Cancer Institute NSW

“I keep up to date for breast and bowel screening tests so it was unusual for me to be overdue for cervical screening."

“My GP reminded me, but due to previous experiences of physical discomfort having the test, I found myself repeatedly not making the appointment.”

But when self-collection became an option for everyone, Karen didn't hesitate.

📰 Hear her story this Cervical Cancer Awareness Week: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/news/Why-self-collection-is-right-for-me

The Cervical Screening Test can detect a virus that causes almost all cervical cancers.

Having the test every five years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. It’s available if you:
✅ are a woman or person with a cervix,
✅ are aged 25–74, and
✅ have ever been sexually active.

➡️ To learn more about cervical screening, visit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/cervical-screening

Have you ever wondered if you can have a Cervical Screening Test when you're on your period?

You can have a Cervical Screening Test at any time during your menstrual cycle. However, most women find it more comfortable to schedule their appointment at a time outside of their period when they are not bleeding.

➡️ To learn more about cervical screening, visit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/screening-and-early-detection/cervical-screening/about-the-cervical-screening-test/when-to-have-your-cervical-screening-test

This week is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, helping more people understand its impact and what we can do to prevent it.

Across the week we will be sharing information and resources across the week to help – a Cervical Screening Test every five years could save your life.

➡️ Learn more about the test and how you can reduce your risk of cervical cancer: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/screening-and-early-detection/cervical-screening/about-the-cervical-screening-test

NSW cancer researcher Professor Anthony Gill AM has led breakthroughs to change the lives of people around the world.

His discoveries include a new type of cancer tumours, and his work is driving better outcomes for people impacted by pancreatic cancer.

Today we are privileged to recognise Prof Gill's career as 2023 NSW Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year, along with six other awards for the state's best and brightest.

📰 Get the full story: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/news/leading-pathologist-wins-state-s-top-cancer-resear

There’s lots to remember when people talk about cancer – it can be hard to know what everything means.

Protective factors are things that reduce your risk of getting cancer. These include:
🚭 quitting smoking
💧 limiting alcohol
🏃 being active
🌳 protecting your skin
🧑 maintaining a healthy weight

Cancer can impact anyone, but there are things we can do to make it less likely.

The Cancer Institute NSW website has information to help people learn about cancer risk: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/about-cancer/cancer-basics/cancer-risk-factors

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of staying well and it's even more important for people going through cancer treatment.

By eating a healthy, balanced diet during your cancer treatment, you will be able to cope better, and your body will recover faster.

If you're having problems eating or drinking, don't be too hard on yourself – there may be times when you don’t feel like eating. If you have concerns you can speak to your cancer care team.

For helpful resources, visit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/physical-wellbeing/eating-well

What does your cough mean? We're encouraging everyone to learn about the symptoms of lung cancer this , and speak to a GP about any concerns.

Symptoms can include:
➡️ persistent cough (lasting longer than three weeks)
➡️ trouble breathing
➡️ change in your voice
➡️ coughing up blood

Finding lung cancer early saves lives. Learn more about the symptoms and how to reach out to your GP: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/lung-cancer/diagnosis-and-treatment/diagnosis/noticing-symptoms

Did you know healthy habits can reduce the risk of getting cancer?

There are six changes that everyone can make to their everyday lifestyle that will help.

➡️ Get tips and resources: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/preventing-cancer/reduce-your-cancer-risk

Being prepared and knowing the stages of cancer can help you or a loved one. We're encouraging people to learn what they are, and what they mean: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/about-cancer/cancer-basics/stages-of-cancer

It can sound daunting, but the stages help doctors to work out the best treatment options. They also mean a person with cancer can fully understand their situation and discuss any concerns they have.

It is never too late to stop smoking. Even after a cancer diagnosis, quitting can improve your response to treatment.

Quitline can help you prepare to quit and support you in creating a quitting plan that works best for you. Call Quitline on 13 7848.

More information is available to support people impacted by cancer in quitting smoking: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/physical-wellbeing/quitting-smoking

Cancer may make you feel many emotions. You may experience feelings such as shock, denial, fear, sadness, loneliness or a loss of control.

There is no right or wrong way to cope with the news. It is normal to feel many emotions, and most people need time to adjust.

This we are sharing resources that can help. Visit the Cancer Institute NSW for more on feelings and cancer: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/emotional-wellbeing/feelings-and-cancer

Working together we can help more people in NSW prevent cancer and improve their everyday wellbeing.

We're releasing a new toolkit to support the Aboriginal health workforce bringing information to Aboriginal communities across the state.

➡️ Find out more and see the new Helping Mob Live Healthy and Prevent Cancer toolkit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/helping-mob-live-healthy-and-prevent-cancer

Our mobile screening vans visit over 200 locations in NSW! 🚐

To find your nearest breast screening service, visit: https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/your-mammogram-appointment/screening-centres

Exercise has been shown to have important benefits for people with cancer. It is recommended that people with cancer stay as active as possible.

Your cancer team can provide advice about exercise. To learn more visit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/physical-wellbeing/staying-active

This we're sharing tips for mental and physical health – being active can help both.

Thank you for sharing your experiences – more than 8,000 people across NSW have taken part in a new survey about their cancer care.

Everyone in our state should have access to care that's right for them.

📰 Find out more about the results and what people said: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/news/Cancer-care-receives-high-praise-in-NSW

It is important to stay as well as possible physically when you have cancer. To better cope with your treatment and feel better in yourself, you can:
➡️ Quit smoking
➡️ Eat well
➡️ Stay active

To learn more about physical wellbeing, visit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/physical-wellbeing

October is Month – recognising everyone impacted by breast cancer.

Sadly more than 6,000 cases are diagnosed every in year in NSW. If you or a loved one have been impacted, having the right information can help.

➡️ Find facts and resources to support with diagnosis, treatment, care and more: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer

This National Carer's Week we say thank you to everybody who is supporting someone impacted by cancer.

Caring is such an important role, but it's also important to look after yourself. Everybody should have access to help and support when they need it.

Find resources in NSW on our website: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/finding-support/support-for-carers

Are you one of the more than 13,000 people in NSW?

New data show there's a big uptake in self collection for cervical screening – helping more people put their health first and prevent cervical cancer.

📰 Get the full story and find out more about self-collection: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/news/self-collection-helps-to-boost-cervical-screening

It can be difficult to talk about your cancer diagnosis, but often people find that telling others can be a relief. Telling people about your cancer also allows them to offer support.

You may need to tell family, friends, children or people at work that you have cancer. Only you can decide who you want to tell, and when you want to tell them. Being prepared with what you want to share can help.

➡️ For some ideas of what you might want to share, visit www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/telling-other-people

If you're thinking about drinking less alcohol, there are some things you can do to help.

Reducing alcohol is a great way to live healthy and reduce your cancer risk.

➡️ Get more and information and helpful tips: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/preventing-cancer/reduce-your-cancer-risk/drink-less-alcohol

October is , a time to think of those affected by breast cancer, and a reminder to schedule your breast screen.

The best time to treat breast cancer is when it is still very small – which is why regular breast screens are so important. Attending your 20-minute appointment every two years could literally save your life!

Prioritise your health this month and book your free breast screen today with BreastScreen NSW: https://book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au 👈

By sitting less and moving more you can reduce your cancer risk.

One hour of moderate activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day helps you live a healthier life and reduces your risk of cancer. Regardless of how old you are, the more you move, the better.

How can you build more activity into each day?

➡️ To learn more about exercise and reducing your cancer risk, visit www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/preventing-cancer/reduce-your-cancer-risk/be-more-active

To all of the Allied Health professionals working within NSW Health, we wish you a happy International Allied Health Professions Day!

Thank you for the difference you make to the people of NSW each and every day.

The allied health workforce in NSW Health is a diverse group of individual professions including occupational therapists, orthoptists, counsellors, pharmacists, and speech pathologists to name a few.

Tag an Allied Health professional below to say thanks.

Getting a cancer diagnosis can make an enormous impact on your life. You may experience many emotions such as shock, denial, fear, sadness, loneliness or a loss of control.

People cope with cancer in different ways. You may find it helpful to:
📖 Learn what you can
🎨 Express yourself - some do this by keeping a journal or painting
👭 Accept help from family and friends
👩‍⚕️ Talk to your doctor about how you feel
💬 Share experiences with other people who have cancer
🤗 Access support organisations that help people cope with cancer

➡️ To learn more this , visit www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/general-cancer-information/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/emotional-wellbeing/feelings-and-cancer

October is – recognising everyone impacted by liver cancer.

More than 900 cases are diagnosed every in year in NSW. If you or a loved one have been impacted, having the right information can help.

➡️ Find facts and resources to support with diagnosis, treatment, care and more: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/liver-cancer

Today is World Mental Health Day. A timely reminder to prioritise our own mental health and support those who may be experiencing mental ill-health.

Here’s some ideas on how you can have a positive impact on your life and the lives of others:

1. encourage people to pause and take a moment today to consider how they are feeling
2. refocus on the things you can do that are good for your mental health - doing some exercise, taking time for reflection, getting good rest and/or maintaining social connections with family, friends and colleagues
3. most importantly, if you need help, make sure you reach out for it, whether through your family, friends or mental health services. Once you begin to open up to a trusted person, small chats can lead to really important conversations.

For information about mental health services and support, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/support-contact-list.aspx

October is in NSW – supporting more people to tune in and take care of their mental health and wellbeing.

It goes without saying that a cancer diagnosis is a difficult time for everybody impacted, but there is support available.

Across the month we will be sharing information and resources that can help with the emotional impact of cancer.

➡️ Visit the Cancer Institute NSW website for more: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/cancer-support