Volunteer Voice September 2014

VolunteerVoice For and about volunteers with Cancer Council NSW

Spring Edition September 2014

Together we beat cancer

cancercouncil.com.au | Volunteer Hotline: (02) 9334 1813

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Desk Notes

from Volunteer Development Advisor, Meghan Hermann

Carrying on from the Volunteer Satisfaction Survey, we wanted to understand some of the feedback that we received.

With that in mind, three volunteer focus groups were conducted in June 2014. They were held in Woolloomooloo, Newcastle and Byron Bay. The data from the survey, which took place in March 2014, demonstrated that volunteers are overall very satisfied with their experience at Cancer Council NSW. The purpose of these focus groups was to dive down into the areas of the survey that were identified as areas to improve upon: communication, support and recognition.

Cancer Council NSW recognises that in any partnership there are opportunities to enhance the experience we share ‘right now’ and into the future.

Suggestions that arose from the focus groups included small but still very important things such as saying “Thank you” each day; that we celebrate successes and birthdays fairly across the team; and to make sure to remember that volunteering is a very real partnership between the individual and the organisation, and to treat volunteers this way.

Along with the other feedback collected, these examples were reviewed by a team of staff representatives, and a wide-ranging list of action items was created.

When the action items are distilled and finalised for acting upon further, we will report back to you, our volunteers, and let you know of the next steps. So, watch this space!

“Cancer Council NSW recognises that in any partnership there are opportunities to enhance the experience we share ‘right now’ and into the future.”

Why I Relay For Life

By Scott Fisher, Sutherland Shire Relay For Life Fight Back Coordinator and Accredited Exercise Physiologist Firstly, I relay because it is the definition of community spirit. Entering my first Sutherland Shire Relay only four years ago to secure some university placement exercise science hours, I was ‘bitten’ by an event that provides such a raw emotional experience, and takes the relayer through every aspect of human emotion.

Secondly, like many of you, close family members have been affected by cancer. Some have won their fight with it, and some have not been so lucky, eventually losing their battle with this undiscriminating disease.

The main reason why I relay, though, what gives me the most motivation, is the ability to Fight Back – the ability through information to prevent cancers in the first place, and also to help survivors reduce the risk of cancer recurrence through active lifestyles, healthy eating and knowledgeably avoiding risk factors.

Relay offers such a vast community engagement. I am honoured to be able to deliver trackside ideas of ways everyone can Fight Back, whilst also making their individual Relay experience an unforgettable one.

Each year the ‘back straight’ at the Sutherland Shire Relay grows in the area of Fight Back, and plays an important part in the message of Relay, which is to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.

As always, I am extremely excited to see what opportunities lie ahead in organising next year’s Relay. After all, as every Relay committee member would probably admit, it is a calendar listing to look forward to even more than Christmas!

“...what gives me the most motivation, is the ability to Fight Back – the ability through information to prevent cancers in the first place, and also to help survivors reduce the risk of cancer recurrence through active lifestyles, healthy eating and knowledgeably avoiding risk factors.”

Editor: Michael McGennan. Please feel free to forward your feedback and contributions to volunteervoice@nswcc.org.au 2

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Hear it clear, speak it loud Aboriginal advocates from the Leeton and Narrandera area delivered real insight into what confronts Aboriginal people in the Riverina area.

Cancer Council NSW currently has 88 Aboriginal advocates as part of our CanAct community, working to Close the Gap in public health services and outcomes statewide.

Staff and training workshop participants.

In May Cancer Council NSW held our first advocacy training workshop in Griffith in the beautiful Riverina.

Twenty-two advocates and staff attended from places as far away as Wodonga and Orange, from Narrandera, Leeton and Young, plus of course, Griffith.

Over two days topics included ‘understanding government decision-making process’, ‘how to work with your local parliamentary representative’, and ‘how to tell your story’. In groups, advocates brainstormed issues affecting their communities and how to positively resolve them. Six

In August Cancer Council launches our Saving Life 2015 campaign, www.cancercouncil.com.au/93101/ get-involved/campaign-with-us/current-campaigns/ saving-life-2015-change-starts-here/ which includes our first Aboriginal-specific campaign. Lack of access to culturally appropriate health care services is a barrier to closing the gap in cancer outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Cancer Council will recommend that the NSW Government develop an Aboriginal workforce plan specifically for cancer services.

This will ensure there is no difference in cancer outcomes just because you are Aboriginal, and that there are Aboriginal health workers providing cancer services all across New South Wales.

Break the silence around cancer My name is Erin Dooley. I am a Wiradjuri woman and a fourth year journalism student at The University of Technology, Sydney. I have recently joined Cancer Council as part of the Aboriginal Patterns of Cancer Care (APOCC) team. I’m passionate about improving Aboriginal health because the poor health status of my community would not be tolerated if it existed in the Australian community as a whole – in particular our cancer journeys and outcomes.

I want to show Aboriginal people that they don’t have to go through the cancer journey alone, confused, or in unnecessary pain. As part of the APOCC project dissemination, I am having the pleasure of interviewing many inspiring members of the

Aboriginal community, whose stories will be used in a series of short videos about how we can break the silence around cancer in our community and make the journey easier.

In May I met with Aboriginal health professional Lawrence ‘Magik’ Dennis. Lawrence (pictured right) is a proud Gamilaraay man from Walgett who is passionate about preserving his peoples’ culture and improving their health. He is considered an elder by his local community, relied upon by many living with chronic diseases such as cancer. His hands-on style is best described by Lawrence himself: “One day I went back to where I used to drink and all the mob were just sitting there, about 20 of them. I rock

up in the car, pulled out the bag, put the bag on the bonnet and said ‘Righto boys and girls, we’re going to have a clinic here today, I’m taking all your blood sugar, blood pressure, all that kind of stuff…’ Two of those fellas ended up at the hospital for hypertension and would have otherwise died.”

Lawrence kindly volunteered his time and knowledge to me on the banks of the Barwon River, his peoples’ sacred country. Lawrence’s story will become a focal point of APOCC dissemination and an important resource for Aboriginal people living with cancer.

Artwork by Georgina Altona (Kamilaroi People).

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

Update

from CEO, Jim L’Estrange

Together we will beat cancer I’m really excited to share with you our new Strategic Intent 2014–2018.

Twelve months ago we began a journey to update our Strategic Directions 2010-2014, which was maturing and due a refresh. To do this we set out to speak to those people most connected to Cancer Council – our partners, supporters, stakeholders and of course staff, volunteers and Board, about what it means to be Cancer Council, and what it is that we need to do. We knew that we were already doing great work in the community, but we wanted to update our vision, mission and values, and check that our priorities remain relevant to the community.

The two things that came through loud and clear from this consultation was that we need to focus on beating cancer, and that we can only achieve this with the support of the community. We brought these two ideas into our new vision, ‘Together we will beat cancer’.

It is important to note the emphasis on the word ‘will’.

This suggestion came out of a workshop we had with volunteers who felt that we needed to make this statement more powerful. One of our volunteers suggested that the addition of an emphasis would change the way we say this statement, making it more definitive and purposeful. It worked.

Our refreshed mission is ‘To lead, empower and mobilise the community to beat cancer’, again reflecting the importance of the community that works alongside us volunteering, supporting us and fundraising.

We believe that we can and will beat cancer. There are things that we can all do every day to help make this happen. Your contribution as a Cancer Council volunteer is helping to make this happen.

I hope you agree that our Strategic Intent 2014-2018 reflects who we are already, and also what we want to achieve into the future. Please see the full Strategic Intent at www.cancercouncil.com.au/strategic-intent-2014-2018

Our Vision Together we beat cancer

Our Mission To lead, empower and mobilise the community to beat cancer

Research

Prevention

To conduct and fund world-class research that reduces the impact of cancer

To reduce cancer in the NSW community by encouraging people to lead healthy, cancersmart lifestyles

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Seek and embrace the best

Responsibility Be accountable for our results and resources

Information and support

Speak out and step up

To empower and support people affected by cancer, so that no one need face cancer alone

Work together to achieve our goals

Advocacy To enable the community to raise money to help beat cancer

Innovation

Courage

Our Priorities Fundraising

Our Values

To ensure that governments take action to reduce cancer risk and improve access to care and treatment

Collaboration

Cancer, Work & You Webinars

How do I maintain a work life balance?

Cancer Council NSW is holding a free online webinar on 25 September to help anyone affected by cancer to acquire information and strategies regarding work life balance matters.

An expert panel will address topics such as exercise, nutrition, psychological and social issues.

Join our ongoing series of free Webinars for anyone living with and/or surviving cancer, employers, colleagues, carers and professionals. A webinar is a seminar which is shared over the internet. You see and hear the presentation live, and to participate you can type questions and/or send messages. Concluded webinars can be viewed online after the live event.

To register your interest email helplifegetbetter@nswcc.org.au or for more information visit cancercouncil.com.au and search for Cancer, Work & You Webinars.

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Screening for cancer in women and What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the body’s building blocks called cells. Cancer happens when genes become damaged and the cells begin to grow abnormally and out of control. Abnormal cells may grow into a lump called a tumour, which can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Cancer is not one disease but a range of diseases in which abnormal cells multiply and spread out of control. In some cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma) it is the body’s blood cells which multiply abnormally.

A guide to preventing and reducing cancer for women About 44,000 Australian women are diagnosed with cancer each year.

The most common cancers for women are breast, bowel, melanoma and lung cancer.

The risk for a woman being diagnosed with cancer before age 75 is one in four and before age 85 is one in three.

The good news is that there are simple and effective actions you can take to reduce your chances of getting cancer, or to help find cancer early when there is a greater likelihood of a cure.

Ways for women to lower the risk of cancer There is no way to guarantee that you won’t get cancer but there are steps you can take to reduce your overall risk.

To lower your cancer risk Cancer Council NSW recommends you:

• Get to know your body and what is normal for you, and see your doctor when you notice any changes.

• Quit smoking or, better still, never start.

• Have any recommended screening tests.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Be physically active. Aim for at least 30 minutes, preferably more, on most days of the week.

• Enjoy a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit. Aim for five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit a day. A serve is about a handful. Eat a variety of wholegrain, wholemeal and high-fibre foods such as cereals, breads, rice and pasta. Aim for at least two serves a day, with half being wholegrain.

• Limit or avoid drinking alcohol.

The recommendation for women is no more than one standard drink a day. And try to have at least one or two alcohol-free days a week.

• Have moderate amounts of lean red meat and limit or avoid processed meat.

• Choose a diet low in fat and salt.

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• Protect yourself from the sun in five ways. Slip on clothing that covers your arms and legs, slap on a hat, slop on sunscreen, slide on sunglasses and seek shade.

Learn more online Visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/ reduce-risks/screening/womencancer/ for more information about preventing and reducing cancer in women.

Download our brochure, Women and Cancer, on preventing and reducing cancer in women at www.cancercouncil.com.au/wpcontent/uploads/2014/01/CAN793_ Retail_WomenandCancer_WEB.pdf Call the Cancer Screening Program on 1800 188 868 or visit www. cancerscreening.gov.au/ for more information about screening services.

Visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/ publications/understanding-cancerbook/ for access to booklets focused on specific cancers and cancer-related situations.

VolunteerVoice | September2014

men What is cancer screening?

Screening is testing people without symptoms for cancer. It involves simple tests to look for particular changes, or early signs of a disease, before a disease has developed or in its early stages before any symptoms have developed. It’s a simple and effective way to detect some cancers early, when there’s a much better chance of successful treatment.

Screening is recommended for breast, cervical, bowel and skin cancer.

A guide to preventing and reducing cancer for men About 56,000 Australian men are diagnosed with cancer each year.

The most common cancers for men are prostate, bowel, melanoma and lung cancer.

The risk for a man being diagnosed with cancer before age 75 is one in three and before age 85 is one in two.

The good news is that there are simple and effective actions you can take to reduce your chances of getting cancer, or to help find cancer early when there is a greater likelihood of a cure.

Ways for men to lower the risk of cancer There is no way to guarantee that you won’t get cancer but there are steps you can take to reduce your overall risk.

• Quit smoking today or better still never start. Call the Quitline 13 78 48.

• Protect yourself from the sun in five ways. Slip on clothing that covers your arms and legs, slap on a hat, slop on sunscreen, slide on sunglasses and seek shade.

• Maintain a healthy weight and diet. Enjoy a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and a variety of wholegrain, wholemeal and high fibre foods.

• Maintain a regular exercise plan.

Aim for 30 minutes of exercise, preferably more, on most days of the week.

• Reduce your alcohol intake. The recommendation for men is no more than two standard drinks a day. And try to have at least one or two alcohol-free days a week.

• Visit your GP. Get to know your body and what is normal for you, and see your doctor when you notice any changes.

• Have any recommended screening tests.

Learn more online Visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/ reduce-risks/screening/mencancer/ for more information about preventing and reducing cancer in men.

Download Men and Cancer, at www. cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2014/01/CAN793_Retail_ MenCancer_WEB.pdf Call the Cancer Screening Program on 1800 188 868 or visit www. cancerscreening.gov.au/ for more information about screening services.

Visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/ publications/understanding-cancerbook/ for access to booklets focused on specific cancers and cancer-related situations.

Talk to someone who’s been there If you are diagnosed with cancer, you might find it helpful to talk to a man who has had a similar experience.

Cancer Council Connect is a free, confidential service with trained volunteers providing one-to-one emotional support and practical information for people with cancer.

For more information call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

“Volunteer? Me? I’ll tell you why.”

How not getting paid for doing what you love can be a gift It was a ‘trick’, though. I did get something.

I got to do things I was really good at, and loved, and which helped people, and I learned to detach my sense of purpose from the necessity of making an income from it. This was a breakthrough for me. I did the talk, the photo and the letter, and I also led the group.

And I loved it. I loved that I got to use something that was a liability as a strength. I learned that I had value even if I didn’t bring in an income.

By Jo Hilder Not everyone who asks you to do something for them for free is trying to take something from you. Sometimes, they are giving you an incredible gift.

I remember years ago, I’d taken a job for $10 an hour in a dirty little fabric shop after closing my own beautiful homewares business down. I thought I was going crazy, so frightened was I the cancer would come back, I started reversing my life into ‘smaller, lesser and lower’, to match how I felt about my future.

“What’s the point? I could die next year. I can’t have a career, a business.

So many people will be hurt if I have a big life and get sick. I need to pull back, pull it down, close it up.” Years after I went into remission from cancer, I started dying.

And then someone gave me a gift – they asked me to do something for nothing.

I was asked by someone to give a little talk at a council meeting about cancer services. Then I was asked to have my picture taken for the paper for a cancer fundraiser. Then they asked me to write a letter to the paper. Then they asked me to lead a group. At the time I was being asked to do these things and not get paid.

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My cancer experience, and the opportunities I was offered because of it, helped bring out in me a set of skills I’d always had but never got to use – speaking, writing and facilitating.

Because before I got sick, I would only ever let myself do things that matched my idea of ‘worth’. I would never have dreamed of allowing myself to do those things. Not speak, not write, not lead. I needed a day job to get money to buy things to make me feel like my life had a purpose and meaning. I needed to sell useless things to people who couldn’t afford them to feel I was fulfilling my place in the world, bringing people and myself some kind of brief pleasure. Moving useless objects around a rented space, taking money

“...so frightened was I the cancer would come back, I started reversing my life into ‘smaller, lesser and lower’, to match how I felt about my future.”

“My cancer experience, and the opportunities I was offered because of it, helped bring out in me a set of skills I’d always had but never got to use – speaking, writing and facilitating.” for that, and spending it on more rent and more things.

No wonder I got sick.

What a shame the real treasure stayed buried in me all that time, until a believer in people came along and believed in me. Came along not with a job, but a key. The key to me.

I uncovered in those things I didn’t get paid to do a passion for communicating that has led me into a full time career telling my story, and helping others own and share their own. But without years of giving my passion away for free, as a gift, I’d never have allowed myself to invest the time I needed to, to become really good at it.

And you’ll never guess what happened.

After doing all that stuff I loved so much for so long for free, I got so good at it, they offered me a job. A paid one. I still love to give my gifts away, but I also love it when someone values what they do and what I do so much they are willing to invest in that.

I love getting paid for doing what I love.

Maybe the one who is offering you an opportunity you don’t get paid for is offering you a gift – a key. They may be offering you an opportunity to uncover what you’re really passionate about and good at. They may be showing you a patch of dirt, which actually contains a treasure, and you’ll never know unless you take the key and

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Nominate a Star Volunteer unlock the gate. “How are you at yard work, friend?”

You may not be able to give up your day job to follow a full-time dream right now, or right away, but keep in mind, there’s more to life than just what you can buy with the money from your day job. You have a wonderful story, and hidden within that story is a treasure that can set somebody on fire.

I’ll never forget the gift I received the day I was asked to give myself away. Nobody had ever asked so much of me in all my life. But I’ll never stop doing this, as long as I live.

“Maybe the one who is offering you an opportunity you don’t get paid for is offering you a gift...an opportunity to uncover what you’re really passionate about and good at.”

Jo Hilder is a writer, cancer and self-publishing coach, program facilitator and public speaker. She is author of Things Not To Say To Someone Who Has Cancer, as well as Soul Letters For The Cancer Sojourner. Jo volunteered for Cancer Council as facilitator for the Mid-North Coast Cancer Action Network, and as a community speaker, then went on to roles as Regional Programs Coordinator and Relay For Life Relationship Coordinator at the Cancer Council Coffs Harbour office. Contact Jo and learn more about her books at www.johilder.com

Help recognise and highlight the amazing work of our volunteers in helping us to defeat cancer.

Nominations for Star Volunteers are currently being accepted at www.cancercouncil.com.au/ 67850/. Winners are announced on the first Wednesday of each month. Visit the Cancer Council NSW website and search ‘Star Volunteer Award’ for more information.

Help us beat cancer

Monday 27 October An excellent way to get involved in Pink Ribbon Day is to volunteer your time to help sell merchandise.

Registrations opened in August at www.pinkribbonday.com.au. You can contribute to the fight against women’s cancers by joining us in raising awareness and funds.

www.pinkribbonday.com.au

Register to join a research study today!

Cancer Council and other academic bodies conduct research studies to do with cancer. These studies may be questionnaire based surveys, focus groups and interviews or other types of research.

Study participants will not necessarily be cancer patients.

Please register your interest to be included on our database.

Your story or the story of someone you know will help us find the answers.

Register at cancercouncil.com. au/joinastudy or call the special Join a Research Study number, (02) 9334 1398.

Friday 22 August Daffodil Day 2014 was a rousing success, with staff and volunteers all across NSW dressed up in yellow to celebrate our certainty we will defeat cancer. Thanks to each and every one of you who joined in on the day.

www.daffodilday.com.au/ volunteer-your-time 9

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Understanding Cancer Series Finding out that you or your family member or friend has cancer can be overwhelming. It’s common to have many questions. Cancer Council’s Understanding Cancer series of books helps people make sense of what is happening.

From the first few books printed in 1996, the series has grown to more than 50 high quality, up-to-date books for cancer patients, their families and carers. About 250,000 Understanding Cancer booklets are distributed free throughout NSW, via health professionals, hospitals and treatment centres, Cancer Council Information Centres and Helpline, and display stands in local communities. They are also available online.

What are the books about?

The books are an introduction to what cancer is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and where to find support. The language is easy to understand, and diagrams and quotes are used to enhance the text.

The books are researched, written and developed by editors at Cancer Council, and designed by our graphic design team.

Types of books

Many people find that when treatment ends, there are new challenges. The Living Well After Cancer book covers the emotional, physical, practical and social challenges that most people face after treatment, and how to adjust to the ‘new normal’.

Information on practical and emotional issues The series also includes booklets on how to cope with the practical, emotional and financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis, such as pain, work, diet and relationships.

Nutrition and Cancer and Caring for Someone with Cancer, are among the most popular titles.

There are also resources specifically for carers, parents, teachers, and employers and human resources professionals.

...cancer can be overwhelming. It’s common to have many questions. Cancer Council’s Understanding Cancer series of books helps people make sense of what is happening.

Information on cancer types Each tumour-type booklet provides an overview of a specific cancer. It answers the key questions a patient may have and provides information about diagnosis, treatment, managing side effects, and life after treatment.

They also include information for carers, a list of support services, a glossary, a question checklist and a list of useful websites.

Information on cancer treatments The treatment booklets provide an introduction of the main types of cancer treatments – chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. These titles complement the relevant cancertype booklets, and cover how to plan and prepare for treatment, what to expect, how to manage side effects, how long recovery takes, and how carers can help the patient and themselves.

We currently have information booklets on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, complementary therapies, clinical trials and research, palliative care, and most recently, surgery.

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Information for life after cancer

Information on cancer that has spread

Living with Advanced Cancer and Facing End of Life are recent publications that deal with issues surrounding advanced cancer – cancer that has spread or recurred. Emotions and relationship issues are covered, as well as information for managing practical issues, such as preparing a will.

How are the books kept up to date?

To keep up to date with advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, all booklets are reviewed regularly.

Each booklet is reviewed by a panel of clinical experts, allied health professionals and consumers.

Cancer type and treatment booklets are clinically reviewed and updated approximately every two years. Booklets focussed on emotional and practical information undergo a similar review process every three years.

Since 2011, most Understanding Cancer booklets have been developed for a national audience and reviewed by leading experts from across Australia as part of a national collaboration between all state and territory Cancer Councils.

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Information and support for newly diagnosed patients In February 2014, the patient Information and Support Pack was evaluated and redesigned. This pack is tailored for people recently diagnosed with cancer, and is given out by health professionals.

The pack includes booklets about coping with emotions and nutrition, a wallet card to keep health professionals’ contact details handy, and a fridge magnet information card outlining some of the services that Cancer Council provides.

Health professionals can then personalise the pack for the patient by adding relevant tumour or treatment booklets.

Introducing eBooks As many people now access books using digital devices, Cancer Council has recently published three titles as eBooks: Caring for Someone with Cancer, Emotions and Cancer, and Understanding Chemotherapy.

Understanding Radiotherapy and Understanding Surgery will shortly be available in this format.

An eBook (electronic book) is a digital publication consisting of text and images. They are accessible through electronic devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and eReader devices such as Kobo or Sony Reader. The eBooks are in the standard EPUB file format which can be read on most eReader devices. You can find them on our website www.cancercouncil.com.au via the Publications tab, or through the iTunes store. They are free to download.

Latest publications We have recently added some new titles to the series: • Understanding Surgery: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.

• Facing End of Life: A guide for people dying with cancer, their families and friends.

• Understanding Grief: A guide for family and friends when someone has died from cancer.

Cancer information on the web All Understanding Cancer booklets are available to download as PDF files from www.cancercouncil.com.au via the Publications tab at the top of the page. The booklet content also forms the core of the cancer information on the site, and sections of the books can be read as individual posts. Our books have been available online for more than 10 years.

Understanding Cancer series statistics • 1996: the year the first Understanding Cancer booklet was printed.

• 10 years: Understanding Cancer books available on Cancer Council NSW website.

• April 2014: the date when Understanding Cancer eBooks went live for download.

• Approximately 250,000 booklets are distributed annually in NSW.

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

Cancer treatment, recipes and snacks It is often difficult to eat well when you don’t feel like shopping for food or cooking because you are tired or unwell. You may miss meals while having treatment or waiting for appointments.

The following meal and snack ideas may not all seem like healthy choices, but if you have a poor appetite it’s important to boost your intake of food and focus on high protein and energy foods and fluids.

Meal and snack ideas • Baked beans on toast with grated cheese.

• Fried fish (bought prepared) or fish fingers with chips and salad.

• Canned creamy soup made with milk, served with buttered toast.

• Grilled lamb cutlets, mashed potato with margarine or butter, and peas and carrots.

• Crumpets or muffins toasted with cheese, and some fruit.

• A sandwich and a glass of highprotein milk with Aktavite, Milo or Horlicks.

• Pasta with cheese or a ready–made sauce.

• Salmon, tuna or egg with salad and mayonnaise, served with a buttered bread roll.

• Scrambled or poached egg on toast and a glass of orange juice.

• Tuna or sardines on buttered toast with fresh tomato.

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• Occasionally takeaway food such as barbecue chicken, a hamburger, pizza or doner kebab (ensure the food is fresh and hasn’t been kept at a warm temperature for a long time).

• Food-type nutritional supplements.

Nourishing drinks Fluids are an essential part of any diet.

They allow you to stay hydrated and help your kidneys function.

• Jaffles and sandwiches – good fillings are peanut butter, cheese, avocado, egg and mayonnaise, cold meats, salmon and tuna.

• A ham and cheese omelette with salad and buttered bread.

• Toast with cheese or peanut butter, followed by sliced banana and yoghurt.

• Frozen prepared casseroles, desserts and soups that can be defrosted in portions and eaten on days you don’t feel like cooking.

• Cheese and crackers.

• Celery and cream cheese or peanut butter.

• Cheese or peanut butter on toast or bread.

• Hard-boiled eggs.

• dried fruit and nuts • Milk puddings, such as creamed rice, custard, mousse and instant puddings.

• Leftover foods from the previous day – make sure foods are properly reheated.

• Fruit cake, muesli and health food bars, sweet biscuits, cakes and slices.

• Fresh or tinned fruit with custard, yoghurt, jelly, ice cream or cream.

• Creamy soup.

• Hot chips.

• Instant noodles.

• Potato crisps or corn chips with dips.

• Yoghurt or ice cream.

• Milkshakes.

• Buttered pikelets, scones, muffins, fruit buns, finger buns and raisin toast.

As a general guide, you should aim for at least eight to twelve glasses (two to three litres) of fluid per day. The quantity of fluid you need may vary depending on your type of treatment.

Your doctor or dietitian will give you guidelines about how much fluid you should drink per day.

As well as drinking water you can get fluid from soups, milkshakes or smoothies, fruit juices, fruit or ice cubes.

For more information speak to your dietitian.

For more information visit our Cancer Treatment Recipes and Snacks webpage: www.cancercouncil.com.au/1241/ cancer-information/generalinformation-cancer-information/ managing-cancer-side-effects/ food-and-cancer-managing-sideeffects/cancer-treatment-recipes-andsnacks/

...if you have a poor appetite it’s important to boost your intake of food and focus on high protein and energy foods and fluids.

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Metro Sydney

Sense of team helps meet challenges

Great things ahead In May, the Northern Sydney and Central & Southern Sydney teams joined forces to become the new Metro Sydney Region. While we will still maintain our connection to the local communities on both the northern and southern sides of Sydney, coming together as one larger team enables us greater flexibility and resources to meet the ever changing community needs.

From a volunteering perspective, we now have a ‘Community Coordinator, Volunteering and Partnerships’ position in the team. This is a strategic role that will be dedicated to ensuring best practice volunteer management at all levels and across all events and programs. This includes strategies to better recruit, train, develop and recognise our volunteer workforce.

Left to right: Wendy Foley, Jenny Mahon, Genevieve Frederikson, Judy Gerrard, Patricia Broadbent, Adrienne Gorme, Debbie Turton, Marjorie Coulsen and Adrienne Gadsden.

Our Cancer Council Information Centre (CCIC) is located at the Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN) in Wahroonga. We currently have 12 skilled volunteers at the CCIC who are able to provide vital information and support, and refer people in to programs and services.

As well as volunteering in the centre, the CCIC team meet at the SAN every six weeks for a team meeting. Here, the team are offered a safe place to discuss any challenges they may have faced during their shifts at the CCIC. These challenges can sometimes include any difficult conversations they may have had during their shift, identification of any new resources, programs or services, any gaps in information or services that may need to be investigated further, or any challenging scenarios they might have faced on their shift. It is an important way for each volunteer to debrief and receive support and guidance from the rest of the team.

The team meeting is also a space for the CCIC team to talk about the highlights of their shifts and to reflect on the reasons for wanting to be a CCIC volunteer with Cancer Council NSW.

Here, the team are offered a safe place to discuss any challenges they may have faced during their shifts...It is an important way for each volunteer to debrief and receive support and guidance from the rest of the team.

On behalf of the new Metro Sydney team I would like to thank all of the Northern and Central Southern volunteers for their patience through these changes, and look forward to all the great things we will achieve together throughout 2014 and beyond.

Lauren McAlister, Regional Manager, Metro Sydney.

Volunteer Profile Alan Lovell is a bowel cancer survivor. He was the first in his family to have had cancer, but now three out of five of his family members have been struck by the disease.

An actor for most of his working life, Alan has appeared in many TV shows, including Home and Away, Rake, and Water Rats, to name just a few. He turned his own cancer story into a one-man show that appeared on the ABC called Six Months to Live.

When Alan is not appearing on TV shows he pays the bills by working as a mobile personal trainer on the Lower North Shore. He firmly believes that being fit and healthy is the best antidote against cancer.

Alan is a volunteer for Cancer Council, an organisation for which he has the greatest respect.

He is part of Metro Sydney’s Ambassador Program for Cancer Council, giving talks to community groups about his experience with cancer. His main take home message is for everyone to get themselves screened so we can put an end to cancer.

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

Greater Western Sydney

Promoting healthy lifestyles One of the five topics Cancer Council’s Community Speakers Program offers is Healthy Lifestyles: Reducing Your Cancer Risk. Nearly 25 per cent of all cancers are preventable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This talk helps raise awareness of the changes people can make every day to lower the risk of developing cancer.

This year the Community Speakers Program has delivered ten Healthy Lifestyle presentations in the Greater Western Sydney community. These talks have been to local community groups, with over half being within the culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

In May 2014 experienced volunteer community speaker Tony Breinl (pictured below) presented four Healthy Lifestyle presentations to groups including the Greek Welfare Association.

“I love doing these talks! I enjoy sharing cancer prevention messages and raising awareness of how people can reduce their cancer risk. I always get a big ‘thank you’ at the end of the sessions from the audience, and many say they have learnt new things about cancer prevention,” Tony observes.

Tony feels the Community Speakers Program is especially vital for disadvantaged community members who need to get cancer information.

Crunch&Sip

“The ones I have found the most rewarding are the groups that hang around after the presentation and ask a lot of questions”.

Also Cancer Council volunteers committed to the healthy lifestyles message, Marj and Ken Freeman were recently involved in a health expo in their local community of Blacktown. Held at Blacktown General Practice, it offered an opportunity for this couple to share Cancer Council healthy lifestyles resources with those attending.

Passionate local volunteers, Ken and Marj (pictured below) share an unbounded commitment to beating cancer wherever and whoever it may strike.

“I enjoy sharing cancer prevention messages and raising awareness of how people can reduce their cancer risk.”

Melissa Beech, Meagan Johnson, Kimberly Watton, and Aruni Ratnayake.

The Greater Western Sydney Team has recently adopted Crunch&Sip into our daily routine in the office.

Every day at 11am and 3:30pm, we take five minutes away from our desks to crunch on fruit and veg and sip on water together.

Crunch&Sip was originally designed as a dedicated break in class-time for kids, as part of the Cancer Council’s Eat It To Beat It school-based healthy eating programs.

Only 23 per cent of the team felt we were eating the recommended two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables each day, so we decided to take the challenge on board at the office to help reach our ‘two and five’ targets!

The whole team has embraced Crunch&Sip and encourages each other to participate. The team agrees that implementing this program has helped increase our fruit and vegetable intake.

“It has been such a positive change for the team, we now get excited about eating fruit and vegetables,” says Community Relations Coordinator Crystal Huynh.

Why not try and implement Crunch&Sip in your Cancer Council team? For more information about Crunch&Sip or the Eat It to Beat It program, please contact Nina Tan, Regional Nutrition Project Officer, at ninat@nswcc.org.au or call (02) 9354 2017.

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

Hunter Central Coast

Supporting Survivors and Carers pharmacies, doctors’ surgeries, radiology clinics, fitness centres, hairdressers, cake shops and clubs, leaving information about Relay For Life and spruiking Relay to anyone who will listen.

Cheryl Cooper (pictured above) is a passionate member of the Newcastle Lake Macquarie Relay For Life committee.

She has held the Survivors and Carers portfolio since 2012, and in that time has connected with a remarkable number of cancer patients, their carers and loved ones. She has visited

Initially in 2007 Cheryl and her “Pink Wings” team entered Relay after the death of her father to cancer in 2006.

Prompted by a television ad, her family and friends were captivated by the atmosphere of the event, and were well and truly hooked. She felt she wanted to join the committee, and it was during the Candlelight Ceremony of Remembrance as she watched a slide show of images of loved ones lost that she had an epiphany. She wanted to reach out to the families left behind, people like her, and to support others on their cancer journey.

Seven years on, Cheryl’s mission is to make the Survivors and Carers more visible at Relay, to inspire others by their courage, and to help them to meet and support each other. In 2011 about 70 Survivors and Carers attended our VIP afternoon tea. In 2012 there were 180, and in 2013 the

Volunteer Profile Sue Boswell volunteers undertaking office administration and front desk duties, coordinating our Home Support Program, as well as assisting with fundraising efforts.

She chose to volunteer at Cancer Council after one of our speakers visited her local YWCA Encore program, inspiring her to offer her time to us. As a breast cancer survivor she is passionate about supporting other women with breast cancer, and felt there must be something she was able to do. Cancer Council provides the place, the people, and the mission, for Sue to bring her skills and passion to beating breast cancer.

number swelled to 311 – testament to Cheryl’s warm and caring nature, and her ability to maintain contact and sustain relationships with those she has met.

Cheryl is also a full-time foster carer, and in her spare time manages community stalls for both Daffodil Day and Pink Ribbon Day. It is often said that if you want something done you should ask a busy person.

Cheryl’s ‘Can Do’ attitude makes her busier than most!

...it was during the Candlelight Ceremony of Remembrance as she watched a slide show of images of loved ones lost that she had an epiphany.

She wanted to reach out to the families left behind, people like her, and to support others on their cancer journey.

What she enjoys most about volunteering is “being able to help others who have gone through a similar experience to myself.”

When not volunteering at Cancer Council, Sue is a Coordinator/ Trainer at YWCA for Encore, an exercise program for women who have had breast cancer.

Sue says she’s passionate about “helping others who have had cancer, and especially women who have had breast cancer.

Working towards a more informed community regarding information in the health environment, and programs that are available in the local areas.”

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

Northern NSW

ENRICH every tomorrow One of our valued volunteers, Kellie Lansley, has helped Cancer Council NSW to ENRICH the Armidale community.

Kellie (pictured left), a Bachelor of Social Studies student majoring in Social Welfare from Southern Cross University, earlier this year completed a 200 hours internship with Cancer Council NSW North West Office, working with Paul Hobson, Community Programs Coordinator for New England.

Kellie was instrumental in setting up the Armidale ENRICH program

(Cancer Council’s exercise and nutrition program, free for cancer survivors, carers and family members), the first to be rolled out in the New England area, and the six weekly sessions held during May and June at the Armidale Ex Services Club in Armidale.

With ten participants enrolled in the program from the local community, Kellie was responsible for coordinating the program through the administration and promotion of the event to involvement in the screening of the facilitators and participants.

Thanks Kellie!

Taking prevention messages to schools In the North West area community speaker volunteer Sarah Job (pictured right) and Southern Cross University Intern student Victoria Wood participated in the Youth Life Wise program being presented in two local high schools.

Quirindi and Gunnedah High schools took the initiative to have all Year 7-10 students attend a variety of presentations designed to support the students with not only their school development, but with personal issues they may face everyday day.

Sessions included presentations on: • mental health (coping with anxiety, anger management, resilience, positive body image) • drugs and alcohol • cyber bullying • healthy lifestyles, which is where Cancer Council NSW concentrated on cancer prevention by presenting on Sun Sound.

As well, the Healthy Lifestyles community speaker presentation provided a particular focus on the harms of smoking, which was identified as an issue in one particular school.

After each session the students had a work-sheet to complete, which gave great opportunity for discussion on the presentation they had just received.

This program has proven such a success it is being rolled out in other communities, such as Narrabri, Moree and Wee Waa.

After each session the students had a work-sheet to complete, which gave great opportunity for discussion on the presentation they had just received.

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

Southern NSW

An exciting new partnership The Wollongong Office has embarked on a new partnership with WorkSkills, a disability work placement program that places volunteers with varying disabilities in a suitable volunteer role to assist them to gain skills and experience in a work environment.

Former Wollongong University student, 23-year-old Candice Keilly-Carroll, began volunteering with Cancer Council NSW because she had lost her mother to cancer at the age of 14. She wanted to do something for others as well as to stay informed on the latest cancer research available.

We have had a lot of success with these volunteers, who are committed and excited to learn new skills. Disability becomes a ‘minor obstacle’ which they are able to overcome with some guidance and time to become familiar with their new role and environment.

Candice’s eighteen months at Cancer Council, primarily with the Eat It To Beat It program promoting the importance of living a healthy lifestyle at primary schools by informing parents, educating children, and demonstrating a healthy lifestyle through newsletters, recipes and workshops, was life-changing.

We really love being a part of this program, it gives us a lot of satisfaction to know that we are helping someone as much as they are helping us.

Pictured right: Emily Gervaise, Workskills – Administration; Leah Dawson, Cancer Council NSW Community Coordinator, Volunteering & Partnerships; and David Baird, Workskills – Marketing Projects.

Connecting like never before Our Facebook page, founded in February, continues to grow with every like, share and tag that you do.

We already have over 250 friends – thank you for your support!

Social Media Volunteer Reegan Myers (pictured right), passionate about communicating social issues and promoting a healthy lifestyle, works hard to collect and promote local stories to share on Facebook each week. She finds herself enjoying the page just as much as our followers.

“These posts have encouraged me to live a healthier life myself,” Reegan says. “I have discovered so much new information, and it’s great that I can make it easily accessible to the public”.

Volunteer Profile

Each week we focus on something different – informing our followers of a specific cancer, sharing local cancer support programs successes, updating event information, or simply just inspiring people to live a healthier life.

If you would like to be our Facebook friend, simply visit www.facebook. com/cancercouncilsouthern and click the like button to follow us.

Her work with Cancer Council inspired her to continue in the not-for-profit sector, and she has since gone on to work with Cancer Australia in the capacity of Health Project Officer. She says, “It was my experience with Cancer Council NSW that contributed to me successfully gaining my current position at Cancer Australia.”

In addition to pursuing her career, Candice is currently completing a PhD on public health and human rights. With double the workload, Candice has said that “working for Cancer Council gave me the confidence and drive to follow my dreams, shaped the direction of my career, and showed me the value of volunteering”.

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VolunteerVoice | September2014

Western NSW

Passion. Commitment.

A thirst for knowledge.

Griffith Expo spreads the local word

In May, community members from the Western Region gathered in Griffith for Advocacy Training. More than 20 delegates were treated to education in ‘how to plan an advocacy campaign’, including ‘developing a public narrative and a theory of change’, ‘understanding statistics and research data’, as well as how to engage with people of political influence.

On Wednesday 28 May some of our very helpful volunteers attended the Griffith Community Services Expo. This expo was all about networking with other services in Griffith and surrounding areas. There were in total 35 other stalls that came together to spread the word of what they had to offer.

Griffith Mayor John Dal Broi joined us, offering some local political flavours. A lovely dinner at Vita’s Restaurant gave everyone the opportunity to network and develop new friendships. Two new advocacy groups are now in the development stages, making the training at Griffith a resounding success!

As Griffith is among the main areas that we have been approaching for community speakers, it was a great opportunity for Lyn, our Community Speaker Coordinator, to network with other organisations and secure some individuals for training.

Pictured below: Lyn Childs and Anne Cochrane.

Full steam ahead for our Community Speakers The beginning of the year saw eight Community Speaker volunteers undertake training. Many of the Orange and district Community Speaker volunteers draw upon their own cancer experiences to inspire and connect to community members. They are dedicated to defeating cancer by building a ‘cancer smart community’. At Cancer Council we know that access to quality information is a fundamental element of a healthy community.

Hard work from our marketing intern and two Community Speaker Volunteer Coordinators has enabled the coordination of a well-organised marketing and booking system. Communities within the Western Region were so keen to uptake our presentations that four were booked in over just one week.

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Most recently, the Oberon Men’s Shed held a Community Speaker event, with over thirty locals in attendance. The key theme and discussion point was Healthy Lifestyle and Prostate Matters.

Community Speaker, former GP, and president of the Bathurst Prostate Cancer Support Group, John Troller, said “cancer is serious, but early diagnosis, knowing what the symptoms are, and not being afraid to seek help, can be the difference between life and death.”

Cancer Council NSW is extremely fortunate to have our team of dedicated volunteers. Without the informational reach our Community Speakers bring to spreading Cancer Council’s messages region-wide, hundreds of lives might otherwise be lost.

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Book Review

Recipe Corner Asian Chicken Salad Ingredients 500 g skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed Freshly ground or cracked black pepper 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved 4 coriander stalks, including roots and leaves 100 g rice stick or vermicelli noodles

The Emperor of All Maladies

by Siddhartha Mukherjee The Emperor of All Maladies is a magnificent, profoundly humane ‘biography’ of cancer. Physician, researcher, and award-winning science writer, Siddhartha Mukherjee recounts centuries of discoveries, setbacks, victories, and deaths, told through the eyes of his predecessors and peers, training their wits against an infinitely resourceful adversary that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out ‘war against cancer’. Unfortunately, not so.

The book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist. From the Persian Queen Atossa, whose Greek slave cut off her malignant breast, to the nineteenth-century recipients of primitive radiation and chemotherapy, to Mukherjee’s own leukaemia patient, Carla, The Emperor of All Maladies is about the people who have soldiered through fiercely demanding regimens in order to survive, and so to increase our understanding of this disease.

Riveting, urgent, and surprising, The Emperor of All Maladies is an illuminating book that provides hope and clarity to those seeking to demystify cancer. And beat it.

Excerpted from www.goodreads.com/book/ show/7170627-the-emperor-of-all-maladies

3 cups Chinese cabbage (Wombok), finely shredded 2 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks 4 spring onions (including green tops), ends trimmed, thinly sliced diagonally 3 cups bean sprouts ½ cup mint leaves, loosely packed, roughly torn 2 tbs lime juice 2 tbs sweet chilli sauce 2 tsp fish sauce 1 tbs water 40 g unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped Method

• Place the noodles in a large heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 5 minutes to soften. Drain well.

• Add cabbage, carrot, spring onions, bean sprouts and mint to noodles. Roughly chop mint leaves and add to salad ingredients.

• Remove chicken and garlic from liquid stock and set aside to cool slightly.

• Make dressing: mash cooked garlic in a cup and combine with lime juice, sweet chilli sauce, fish sauce and water.

• Coarsely shred or thinly slice the chicken then add to the salad with dressing and combine.

• Serve immediately, topped with peanuts.

• Place both chicken breasts in a medium saucepan with enough water to just cover.

Season with black pepper.

Hint: This dish can be made in advance, but dressing and peanuts are best to be added to salad just before serving.

• Add garlic, coriander roots and stems, reserving leaves.

Variations: • Replace the rice noodles with 100g fresh egg noodles. If using dried egg noodles, you will have to cook it according to the packet directions.

• Substitute poached chicken for 2 skinless breasts of a cooked roast chicken.

• Place over high heat. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat. Simmer with lid on for 2 minutes.

• Switch off heat, cover and leave chicken to rest in the liquid stock while preparing salad.

LiveLighter © State of Western Australia 2013, reproduced with permission.

VolunteerVoice | September2014

Events Calendar

Singleton: Singleton Showground, Church Street, Singleton, 25 October.

Border: Wodonga Raiders Football & Sports Club, Birallee Park, Wodonga, 25 October.

Blacktown: Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill, 25 October.

Nambucca Valley: Macksville Showground, Macksville, 25 October.

Relays For Life

Cooma-Monaro: Rotary Oval, Murray Street, Cooma, 25 October.

Newcastle/Lake Macquarie: Hunter Sports Centre, Stockland Drive, Glendale, 1 November.

Mingara: Mingara Athletic Track, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi, 11 October.

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai: Venue to be confirmed. 1 November.

Goulburn & Surrounds: Eastgrove Park, South Goulburn, 1 November.

Macleay Valley: Kempsey Showground, Kempsey, 11 October.

Tamworth: Carter Street Netball Fields, Carter Street, Tamworth, 1 November.

Inner West; King George Park, Rozelle, 8 November.

Wagga Wagga: Paramore Park, Wagga Exhibition Centre, 11 October.

Manning Valley: Taree Recreational Grounds, Taree. 8 November

Moree: Moree Showgrounds, 18 October.

Fairfield: Horsley Park Reserve, The Horsley Drive, Horsley Park, 1 November.

Cessnock: Baddeley Park, Vincent Street, Cessnock, 18 October.

Ballina Shire: Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina, 1 November.

Visit www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au/ find/ for details on Relays before (September 2014) and subsequent (to April 2015) to this listing.

Your local Cancer Council contact details Metro Regions: Metro Sydney 153 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 (PO Box 572, Kings Cross NSW 1340)

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Northern Sydney Community Office Crows Nest Regional Office, Level I, 117 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065

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(02) 9334 1754 (02) 9334 1600

Greater Western Sydney Parramatta Regional Office, Rotary House, 43 Hunter St, Parramatta NSW 2150 (PO Box 3426) .. (02) 9354 2000 Casula Community Office 39 Ingham Drive, Casula NSW 2170 (PO Box 287)

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Penrith Community Office 114-116 Henry St, Penrith NSW 2750 (PO Box 4379)

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Rouse Hill Community Office Health One, The Terrace, 40 Panmure Street, Rouse Hill NSW 2155 (PO Box 6112)

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(02) 9354 2050 (02) 9354 2060 (02) 9354 2070

Regional and Rural offices: Hunter & Central Coast Charlestown Regional Office, Unit C1.2, Level 1, Landmark Building, 215 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown NSW 2290 .................................................................................................................................................................................... (02) 4923 0700 Upper Hunter Community Office 69 John St, Singleton 2330 (PO Box 570) ................................................................................................ (02) 6571 2899 Erina Fair Community Office The Hive, Erina Fair, Erina NSW 2250 (PO Box 5102)

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(02) 4336 4500

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(02) 6627 0300

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(02) 6659 8400

Northern NSW Suites 8 & 9, Level 1, 130 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481 Coffs Harbour Office 121 High St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Southern NSW Wollongong Regional Office, Suite 7 Ground Floor, iC Enterprise 1, Innovation Campus, Squires Way, North Wollongong NSW 2500 (PO Box 21, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519)

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(02) 4223 0200

Bega Community Office Shop 8, Auckland Plaza, 81-83 Auckland St, Bega NSW 2550 (PO Box 772)

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(02) 6492 1805

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(02) 6392 0800

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(02) 6937 2600

Western NSW Orange Regional Office, 4a/122-124 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800 (PO Box 1977) Wagga Wagga Office: 1/37 Tompson St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (PO Box 1164)

CAN3001 09/14

Tamworth Office Shop 1, 218 Peel St, Tamworth NSW 2340 (PO Box 1616) ................................................................................................. (02) 6763 0900