lattes or cappuccinos, where the milk content is much higher. This can decrease you daily energy intake and make managing your weight easier. • Many workers spend long periods of time in front of the computer, but research suggests that sitting all day is bad for your health. Move at work whenever you can. For example, stand up when on the telephone, have a couple of stretch breaks throughout the day, and get out for a walk at lunchtime. • Changing to healthier habits at work (and maintaining the change!) is much easier if your workplace environment is supportive. If you think your workplace could do more to support healthy living, talk to your fellow employees and your managers. You could become a workplace champion for healthy living. Doing so will reduce the burden of cancer for both your workplace and the community.
Workplace tips for employers: • Offer healthy food at meetings, functions and events. Visit www.cancercouncil. com.au/catering for Cancer Council’s catering guidelines.
Healthy kids While getting yourself sorted for a healthy day’s work, don’t forget the children, who are off to day care, school or university. The same rules apply – eating healthy food and finding time for physical activity. Packaged snacks are one point to consider, as few of these meet healthy eating guidelines for fat, sugar and salt content – the things we want to have less of in a healthy diet. Good snack choices include fresh fruit and vegies, low-fat dairy products and wholegrain breads and cereals. One trick that often works for parents is serving up these nutritious foods in tasty and creative ways – for example, a colourful array of vegie sticks and a yummy low-fat dip. As for physical activity, the more time children spend sitting down watching TV, DVDs or computer games, the less time there is for being active. Cancer Council supports the experts’ recommendation that children spend no more than two hours per day on these sedentary pastimes. This leaves plenty of time for a walk, some frisbee games in the park, or an organised sport. Just like the workplace for adults, the home makes a big contribution to children’s development of healthy lifestyle habits.
• If your workplace has a cafe or canteen, provide some healthy options at competitive prices. Offer and identify healthy food choices in vending machines, too. • Make water the drink of choice, by ensuring it is available throughout the day. • Promote healthy living information regularly through your communication channels. Visit Cancer Council’s website at www.cancercouncil.com.au/ newsletters to see newsletter copy available for this purpose. • Promote cycling to work by providing a secure bicycle rack at the workplace. • Offer flexible working hours to allow for physical activity during the day. • Organise a special event to show your support for healthy living, such as a workplace walkathon or healthy BBQ challenge.
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pink newsribbon day
20 | smart living
Get ready for Pink Ribbon Day 2010! $30
This year Pink Ribbon Day is on Monday 25 October. In preparation, we will be taking to the streets on Friday 22 October, selling fantastic pink items to raise funds to ďŹ ght breast cancer. Look out for our limited edition Russ Penny Bear, which will be available on sites at $30 each. They are sure to sell out fast, so get in early. Last year an amazing 8,000 people took part in Pink Ribbon Day in NSW. Whether you sold Pink Ribbon items, held a fundraiser, or volunteered on the day, together you helped raise over $2 million. Thank you for your wonderful contribution.
Limite
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$5
$6
ion be
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Sneak peek at the new Pink Ribbon box The new Pink Ribbon box contains fabulous pink items that everyone will love. Order a box to sell to your workmates, customers, family and friends during October to raise funds to beat breast cancer. You can also volunteer on a site: visit www.pinkribbonday.com.au to register your interest and we will be in touch soon. We hope you will get involved this year to help us raise funds to provide complete support to those whose lives are touched by breast cancer.
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Think pink – bright Bollywood pink! The September 2009 issue of fortnightly news magazine Indian Link looked very different. Instead of the traditional blue and white cover, the magazine cover was pink: and not just any pink, but bright Bollywood pink. The Sydney-based magazine announced a breast cancer awareness campaign in support of Pink Ribbon Day. As part of the program, readers who donated to Pink Ribbon Day were automatically entered into a draw to win one of three fabulous pink saris. Valued at $100, $300 and $600 respectively, the saris were generously donated by Glenwoodbased leading fashion house Saree Haven, and the Mitra family of Mt Colah.
The month-long campaign was boosted by regular updates on Indian Link Radio – a 24-hour subscriber radio reaching out to listeners in Sydney and Melbourne. Those who made donations saw their names appear on the website www.indianlink.com.au and announced on radio – and $2,300 was raised.
The cover, featuring women wearing pink saris, has gone on to become one of Indian Link’s most memorable.
NRMA patrolmen drive awareness with pink vans
show their support and proud to be “pink” for a month.
NRMA Motoring and Services has always been a strong supporter of Cancer Council and Pink Ribbon Day – however, in 2009, NRMA went one step further: with pink patrol vans.
“It was an opportunity too good to refuse. I just felt so proud to contribute to the cause,” said Gary, who lost his beloved wife, Lyn, eight years ago to cancer.
Converting seven roadside assistance vans to pink was a unique way NRMA could use their core business of road service to roam the streets of Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and the ACT during October, spreading the Pink Ribbon Day message. Five dollars from every road service call from a pink van was donated to Cancer Council. Over 75 patrolmen put their hands up to drive one of the vehicles, all very keen to
Gary Davis, from Mt Colah, is a 32-year veteran NRMA serviceman, who drove one of the pink vans in support of Pink Ribbon Day.
NRMA is a member-based organisation and believes in the importance of supporting communities and staff. Getting involved was a fun and high-exposure way to show support for Cancer Council. “My life has been touched profoundly by breast cancer; I was honoured when asked to drive a pink van,” Gary explained.
Smeg pink competition winners Congratulations to Alexandra Knight and Olivia Anstis, the winners of the Smeg pink prize package, valued at $8,680. Alexandra (pictured) supported Cancer Council’s Girls Night In to raise money to fight women’s cancers. “Hosting a Girls Night In gave me a chance to spend time with my girlfriends whilst supporting a great cause. We had a fun-filled night, learnt new things about one another, and celebrated the lives of loved ones who had lost their battle with cancer,” she said. “Winning the Smeg contest topped off what was already a great evening, and now I have something to remind me of my first Girls Night In. Needless to say, it won’t be my last!”
Ribbon Day merchandise and received lots of positive feedback. Staff also donated funds and volunteered their time to sell merchandise.
ER 0 OV 00 2, D $1 RAISE
NRMA raised over $12,000 through their fundraising efforts, which was more than previous years’ results. This year they hope to continue the initiative and spread the word even further.
Holding a Pink Ribbon Fundraiser is a fun way to raise money to beat breast cancer. Visit www.pinkribbonday.com.au
NRMA staff were highly engaged and involved in the month-long fundraising effort. Every NRMA office sold Pink
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men’s health
22 | smart living
Call To Arms
Help us tackle cancer in men Our flagship men’s event 2010 Call To Arms has become a popular event on the sporting fixture, whereby local sporting club members from any code can don a yellow armband during one of their matches and raise funds for treatment, prevention and detection of cancer in men.
Support from the NRL Ambassadors from many professional National Rugby League (NRL) teams support Call To Arms. This year, all NRL clubs will hold their own Call To Arms match in round 23, raising much needed funds.
Call To Arms success Since its inception in 2008, we now have over 4,000 local community sporting teams from varying codes registered to be a part of Call To Arms each year. These clubs raised a total of $150,000 in 2009. Support from registered teams last year was phenomenal, and we thank you for helping to make a difference towards cancer in men.
Dubbo Roos’ Call To Arms Changing colour to raise funds for research into cancer in men was all in a day’s play for Dubbo Rugby Club, which raised over $4,000 for Call To Arms. This charity event was chosen because the focus on men made the cause relevant to many of its members. “Being involved with Call To Arms raises the profile of the club and sponsors; there really isn’t a downside to getting involved,” said Dubbo Rugby Club Secretary, Frank Newman.
Photo by: Janet Stewart Dubbo Rugby Club don yellow guernseys in support of Call To Arms
The club made bespoke yellow guernseys for their match – forgoing their beloved sky blue for the cause – and included the Call To Arm’s logo, signifying their effort and dedication to support the fight against cancer in men. The fundraiser was also promoted in local newspapers every day leading up to the match.
All you need to do is organise other fundraising activities to get your supporters and spectators involved on match day. For example, sell yellow tape to all your spectators in return for a gold coin donation, hold a BBQ, sell raffle tickets, hold an auction or even have a bucket collection throughout the match.
Funds were raised by auctioning the Roos’ guernseys and converting some of the seats into VIP sofa seats. Donation boxes were also placed at the field entry, canteen and bar.
Everyone who joins in Call To Arms will be helping men in the local community think about what they can do to prevent cancer.
Register your club Call To Arms this year will be held throughout July and is going to be even bigger and better than ever. We’re calling on all sporting teams to fight back against their fiercest opponent – cancer. So register your club NOW on www.calltoarms.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85. Once you register, you’ll receive a free Champion Pack, which includes donation boxes, yellow armband tape, promotional posters and banking slips.
Online Call To Arms fundraising Your club can create its very own online fundraising page to reach a club goal! You can personalise your club page as much as you like, by writing personal messages or uploading pictures and videos. Look out for new professional sports players supporting the campaign this year – there may even be someone from your favourite club. With half of all men facing a cancer diagnosis, it could well be men from your club who benefit from your Call To Arms contribution. It might even be your best mate. Register NOW at www.calltoarms.com.au to get involved.
DON’T MISS OUT - to register for Call To Arms 2010 call 1300 65 65 85 or go to
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Cancer in men By this time tomorrow, more than 50 men in NSW will have heard the words “you have cancer”. While the average man’s cancer risk is one in two by age 85, around a third of all cancer deaths are avoidable. The following seven simple lifestyle changes could cut your cancer risk: • Check for unusual changes and have regular screening tests • Maintain a healthy weight • Limit alcoholic drinks • Eat a healthy diet • Be physically active • Be SunSmart • Quit smoking.
Why are men at risk? Thirty percent more men than women are diagnosed with cancer, and men are less likely to survive their diagnoses. They also visit the doctor less often than women do. We encourage men to talk to their GPs about cancer risk factors and prevention.
DO YOUR THING: SH*TBOX RALLY Seventeen teams, razzed-up cars salvaged from the wreckers, a rally and a couple of months was all it took for a bunch of people affected by cancer in one way or another to raise an impressive $103,000 for Cancer Council.
If you’d like further information about cutting your cancer risk, please call our Helpline on 13 11 20.
The route took the teams to the gateway of the outback, Broken Hill, then on to the Flinders Ranges, up the Oodnadatta Track, on to Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), finishing in the Alice.
Remember: Play hard. Live safe.
The teams held many fundraising nights, including Cheeky Tuesday with entertainment and comedy, helped along by the support of Cancer Council’s Community Fundraiser and Innovation Manager, Julie Roberts.
A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of cancer by a third.
The cars – deemed works of driveable art – were auctioned off at the end of the rally. The team members all have a connection to cancer, whether personally or through a parent, family member or close friend. They wanted to raise awareness and money for Cancer Council and offer support and a friendly ear to those affected by the disease. Visit www.shitboxrally.com.au for details of the 2011 event.
Helpful hint: Use your club’s database and local media to spread awareness of your event and to get the community involved.
w w w.calltoarms.com.au
Local artists spray paint cars prior to the race.
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news people
24 | smart living
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news
26 | smart living
Marrickville Council takes action against cancer Notably, representatives were there from the Boarding House Project and the Community Restorative Centre, which works with newly released prisoners, many of whom end up in boarding houses. The workshop identified critical needs of the community, including: • Fostering a positive culture, particularly in boarding houses • Developing sustainable programs to tackle tobacco • Investing in youth programs.
Marrickville Council took a historic first step when it signed an agreement to develop a twelve-month project collaboration plan with Cancer Council to reduce and prevent cancer in its communities. Marrickville has a vibrant, ethnically diverse population, with people from more than 100 different cultures, speaking more than 70 distinct languages. It also has the highest rate of boarding house residency in NSW, associated with a large number of smokers; and a high cancer incidence, with over 305 people diagnosed in the area each year. Through community workshops, our approach is to educate people on how they can prevent and reduce cancer, and offer support to anyone who needs assistance, through our Community Cancer Network. We will also concentrate on fostering a positive partnership in community engagement (particularly in boarding houses); conduct social impact assessments (for example, Development Applications for licensed venues); and
focus on the issues of tobacco and skin protection in outdoor areas. The Mayor of Marrickville, Sam Iskandar, said the project would benefit all Marrickville residents. “Our partnership with Cancer Council will enhance the efforts already made by many in our local communities to prevent health problems and reduce the risk of cancer in residents,” he said. “Cancer Council is a highly effective organisation with very practical ideas to improve community health, and we are hopeful people at higher risk of experiencing cancers will be assisted to prevent the disease as a result of our innovative partnership.” A one-day workshop titled: Smoking: A matter of social justice was held in March, which provided relevant information to support the reduction of smoke-related harm among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in NSW. In attendance were community service groups, Area Health officials and nongovernment organisations.
Cancer Council is also providing free multilingual presentations through the Community Speakers Program, held at the local library. Cancer prevention and detection presentations have already been delivered in Arabic and Chinese, with Greek and Vietnamese sessions scheduled for later this year. It is hoped that this ongoing partnership with Cancer Council will reap many benefits for the Marrickville community and have a positive outcome in the prevention and reduction of cancer in such a vibrant and culturally diverse community.
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Want to contact your local office? If you need further support or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us – for a quick transfer to your local office phone 1300 65 65 85 and listen for the prompts.
Cancer Council NSW Head Office PO Box 572 Kings Cross NSW 1340 Ph 1300 65 65 85 Fax (02) 8214 6970 feedback@nswcc.org.au Metropolitan Sydney Cancer Council NSW 153 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 Ph (02) 9334 1900 Fax (02) 8302 3537 info.metro@nswcc.org.au
Greater Western Sydney Rotary House 43 Hunter Street Parramatta NSW 2150 Ph (02) 9354 2000 Fax (02) 9687 1118 info.westernsydney@nswcc.org.au Southern Region 1 Lowden Square Wollongong NSW 2500 Ph (02) 4223 0200 Fax (02) 4225 1700 info.southern@nswcc.org.au Hunter Region 22 Lambton Road Broadmeadow NSW 2292 Ph (02) 4923 0700 Fax (02) 4961 0955 info.hunter@nswcc.org.au
Central Coast The Hive, Erina Fair Erina NSW 2250 Ph (02) 4336 4500 Fax (02) 4367 5895 info.centralcoast@nswcc.org.au North West Region Shop 2, 218 Peel Street Tamworth NSW 2340 Ph (02) 6763 0900 Fax (02) 6766 7053 info.northwest@nswcc.org.au Far North Coast 101-103 Main Street Alstonville NSW 2477 Ph (02) 6627 0300 Fax (02) 6628 8659 info.farnorthcoast@nswcc.org.au
Mythbuster Plastics used for food storage and cancer Origin of the myth
Recently, several emails were being circulated warning that Sheryl Crowe had developed breast cancer by leaving her bottle of water in the car. The email claims that plastic bottles and food containers contain chemicals called dioxins, which cause reproductive and developmental problems, liver damage and cancer.
Current evidence
Dioxins are organic environmental pollutants released by burning of waste, especially PVC and aromatic compounds commonly used in hospitals. These dioxins, after being released into the atmosphere, are taken up by fish and animals and stored in fat. People are mostly exposed to dioxins by eating meat and fish that is high in fat. Dioxin exposure in Australia is low. The plastics used to store water and food do not contain dioxins; however, many contain two other chemicals that may be of concern: phthalates and Bisphenol A.
Phthalates
Some studies have linked high blood concentrations of phthalates with changes in levels of some hormones and genital abnormalities in infants who are exposed to them. Six phthalates, including DEHP, have been banned from the toy market in the European Union (EU). The EU’s chemical policy works on the precautionary principle, which means that chemicals can be banned even if there is no scientific consensus that a chemical is harmful.
The Report on Carcinogens is a list of known or reasonably anticipated human carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Phthalates are not included in this list. Leaching, the process of removing a substance from a solid by dissolving it in a liquid, has been linked with the absorption of chemicals into the body. The Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirm that substances used to make plastics can leach into food and drink. However, phthalates do not bioaccumulate, meaning that the body does not retain them and they are lost faster than they are absorbed. Several studies have been done to assess the amount of exposure to phthalates in people and found that the highest estimate of exposure is still well within the margins of what is considered safe.
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in production of food containers and food can linings. It is also a synthetic form of the female hormone oestrogen. Bisphenol A was first thought to be harmful in the 1930s when animal experiments indicated that the chemical may disrupt normal hormone function. A lot of research has been done since then, and the Centre for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) has done a review of studies done on BPA on rats and concluded that in high doses, BPA can alter the age of puberty. However, the same review found that, even in high doses, BPA does not cause birth defects, alter fertility or cause prostate cancer. BPA is not found on the Report on Carcinogens, and the International Agency
Mid North Coast 121 High Street Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph (02) 6659 8400 Fax (02) 6652 1530 info.midnorthcoast@nswcc.org.au South West Region 1/37 Tompson Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Ph (02) 6937 2600 Fax (02) 6921 3680 info.southwest@nswcc.org.au Western Region 75 Kite Street Orange NSW 2800 Ph (02) 6392 0800 Fax (02) 6361 7425 info.western@nswcc.org.au
busted for Cancer Research declares that there is limited evidence that it causes cancer in animals, and it is not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans. Although studies indicate that BPA can leach into water and food, those that conclude that it disrupts hormone function used doses one thousand times higher than the general population is exposed to. Whilst some studies suggest that BPA can be harmful even in doses of fractions of micrograms, the European Union, which is aggressive in its regulation of chemicals, has affirmed the safety of BPA and criticises the studies done on small doses as being badly conducted and methodologically flawed.
Summary
Currently there is limited scientific evidence suggesting a link between the use of plastics and cancer. The general safety of many of these and other chemicals is constantly under review throughout the world. Agencies in Australia, America and Europe have all conducted reviews in the past three years and maintain a watching brief. At this time, the possibility of adverse effects arising from plastics cannot be ruled out definitively. It is important to follow directions when using plastics to store or cook food. This article provided by Cancer Council WA.
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Friday 27 August 2010
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