Research Activity Report 2010

Research Activity Report 2010 questions diagnosis prevention cancer type treatment research support

Research for all people on all cancers

Table of contents

Table of contents Vision

1

Introduction

2

Research highlights 2010

7

Personalising cancer therapy

8

Understanding cancer risks

10

Improving cancer care for everyone

12

Integrating biomedical research into patient care

14

Helping children with leukaemia

16

Managing prostate cancer better

18

Forecasting the future

20

Caring for pancreatic cancer patients

22

Controlling hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer

24

Family fitness for health

26

Getting survivors and carers active

28

Helping couples learn to cope

30

Appendix

31

Staff

32

Grants

34

Publications, presentations and posters

38

Cancer Council NSW Board of Directors and committees

44

International visitors

Cancer Council NSW

Vision Cancer defeated.

Our vision will be realised when lives are not cut short nor the quality of life diminished by cancer.

Mission To defeat cancer through engaging the community.

Our research strategy Cancer Council NSW connects people and organisations to the cancer cause. Together we can build insights into the significance of cancer in our lives and contribute our talents towards the vision of cancer defeated. We work across all cancers.

The impact of our work together will be visible in changing: • The lives of cancer patients and carers • Scientific knowledge

To drive major advances in research, ensuring no cancer is ignored.

We harness brilliant minds across the expanse of cancer research to find out why people get cancer and how to prevent, treat, diagnose and manage the disease.

• Community understanding and behaviour • Society, policy and practice to advance cancer control.

We do this for all cancers by investing in the most promising research; adopting up-to-date technologies, rapidly responding to breakthroughs; swiftly dispelling myths; conducting population-based forecasting to meet future needs in prevention, services, screening and vaccinations; and exchanging knowledge and data with peers across the globe.

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Introduction

About us

Every year, in NSW alone, more than 36,600 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed. Through our research, Cancer Council NSW is committed to reducing this number and increasing survival rates for all cancers, including those that are rarer and harder to treat. Equally importantly, we work towards improving the quality of life for all cancer patients.

In 2010, Cancer Council NSW supported more than $14 million in cancer research by some of the world’s leading scientists, both from within our organisation and in partnership with other researchers and institutions.

Our strategy Our key focus is funding truly worldclass and groundbreaking research to cover all aspects of cancer: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. All of our research programs have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of people touched by cancer. The majority of our research programs are already providing insights that enable us to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, or to prevent more people from developing cancer.

As many who work in the research arena know, it can be a long and arduous path to major breakthroughs.

At Cancer Council NSW, we have structured our research to ensure it underpins our organisational strategy, with long-term aspirations and shorterterm goals along the way. Defeating cancer is a long-term strategy, yet our research also makes a difference each and every day, through the critical insights we gain and the impact we have on people with cancer.

We have deliberately committed considerable funding into highmortality cancers – such as brain, liver, oesophageal and pancreatic – that were traditionally underfunded in the research arena. These high-mortality cancers have significant impact through years of life lost, and we know that our focus can make a lasting and measurable difference.

Our structure Cancer Council NSW has a unique approach to cancer research. We use a range of strategies involving our own epidemiologists and behavioural researchers, and we fund external grants to collaborators around Australia. We place great importance on our collaborations with universities and institutes locally and across the globe (see page 6). We recognise that one organisation is unable to undertake all the research required to defeat cancer, and so therefore develop strategic partnerships with other organisation so we can make cancer history together. Our partnerships create greater leverage and opportunities than one single organisation can do on its own.

Dr Andrew Penman

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We have structured our research into two areas – internal and external – both of which complement each other and extend our capability and capacity.

Internally, our Cancer Research Division is one of the largest public health cancer research operations in Australia, with 40 scientific staff – plus students and volunteers – working with more than 150 collaborators.

Cancer Council NSW’s internal research programs complement our externally funded research, which comprises Program Grants, Project Grants, Innovator Grants and the Strategic Research Partnership (STREP) grants. Our external research program allows us to support some of the best and brightest cancer researchers working in Australia. In 2010, we funded 72 external grants, including 10 new ones, representing a total expenditure of $9.7 million.

Other divisions within Cancer Council NSW – namely the Health Strategies Division and the Cancer Information and Support Services Division – undertake and commission research to ensure evidence-based cancer prevention and support solutions are developed and implemented effectively.

Our commitment Our investment in research makes Cancer Council NSW the largest funder of cancer research outside government funding agencies in NSW. By far the majority of this funding relies on the generosity of our supporters.

Investment in cancer research is our largest expenditure of donor funds, and we strive every day to live up to our supporters’ belief in our ability to make inroads in the defeat of cancer.

This research report is only a snapshot of the full Cancer Council NSW research portfolio. Within this publication, we highlight some of the key research programs and achievements from 2010. However, we remain committed to the vast array of programs and researchers who may not feature here, yet still contribute significant and tangible insights to cancer control.

Each and every day in NSW, almost 100 people on average are expected to be diagnosed with cancer. On average, 36 people are likely to die of the disease every day in this state. We are motivated to rectify the damage wrought by every cancer diagnosis and death. We do this through worldclass research for every stage of the cancer journey, making a difference in the fight against all cancers.

Dr Andrew Penman AM Chief Executive Officer

Figure 1: Research spend ($M)

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Introduction

Living out Cancer Council’s values though research The four key values of Cancer Council NSW are demonstrated by our research program:

Courage We will do what it takes to beat cancer and to make a difference in previously underfunded areas of cancer research.

Collaboration We collaborate through partnerships and alliances with other leading researchers and institutions, recognising that great minds can unite to make cancer history.

Independence Our predominant reliance on fundraising enables us to be accountable only to the cancer cause and responsive to the needs of our community.

Forward thinking We look ahead to ensure our research strategy will meet the needs of the community in the longer term, yet also provide key insights in the short and medium term.

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The burden of cancer The following graph represents the disease burden of some key cancer types, overlaid with the money invested by Cancer Council NSW in research for that cancer type in 2010. This is a snapshot of our research investment.

We take a strategic view of how to invest cancer research funding, based on the burden of the disease, its mortality, the likely impact of the research and how much funding has been invested into that cancer type by other institutions.

Our priority overall remains to drive major advances in research, ensuring no cancer is ignored.

Figure 2: Comparing disease burden in Australia with CCNSW research expenditure in 2010

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• Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) is shown on left-hand axis • CCNSW research funding is shown on right-hand axis of chart

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Introduction

With one-quarter of our seven million residents having been born overseas, and with one-third of Australia’s Aboriginal people living in our state, NSW’s large and culturally diverse population – each with a distinct cancer profile – represents a microcosm of the world. This allows us to research the underlying causes of various cancers and understand how best to prevent them. It also enables us to inform public policy and practice (in NSW, nationally and also internationally), support behavioural change and dispel prevailing myths about cancer.

Leading examples of local projects with much broader ramifications for cancer control include our Cancer Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk (CLEAR) study (see page 10), Patterns of Cancer Care for Aboriginal People in NSW (APOCC) study (see page 12), the 45 and Up Study and cervical cancer modelling projects (see page 20).

Our research capabilities and reach are also enriched with our international network, with hundreds of collaborations with academics, organisations, networks and communities.

Figure 3: Our global collaboration and reach

The map above illustrates the breadth of Cancer Council NSW’s national and international collaborations, all of which enable us to extend our capabilities and accelerate breakthroughs in how to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage cancer.

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Research highlights 2010

questions diagnosis prevention cancer type treatment research support

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Research highlights

Personalising cancer therapy Project: Pharmacogenomics Research for Individualised Medicine (PRIMe)

Understanding the molecular differences in cancers can help clinicians select and deliver a cancer therapy that is tailor-made for each patient.

The PRIMe research project was established to respond to the urgent need for more personalised cancer therapies and to foster research in this important new field. It unites teams of researchers at seven world-leading research facilities spread across NSW.

Why are we doing it?

What impact will it have?

One aim of the PRIMe project is to encourage interstate and international teams to optimise the collective value of NSW pharmacogenomics research.

The intention is to cover all the areas enabling advances in this field, ranging from basic research and clinical trials, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

The PRIMe project will make an important contribution to the adoption of personalised medicine in the clinical setting. Taking a personalised approach is expected to improve outcomes for people with cancer.

Other large-scale research projects supported by Cancer Council NSW, such as the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) with Professor Andrew Biankin at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, will help provide a source of potential candidates for the various questions that need to be addressed through cancer pharmacogenomics.

PRIMe will also provide a structure to improve the level of training in personalised medicine strategies. The integration of disciplines is an essential component of successful programs in this area, and exposure to this field will ensure future researchers understand the spectrum of expertise required.

It helps direct ongoing research towards the development of novel therapeutic strategies for better drug delivery, toxicity control and difficult-to-treat cancers. It also helps patients to know whether a particular drug will work for them, or whether it may harm them.

The PRIMe project is designed to help with one of the key problems facing researchers in this area: although researchers have achieved significant success, their individual efforts have been hampered by a lack of integrated programs leading to implementation.

By establishing the PRIMe project, personalised therapy research will progress much further.

What is pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetic variations and their influence on the way patients respond to drug therapies.

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The variability between individuals in the way a drug interacts with their body and the sensitivity of a particular tumour to a specific drug makes personalised cancer therapies an important goal for the future.

This year’s insights and highlights In 2010 the PRIMe team concentrated on establishing the foundations and infrastructure needed to run a multicentre network to conduct research into pharmacogenomics.

In coming years, the team will concentrate on delivering results through publication of its work and streamlining the studies adopted by PRIMe. As part of the PRIMe project, two studies – called MIC-1 and TADE – are now operational at several hospital sites, and recruitment of participants into these studies will be accelerated in 2011. The MIC-1 study (Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokines-1) will examine whether MIC-1 can be used as a biomarker for Docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer patients. The study is based at the Sydney Cancer Centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and the research team plans to recruit additional patients from Concord, Hornsby, Calvary Mater Newcastle, St George and Westmead hospitals.

The TADE study (Study of Tamoxifen Dose Escalation in Breast Cancer Patients With CYP2D6 Polymorphisms) is examining the potential for dose adjustment of Tamoxifen in breast cancer patients, and is determining the levels of the cytochrome P450 gene responsible for the metabolism of Tamoxifen. This work is based at Westmead Hospital, and additional patients will be recruited from Royal Prince Alfred, St George and Calvary Mater Newcastle hospitals.

Delivering tailor-made treatments The PRIMe project is working towards delivering a personalised approach to cancer medicine and is bringing together experts with a range of expertise from around Australia and internationally, according to lead researcher, Dr Lisa Horvath.

“One day, we hope that every individual will receive cancer treatments that are tailor-made, not one-size-fits-all. This will ultimately save more lives.”

Lead researcher Dr Lisa Horvath, Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Sydney Cancer Centre (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) and Visiting Post-doctoral Scientist at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research Lisa Horvath is the Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Sydney Cancer Centre (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) and a Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. She spent four years at the Garvan Institute completing a PhD entitled “Molecular markers of outcome in prostate cancer”. During this time, she worked on both the identification of new biomarkers and the functional analysis of these molecules.

More recently, her research has focused more on drug resistance in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. This work integrates clinical trial work and correlative biomarker studies using both standard and experimental anti-cancer treatments.

In addition, she is involved with a large number of clinical trials in prostate, lung and colorectal cancers and in phase I trials.

Dr Lisa Horvath

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Research highlights

Understanding cancer risks Project: The Cancer Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk (CLEAR) study

A cancer diagnosis can be a lifechanging experience for a patient and their family, with over 36,600 people in NSW receiving this devastating news each year. With Cancer Council NSW’s commitment to reducing that number, we need better information about how lifestyle and genetic factors influence cancers.

Why are we doing it?

The CLEAR study is central to Cancer Council NSW’s strategy to unravel the causes of cancer. We know at least one-third of all cancers are due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive sun exposure and obesity, and that certain genes are linked to particular cancers. To improve cancer prevention, more information is needed about these factors, and the CLEAR study is designed to collect the necessary data.

Participants in the study each complete an extensive lifestyle questionnaire and are invited to contribute a blood sample for storage in a biological repository (referred to as Cancer Council’s Biobank). Responses to the questionnaire provide researchers with detailed information about the environmental conditions of the study participants.

Following collection, the huge volume of data from the study will be analysed and – together with the blood samples stored in Cancer Council’s Biobank – will be made available to the cancer research community around the world. This will represent a significant resource for researchers to test their ideas about the interaction between the environmental, genetic and infectious factors influencing the risk of cancer.

When 10,000 participants have joined the study, analysis will begin for cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon and rectum, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

When participation reaches 25,000, enough information will be available to assess the impact of various genetic and lifestyle factors on the risk of developing liver, thyroid, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.

Who are we working with?

Collaboration is an important component of the CLEAR study, with three of the six Chief Investigators – Professor Emily Banks (45 and Up Study Director), Professor Michael Barton (Liverpool Hospital) and Professor Robyn Ward (University of NSW) – coming from institutions outside Cancer Council NSW. The CLEAR study’s Expert Advisory Committee (which is chaired by Professor Bruce Armstrong from the University of Sydney) has taken a strongly collaborative approach and utilises the expertise of a variety of people and organisations.

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What impact will it have?

The value of the information from the CLEAR study cannot be underestimated, as it represents one of the largest repositories of this type of data available to researchers anywhere in the world. The data collected covers many more people than previously studied in Australia.

Another significant element of the CLEAR study is that it covers a wide range of lifestyle factors, such as migration, ethnicity, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, occupation, reproductive history and dietary patterns. Collecting this type of detailed information is vital to understanding the lifestyle and genetic factors influencing cancer risk.

The size of the population group in NSW, together with the diversity of lifestyles and cultural backgrounds, provides a large and unique sample to study – and this is expected to provide meaningful answers about the causes of cancer, and how these vary in different cultural groups. It will enable valuable insights into which gene/environment interactions are important, and whether they differ between various groups within the NSW community.

Gathering detailed information about the lifestyle and genetic factors influencing cancer in NSW is creating an invaluable resource that can be used by researchers around the world to test their ideas about the environmental, genetic and infectious factors involved in cancer.

This year’s highlights and insights In January 2011, recruitment of eligible participants into the CLEAR study reached a significant milestone of 5,000 people. We now have a network of 16 hospitals, clinical sites and clinical cancer registries where we recruit. Cancer Council NSW’s Biobank now has over 130,000 blood specimens, of which 80,000 were sourced from CLEAR participants.

The volume of data collected to date means initial studies into the participating population have begun. In 2010, a Masters of Public Health Honours student, Simon Willcox, analysed some of the data on the factors participants thought had caused their cancer, with interesting results.

In addition, data from the first 1,000 women in the CLEAR study diagnosed with breast cancer will be sent to an international collaborative team working on the risks of hormone replacement therapy. This team is being coordinated by Professor Dame Valerie Beral from Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, who is an advisor to the CLEAR study group.

Lead researcher More valuable than money Participants in the CLEAR study are donating something much more precious than money, according to lead researcher, Assoc Professor Freddy Sitas.

“Many people think the only way to help research is to give a financial donation, but when it comes to a broad-reaching study such as CLEAR, we’re totally reliant on the courage and goodwill of cancer patients in the community.”

Assoc Professor Freddy Sitas, Director of Cancer Council NSW’s Cancer Research Division After studying at both the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and the University of Oxford, Assoc Professor Sitas was awarded a doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Oxford. Part of his work showed for the first time that Helicobacter pylori is a cause of stomach cancer.

He returned to South Africa to head the South African National Cancer Registry and then the South African MRC Cancer Epidemiology Research Group. In 2000, Assoc Professor Sitas was awarded a Readership in Epidemiology by the University of the Witwatersrand, and in 2003, he was appointed Director of Cancer Council NSW’s Cancer Research Division.

Assoc Professor Freddy Sitas

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Research highlights

Improving cancer care for everyone Project: Patterns of Cancer Care for Aboriginal People in NSW (APOCC)

The Patterns of Cancer Care for Aboriginal People in NSW (APOCC) project is working with NSW Aboriginal communities to identify factors affecting the diagnosis and treatment of cancer for Aboriginal people, and to find appropriate avenues for improvement in their cancer care.

Funded by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant, its aim is to reduce the impact of cancer for Aboriginal people.

What impact will it have?

The research team is working to assess whether Aboriginal people are being diagnosed with cancer at later stages than non-Aboriginal people. If this is the case, the goal is to identify the barriers to early diagnosis and access to cancer care experienced by Aboriginal people, review the care they are currently receiving and compare this to the care received by nonAboriginal people.

In the longer term, the insights provided by the project will play an important role in improving the quality of care and reducing the cancer mortality rate among Aboriginal people in Australia.

What does it entail?

Ensuring nobody is forgotten

The project involves collecting and analysing data from hospitals around NSW to extract detailed information on the patterns of medical treatment received by Aboriginal people with cancer in the state.

The APOCC project is a key component in Cancer Council NSW’s strategy of ensuring no group is left out when it comes to our mission to defeat cancer, according to lead researcher, Professor Dianne O’Connell.

In addition to the data collection and analysis, interviews have been conducted with Aboriginal people diagnosed with cancer, their carers and Aboriginal health workers. These interviews are designed to explore the perceptions and experiences of Aboriginal people dealing with cancer, and to provide new insights into the management and treatment of their illness.

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The APOCC project will have a significant impact on Aboriginal people affected by cancer in both urban and regional NSW. Its goal is to assist governments at all levels in Australia to deliver better health services to Aboriginal people with cancer by developing strategies and programs that meet their needs and expectations.

Throughout the project, the APOCC team has collaborated with people working with Aboriginal populations

in other states, as well as with researchers in New Zealand and Canada. Both these countries have observed similar gaps in cancer mortality and treatment in their indigenous populations. The APOCC team is currently working on developing long-term strategies for pooling data and conducting collaborative research with international researchers to improve the health outcomes for indigenous people around the world.

The success of the APOCC project in Australia will provide other countries with valuable information about the management of cancer they can use with their indigenous populations.

This is expected to influence policy and decision-making on cancer management in many countries.

“This means ensuring no cancer – or group of cancer sufferers – is ignored.

“The insights we are gathering in the APOCC project will make a big difference. Not just in the diagnosis and treatment of Aboriginal people in Australia, but also in other countries around the world with indigenous populations. It’s that thought that helps us get out of bed every morning.”

Cancer is the second biggest killer of Aboriginal people, with the mortality rate for some cancers being more than three times higher than for non-Aboriginal people. More knowledge is needed about the factors influencing the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, to ensure no group in the Australian community is forgotten when it comes to defeating cancer.

This year’s highlights The initial phase of the APOCC project was completed in 2010, with the treatment records for over 1,200 people with cancer collected in collaboration with the University of Sydney and the University of NSW.

Research team Professor Dianne O’Connell, Senior Epidemiologist, Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit (CERU), Cancer Council NSW Professor O’Connell has extensive experience in designing and analysing epidemiological studies and randomised controlled trials. She also specialises in evidence-based healthcare and health services research.

A workshop was also held, bringing together Aboriginal community members, researchers, policymakers, advocates and healthcare workers to discuss issues related to cancer in the Aboriginal community.

Professor O’Connell is leading studies on variations in the management and treatment of major cancers in NSW and the analysis of data from the NSW Central Cancer Registry. She is currently Chief Investigator on the Men’s Health Study, the Pathways to Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer study and the NSW Lung Cancer Patterns of Care study, amongst others.

During the year, the APOCC team successfully applied for funding from the Cancer Institute NSW to enable routine collection of linked data on Aboriginal cancer registrations, deaths, hospital admissions and presentations to hospital emergency departments.

Rajah Supramaniam, Program Manager, Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit (CERU), Cancer Council NSW Before joining Cancer Council NSW, Mr Supramaniam worked as a biostatistician for the NSW Central Cancer Registry and BreastScreen NSW. His research interests include disparities in cancer treatment, cancer in Aboriginal people, Aboriginal health, health services research and descriptive epidemiology. He is also a tutor in biostatistics at the University of Sydney.

Where to now?

Ethics approval has been received for a Pathways to Diagnosis Study, and a questionnaire for this work has been piloted. Recruitment for the study will be conducted throughout 2011, and this work will allow the research team to describe in more detail the clinical pathways leading to the diagnosis of cancer for Aboriginal people.

Rajah Supramaniam

The final and perhaps most significant phase of the project will be the dissemination of the results from the APOCC project to all relevant stakeholders in Aboriginal and mainstream health, as well as to other researchers who may be able to replicate this study in their state or territory.

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Research highlights

Integrating biomedical research into patient care Project: The Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium (CCRC)

The aim of the Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium (CCRC) is to improve the accuracy of the information in the pathology report, to help patients and their doctors better understand the report and make moreinformed decisions about patient care.

What impact will it have?

Ongoing insights

This program has proved to be extremely significant and has already had a profound and lasting impact on colorectal cancer management in Australia.

In addition, the consortium wanted to develop systems to integrate new molecular tests available in this area into the routine care of patients with colorectal cancer, in order to significantly improve patient management.

The surgical request form and the guidelines developed by the research team for synoptic pathology reporting have been used as the basis for new national guidelines for pathology reporting of colorectal cancer. They have also been endorsed by the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia.

This project represented Stage 1 of a Strategic Research Partnership (see box) funded by Cancer Council NSW. Although Stage 1 was completed in December 2010, Cancer Council NSW will continue to address the research priorities identified in the initial stage by funding a Stage 2 grant.

Why are we doing it?

The program has also led to MMRD immunohistochemistry being successfully introduced into all diagnostic laboratories in SESIAHS as a routine test for all patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This testing will allow people with Lynch syndrome and their families to benefit from the knowledge that they have an inherited form of colorectal cancer, which can be prevented by regular screening.

To achieve the CCRC’s goals, the research team set out to standardise colorectal cancer pathology reporting within the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service (SESIAHS) and to conduct molecular testing on all patients identified with colorectal cancer. This was to help ensure that the colorectal cancer pathology report was accurate and reproducible for each patient.

The CCRC also developed a pathway for incorporating tests for a molecular subtype of colorectal cancers, known as mismatch repair deficient (MMRD), into routine patient care.

Identifying MMRD colorectal cancer is important, as patients with these tumours respond differently and have better outcomes compared to patients without MMRD colorectal cancers. In addition, some patients with MMRD colorectal cancer are genetically predisposed to developing cancer (known as Lynch syndrome) and can pass on this risk to their offspring.

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The research also showed that once effective processes are established, MMRD testing can be performed accurately in routine pathology laboratories without the need for complicated genetic tests. In addition, surgeons, physicians and pathologists can be trained to interpret the molecular tests, which may make them more receptive to the use of new tests in the future.

One of the projects developed as a result of the partnership will be led by Assoc Professor Karen Canfell, Senior Research Fellow at Cancer Council NSW. It will assess the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of populationbased bowel cancer screening under different scenarios.

The results generated by this work will be of direct relevance to the allocation and use of future resources within Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and in the screening services provided by individual states and territories in Australia.

Although Australia has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world and its incidence has increased a further 25 percent in the past 10 years, there have been no standards for pathology reports on the disease.

Lead researcher

What are Strategic Research Partnerships (STREP)?

Professor Robyn Ward, Clinical Associate Dean at Prince of Wales Clinical School UNSW, Senior Staff Specialist in Medical Oncology at Prince of Wales Hospital and member of the Australian Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee Professor Ward is an internationally respected medical oncologist, cancer geneticist and research scientist, with extensive experience in the investigation of genetic and epigenetic events in colorectal cancer.

The aim of the STREP program is to fund projects that will make fundamental game-changing contributions to science. The grants are designed to solve the high-priority research questions that have a tangible impact on cancer control, especially in those cancers with poor outcomes and where funding through other mechanisms has lagged behind clinical need.

Professor Ward heads the Adult Cancer Program in the Lowy Cancer Research Centre and has a significant record of achievement in translational and clinical cancer research.

She established and leads an independent research group that has produced over 160 publications in international peerreviewed journals. In 2004, her achievements were recognised with the Commonwealth Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research, and in 2007, she received the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Cancer Researcher of the Year.

How does the STREP process work?

STREP grants are five-year collaborative research ventures over three stages, involving multi-disciplinary and clinical groups. The grants are not purely investigator driven, but involve consensus and collaboration between all key stakeholders.

Stage 1 – Foundation stage • Researchers assemble groundbreaking teams and develop the potential for broader collaboration.

• Core research agenda is developed and implemented.

Stage 2 – Consensus building for research prioritisation • Cancer Council NSW undertakes an evidence-based review of science and practice.

Professor Robyn Ward

• Cancer Council NSW and the research team identify high-priority research objectives with input from experts in the field, cancer patients and carers.

Stage 3 – Research procurement • Cancer Council NSW develops a research procurement strategy to address the objectives identified in Stage 2.

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Research highlights

Helping children with leukaemia Project: Toward a cure for ALL: improved diagnostics, therapeutics and prevention strategies

The heavy disease burden imposed by childhood leukaemia means ongoing research is needed to develop improved treatments for this devastating cancer. This will only be achieved through a comprehensive approach covering basic, preclinical and clinical research.

Current clinical studies are centred on detection of residual leukaemia to assign patients to the most appropriate treatment. These studies are proving to have major implications for the therapeutic management of children with the disease – both in Australia and worldwide.

The integrated studies in this research program cover a range of strategies designed to improve the survival rates of children with this disease. They aim to define the critical changes in target genes and surface markers to develop novel strategies for eradicating clinically drug-refractory cells. The strategies will also assist in developing molecular-targeted therapy through the isolation of chemical small-molecule inhibitors of critical target genes. In addition, they involve the detection of residual leukaemia following induction chemotherapy and during clinical remission.

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Why are we doing it?

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most prevalent childhood cancer, while acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) accounts for nearly a quarter of paediatric leukaemias. Since the 1960s, when leukaemia was virtually incurable, the prognosis for this common paediatric malignancy has improved dramatically, particularly with the advent of combination chemotherapy.

Survival rates of 80 percent for ALL and approximately 50 percent for AML are now routinely achieved. This success has been incremental over the years, and has largely relied on more effective use of well-established chemotherapeutic agents. In the future, further improvements will come through better identification of high-risk patients and the development of new strategies to improve their treatment.

Driving advances in cancer treatment Beating childhood leukaemia will be a long battle fought on many fronts, according to lead researcher, Professor Murray Norris.

“It will involve a range of comprehensive research studies covering basic, preclinical and clinical research that collectively address the pressing issues involved in improving survival rates for children with all types of leukaemia.

“It is only through an ongoing research commitment to answer the key questions about this terrible disease that we will eventually be able to defeat it.”

Professor Murray Norris

Leukaemia is the most common malignancy in children, accounting for approximately one-third of all paediatric cancers. Despite improved treatment, it remains one of the most common causes of death from disease in children and accounts for the greatest number of deaths from childhood cancer overall.

What insights has it provided?

Over the past five years, the research team working on this project has established a highly successful platform of childhood leukaemia research and an international leadership role in the area. The team is at the international forefront of research in several areas, including minimal residual disease (MRD)–based risk stratification and treatment, in vitro and in vivo disease models to define novel targets and test new therapeutic approaches, and new proteomics and drug-discovery technologies.

The team has also achieved significant advances in the development of lead compounds that inhibit the growth of leukaemic cells harbouring MLL gene translocations. It has also made major advances in understanding the initiation of childhood cancer, the mechanisms behind resistance to cytotoxic drugs in ALL, and identification of new therapeutic targets.

Papers on all these advances have been accepted for publication in leading journals around the world.

The team has achieved international recognition for its research in MRD testing for leukaemia. The research group has also established a broad network of national and international academic, clinical and industry collaborations.

What impact will it have?

Where to now?

The goal of this research program is to better understand the molecular basis of leukaemia and to use this information to identify new molecules and processes for therapeutic targeting and prevention. This is particularly useful in the treatment of paediatric ALL and will help achieve improved treatment for this cancer.

The funding period for this Program Grant ended in December 2010, but Cancer Council NSW has since awarded Professor Norris another Program Grant over the period 2011–2015 to continue his important work in this area. It also represents an important continuation of Cancer Council NSW’s role, as funding for this research team has being ongoing since 1999.

Clarifying the mechanisms involved in initiating leukaemia may also help with the development of possible prevention strategies.

Cancer Council NSW’s support of MRD testing was pivotal in the establishment of the first Australian paediatric clinical trial employing molecular genetic testing to tailor individual chemotherapy regimens for patients with cancer. The ANZCHOG ALL Study 8 is a leading-edge international MRD intervention trial with multiple national and international partners. It has proved to be spectacularly successful in increasing survival rates of the childhood ALL patients who were at highest risk of relapsing from their disease.

The ongoing work in this area has major implications for the therapeutic management of every child with ALL in Australia and around the world.

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Research highlights

Managing prostate cancer better Project: Prostate Cancer Guidelines

Although managing prostate cancer involves complex choices, until recently there were no available Australian clinical practice guidelines.

This project informed guidelines to help practitioners and patients choose the best course of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Without practice guidelines, clinicians and prostate cancer patients had to choose between a wide range of treatment options without clear evidence-based information on their effectiveness or their potential impact on the patient’s quality of life.

How did we do it?

Developing management guidelines for advanced prostate cancer required a series of systematic reviews of the scientific literature covering the treatment of men with advanced prostate cancer. These reviews provided the evidence needed to draft recommendations for guidelines on the management of this common cancer.

A team of 21 clinicians from across Australia was involved in reviewing the existing scientific literature and writing the guidelines. Emeritus Professor Tom Reeve, Cancer Council Australia, acted as Guidelines Convenor, while Professor Villis Marshall, Royal Adelaide Hospital, was Chairman of the Clinical Working Party responsible for drafting the recommendations.

Four consumers also provided input into the preparation of a separate set of consumer guidelines.

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The research involved undertaking 25 systematic reviews and completing reports to address 54 clinical questions. Each review entailed designing and performing literature searches, identifying studies for inclusion and documenting reasons for the exclusion of trials, tabulating the characteristics of the included studies, assessing study quality and extracting data.

Cancer Council NSW’s project team was responsible for completing the systematic reviews related to radioisotopes, radiotherapy, bisphosphonates, chemotherapy, psychosocial care, palliative care, complementary therapies, surgery and hormone therapy. In addition, the team searched clinical trial registries for information about any emerging therapies in this area. Dr David Smith from Cancer Council NSW was also responsible for contributing a chapter to the clinical guidelines covering the socioeconomic aspects of advanced prostate cancer.

The project team also assisted with the drafting and publication of the accompanying consumer guide, which is now available to support men and their families after the diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer. Both the clinical and the consumer guidelines are available to users on Cancer Council Australia’s website.

The project was funded by Andrology Australia, Australian Cancer Network, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Cancer Council NSW.

How does it help?

The publication of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Locally Advanced and Metastatic Prostate Cancer in 2010 represented an important step in improving the management and care of patients with advanced prostate cancer. Prior to the release of these guidelines, there were no Australian clinical practice guidelines – or indeed any comprehensive evidence-based guidelines anywhere in the world – specifically dealing with the management of advanced prostate cancer.

Choosing the right option Making choices about how best to manage prostate cancer can be difficult, according to lead researcher, Professor Dianne O’Connell.

“The guidelines help practitioners and prostate cancer patients choose the best course of treatment for their particular situation. They help both clinicians and patients work through the decision-making process required to choose the best option for the patient, his family and those involved in his care.”

Facing a prostate cancer diagnosis can be complex and confusing for the patient, his family and the practitioners involved. The choice of treatment can have a significant influence on the patient’s quality of life, and patients and their carers need help in making the right decision.

The treatment guidelines also provide users with an assessment of the quality of the evidence on which they are based, allowing everyone concerned with the patient’s management to evaluate the risks and benefits inherent in each treatment approach. They cover a range of treatment approaches and also deal with psychosocial care, complementary and alternative therapies, and the socioeconomic aspects of advanced prostate cancer.

The guidelines will also play an important educational role by providing clinicians and patients with information about the different management options for prostate cancer available in Australia.

Where to now?

Some of the completed systematic reviews undertaken as part of this project are being updated and submitted for publication in key scientific publications. In partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Professor O’Connell and Dr David Smith, together with researchers at the Sax Institute and University of Sydney, have secured NHMRC funding to conduct a study of implementation of one of the key recommendations in the guidelines across NSW.

Literature review team Louisa Jones, Annette Moxey, Suzanne Hughes, Amy Nolen and Hayley Griffin.

Research team Professor Dianne O’Connell, Senior Epidemiologist, Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit (CERU), Cancer Council NSW Dr David Smith, Research Fellow, Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit

Dr David Smith

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Research highlights

Forecasting the future Project: Evaluating screening and vaccination programs for cervical cancer prevention

Mathematical models can provide an important tool when it comes to predicting the results of various health interventions over long periods.

Through this project, Cancer Council NSW researchers have developed models to quantify the consequences of implementing various health practices. This information enables policymakers to decide the most cost-effective health programs to implement.

Cancer Council NSW’s modelling group is the core of a worldwide group of collaborators known as Modellers Sans Frontières (www.cervicalmodelling.org).

The core research focus of the group is the epidemiology of cervical cancer, cervical screening and HPV vaccination.

The Cancer Council NSW research team has developed accurate simulation models of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the natural history of cervical cancer, so that policymakers in Australia and overseas can now make informed choices about vaccination strategies and the introduction of new screening technologies.

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What is its impact?

The work of the modelling team has made a major contribution to several policy decisions on the use of cervical cancer screening in Australia. It is also guiding the cervical screening programs and approaches being used in the UK, New Zealand and China.

In Australia, the team’s research has been very significant in helping to influence policy decision-making about cervical screening and HPV vaccination.

The research team’s work in evaluating the combined screening/vaccination approach used in rural China has assisted with the identification of the threshold vaccine cost and various screening options.

The success of the modelling program is also helping with the future development of a platform that can be used for modelling different cervical cancer screening and vaccination scenarios in various settings throughout the developing world.

The goal of the program is to create an integrated cervical cancer screening modelling resource, free of commercial interests, which can efficiently evaluate the impact of policy changes on screening programs.

Australia leads the way Australian research into the cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccination and cervical screening is generating substantial international interest, according to lead researcher, Assoc Professor Karen Canfell.

“As Australia implemented HPV vaccination and cervical screening earlier than many other nations, findings from our research into the best way to undertake cervical screening in the era of HPV vaccination has broad international relevance and is of significant interest to health policy decision-makers in many other countries.”

Forecasting future scenarios is crucial when it comes to planning the long-term sustainability of cancer control programs. Using detailed models created by our researchers, public policymakers have been able to make key decisions about the introduction and use of cervical cancer prevention strategies.

This year’s insights and highlights In 2010, the modelling team published its findings on the impact of three-yearly cervical screening in Australia, which showed this approach would reduce unnecessary treatments in women and would result in substantial cost savings to the national health budget.

The modelling team also presented its findings from the first comprehensive cost-effectiveness evaluation of HPV vaccination in China at an international scientific meeting in Montreal. The work is being used to help guide the Chinese Government in its policy development in this area.

Further international endorsement of the high standard of the team’s work came with a contract to perform independent monitoring of the New Zealand National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP). This contract involves producing six-monthly and annual reports on various aspects of the national program in New Zealand, including screening participation, rates of detected abnormalities, laboratory indicators and trends in cervical cancer.

The modelling team also secured more than $1 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council for its ongoing work evaluating the cervical cancer prevention strategies being implemented in Australia.

Where to now?

In the near future, the research team is aiming to study the role of primary HPV testing versus the use of Pap smears. This investigation will involve both simulation modelling and a trial of primary HPV testing, which will be performed in collaboration with the Victorian Cytology Service.

The team also plans to extend the existing modelling platform to model various issues around the preventive screening program currently being used in Australia for colorectal cancer.

They aim to establish an integrated network of modellers who are able to evaluate the screening policies best suited to different cancers.

Lead researcher Assoc Professor Karen Canfell, Senior Research Fellow, Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit (CERU), Cancer Council NSW Assoc Professor Canfell is the Research Coordinator for the CLEAR study and Principal Investigator for the Cervical Cancer Modelling project. She is also a member of the Cancer Theme Group for the 45 and Up Study and a member of the International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer, a working group coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Assoc Professor Karen Canfell

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Research highlights

Caring for pancreatic cancer patients Project: The Pancreatic Patterns of Care Study

Pancreatic cancer has the worst survival of any cancer and its poor prognosis is due to several factors.

These factors include patients tending to present late for medical treatment, the aggressive nature of these tumours, the complexity of the surgery for the condition, and the lack of effective systemic treatments.

The Pancreatic Patterns of Care Study is a comprehensive study of the care received by pancreatic cancer patients in Queensland and NSW. It is also exploring the supportive care needs of pancreatic cancer patients in Queensland and the factors affecting their quality of life.

It is only by identifying current practice patterns and the unmet needs of patients with pancreatic cancer that there will be any improvement in the delivery of ‘best practice’ for all pancreatic cancer patients.

The study is being funded by National Health and Medical Research Council and is being conducted in collaboration with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

What impact will it have?

This study will be the first Australian research to comprehensively study the variations in the patterns of care and the survivorship experiences of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Currently, there is only scant information available on this important issue. Very little is known about the patterns of care used by clinicians with patients suffering from pancreatic cancer, or the impact this care has on patients’ supportive care needs and their quality of life.

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The information obtained during the study will provide the foundation for guidelines to be developed covering the clinical management of Australian pancreatic cancer patients. It will also enable researchers to develop programs designed to target modifiable factors and specific clinical issues, and to aid disadvantaged pancreatic cancer patient groups.

The data collected during the project will contribute to the development of a world-class information resource on pancreatic cancer patient care.

With additional financial support, this information resource could be used to address a variety of other significant questions about the disease, including an assessment of the costs and benefits of the different management practices used with pancreatic cancer patients.

Gaining insights for better care Studies into patterns of care can play an important role in gaining fresh insights into the impact of different treatment regimes, according to lead researcher, Professor Dianne O’Connell.

“The aim of this project is to help us answer questions about what is happening and why, when it comes to pancreatic cancer. By finding out what is happening when it comes to the treatments received by individual patients, we can better understand the variations that occur in the treatment of cancer patients during clinical practice.

“We need to know more about how diagnosis and treatments differ from area to area and what are the longterm effects of these treatments on patients, so we can help clinicians ensure they are using ‘best practice’ and are making informed decisions when it comes to treating patients with this difficult disease.”

Professor Dianne O’Connell

Pancreatic cancer is a common cancer with a very poor survival rate and one that has seen very little improvement in these rates. More research is needed to increase our understanding of the disease, to learn how to diagnose it at an earlier stage, and to develop more effective treatments.

This year’s insights and highlights During 2010, a Project Coordinator, Kate Blackler, was appointed to the Pancreatic Patterns of Care Study.

This role is a key point of contact between Cancer Council NSW and the NSW Central Cancer Registry.

Kate also coordinates and conducts the collection of treatment data from cancer treatment facilities.

All cancers diagnosed in NSW are notified to the NSW Central Cancer Registry (CCR). The research team has now ensured all pancreatic cancer cases who are entered in the registry are being identified so that treatment data can be collected for the project.

A lethal disease Cancer of the pancreas is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Australia, with over 2,000 new cases every year. Survival for pancreatic cancer patients is very poor, with a five-year survival rate of less than 5 percent, and there have been no significant improvements in these rates since 1980.

In the majority of cases, pancreatic cancer is not diagnosed until it has spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. Less than 20 percent of patients can have the diseased tissue removed by surgery and recurrence is common in these patients. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy may prolong survival, they do not cure the disease.

– Pancreatic Cancer in NSW, Cancer Institute NSW, March 2010

What else are we doing?

Research team

Pancreatic cancer research has historically been poorly funded. In order to address this imbalance, Cancer Council NSW has awarded a number of grants for projects that aim to improve early diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer patients in NSW.

Dr Rachel Neale, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland and Professor Dianne O’Connell, Senior Epidemiologist, Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit (CERU), Cancer Council NSW

In the long term, progress in this difficult disease will be made through the identification of novel therapeutic approaches.

However, in the shorter term, the use of ‘best practice’ care can lead to immediate gains and a reduction in the apparent geographic – and possibly socioeconomic – variations in patient survival and quality of life.

Dr Rachel Neale

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Research highlights

Controlling hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer Project: Economic modelling of hepatitis B control and liver cancer prevention strategies in Australia

The greatest burden of hepatitis B-related liver cancer is being shouldered by people born in countries where hepatitis B infection is endemic and by Aboriginal people in Australia.

One promising avenue for liver cancer control is the development of potent antiviral treatments against hepatitis B, as these therapies appear to delay or prevent malignant transformation in people at risk of liver cancer.

Why are we doing it?

The ‘B Positive’ Project is a collaboration between Cancer Council NSW and a team of leading clinicians, researchers and health economists to determine the acceptability and feasibility of a new approach to liver cancer prevention.

The ‘B Positive’ Project is based on economic modelling to estimate the cost-effectiveness of different strategies for managing chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer compared to the current care approach.

Despite the usefulness of antiviral treatments, both their uptake and the awareness of the severe complications of chronic hepatitis B remain very low in NSW. Introducing a fresh approach to liver cancer prevention based on treating chronic hepatitis B infections could represent a major step in preventing this deadly cancer.

The research determined the costs and benefits of implementing the ‘B Positive’ Project and its implications for health policy and workforce requirements. The study showed that although the program would have a negligible impact on the workload of local general practitioners, it would impose a significant demand for specialist services in the program area.

Additional economic modelling is focusing on assessing the impact of different models of care on the ability of health services to deal with the medical needs of the target population. The ‘B Positive’ Project is closely aligned with the STREP grant in liver cancer research headed by Professor Jacob George.

New care models for liver cancer The research findings are relevant not only for Australia, but also for other countries facing an increasing burden of hepatitis B-related liver cancer, according to lead researcher, Dr Monica Robotin.

“Developing new models of care designed to deal with the growing need for specialist services is urgently needed if we are going to cope with the increasing numbers of liver cancer diagnoses occurring each year.”

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In NSW, primary liver cancer diagnoses have been rising at a faster rate than for any other internal cancer. As cases are commonly diagnosed at an advanced disease stage, options for treatment are limited and the five-year survival rate remains well below 20 percent.

What impact will it have?

Implementation of the ‘B Positive’ Project recommendations could avert 300 liver cancer-related deaths in South West Sydney during the life of the program. The modelling work demonstrated that treating chronic hepatitis B infection to prevent liver cancer is a cost-effective way to reduce the incidence of a largely preventable but very deadly cancer.

The cost would be below that of existing national cancer screening programs for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer.

The international significance of this research is highlighted by the fact the economic model underpinning the ‘B Positive’ Project was published and editorialised in the prestigious Journal of Hepatology. The model was also included in the US-based Tufts Medical Centre Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry.

Research team Melanie Kansil, Centaurus Partners/Pacific Strategies; Assoc Professor Kirsten Howard, School of Public Health, University of Sydney; Dr Khoo Chee, Macarthur Division of General Practice; and Professor Jacob George, Director of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Storr Liver Unit at Westmead Hospital, Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney and Chief Investigator STREP grant in liver cancer research

Lead researcher Dr Monica Robotin, Medical Director of Cancer Council NSW, Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney and Chief Investigator ‘B Positive’ Project

Dr Monica Robotin

The ‘B Positive’ Project will have an important role in supporting health service planning and advocacy efforts.

It will also assist policymakers develop sustainable and evidence-based liver cancer prevention programs both in Australia and other countries.

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Research highlights

Family fitness for health Project: FamilyFIT – increasing physical activity for the whole family

Despite the health benefits, a significant proportion of Australian children do not achieve the recommended levels of physical activity. Although parents and the home environment have a significant influence on their childrens’ level of activity, there is only limited research data available on the most effective ways to promote physical activity within families.

This study aims to develop and evaluate a feasible and effective familybased intervention (FamilyFITProgram) to increase children’s physical activity levels and engage parents to become more active. There are few programs available that target parents to promote and act as role models for physical activity, which is why FamilyFIT has been developed as a family-based intervention.

What is it?

What impact will it have?

The FamilyFIT Program involves parents and children attending eight face-to-face sessions outside school hours at a local venue. Parents will be provided with information, skills and tailored resources to support parenting strategies that influence their children’s activity and establish a home environment that encourages physical activity.

Australian families need effective strategies to establish healthy patterns of physical activity in children as a means of preventing the development of cancer and other chronic diseases.

This in turn will reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system from these illnesses.

Parents and children work together to develop children’s self-confidence and ability to perform fundamental movement skills (eg run, skip, throw a ball), increase their incidental activity (eg climbing stairs) and undertake fun, health-related physical activities (eg backyard games).

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for a number of cancers in adulthood, and research shows that children’s physical activity is also far less than it should be.

The NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) data from 2010 reveals less than half of kindergarten, Year 2 and Year 4 students meet the Australian physical activity guideline for young people. The survey showed only 44% of kindergarten students met the guideline, increasing to 49% among Year 4 students.

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The FamilyFIT Program is unique because it targets the physical activity levels of both parents and their children to establish positive, lifelong habits and improve wellbeing. It aims to develop a ‘best practice’ model that can be adopted in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the home to recreation centres, parks and out-ofschool-hours activities.

If the approach used in FamilyFIT proves successful, it has the potential to be applied to other health behaviours for the long-term benefit of the Australian community.

Regular physical activity helps children and adults in many ways, including reducing the likelihood of being overweight or obese, which are known risk factors for chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Where to now?

FamilyFIT recently received funding from a Hunter Medical Research Institute/Hunter Children’s Research Grant. A pilot study involving 30 families with at least one child in primary school will be undertaken this year, to assess the acceptability and deliverability of FamilyFIT and its success in increasing children’s physical activity levels. Recruitment of families will begin in June this year, and the results will be available in June 2012.

Research team Lorraine Paras; Assoc Professor Erica James; Dr Marita Lynagh, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle; and Assoc Professor Philip Morgan, School of Education, University of Newcastle Lorraine Paras is supported by a University of Newcastle and Centre for Health Research & Psycho-oncology (CHeRP) PhD Scholarship.

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Research highlights

Getting survivors and carers active Project: Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health (ENRICH)

Learning more about physical activity and nutrition can help survivors and their carers make important changes to their lives that will help them cope better with the challenges they face.

Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health (ENRICH) is a six-session, face-to-face group program aimed at providing cancer survivors and carers with the knowledge and skills to make lifelong changes to their diet and physical activity.

Each two-hour session is run by an exercise physiologist and a dietitian.

The sessions cover healthy eating, a home-based walking program using a pedometer, and a home-based resistance training program using a GymstickTM.

Why are we doing it?

What impact does it have?

Until recently, there have been few programs and services specifically targeting the physical activity and diet behaviours of cancer survivors and carers.

The ENRICH program fills an important gap in the services provided for the care of cancer survivors. Its flexible design allows the program to be easily adapted for use by people with a range of cancers.

The research trial for the ENRICH program has involved 76 participants so far, and the team plans to recruit another 75 participants by the middle of 2011.

The preliminary results are promising, with all the trial participants reporting an increase in the amount of walking and resistance training they undertake. Many participants have also reported they are now meeting the Australian guidelines for physical activity (150 minutes over at least five sessions per week).

The trial participants also reported increasing the number of serves of vegetables they consumed, plus a small increase in the number of serves of fruit consumed. However, there were no differences in average daily step counts or waist circumference measures for those who attended ENRICH compared to those who did not.

While there have been clear shortterm changes in the diet and physical activity behaviours of participants, the research team is in the process of collecting 12-month follow-up data to determine if these changes are sustained over a longer period.

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ENRICH encourages participants to make small, sustainable and lifelong changes to their diet and level of exercise. The nature of these changes means short-term benefits appear quickly, and this helps encourage participants to maintain the changes.

Cancer Councils outside NSW have already expressed their interest in the program, and it is likely to be rolled out across Australia as a valuable tool to support cancer patients and their carers.

Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and their carers, and can also help reverse many of the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment, such as fatigue, depression and weight problems.

“Taking part in the ENRICH program has been very enjoyable and it has helped me deal with some of the effects of my treatment. It has also helped my wife and me set some new goals to get active and make sure we enjoy the new future we have ahead of us.”

– ENRICH program participant

Research team Assoc Professor Erica James, Fiona Stacey, Kathy Chapman, David Lubans, Gabrielle Asprey, Dr Kendra Sundquist, Allison Boyes and Professor Afaf Girgis Advisory group: Julie-Anne Mitchell, National Heart Foundation; Katherine Pronk, Liverpool Hospital; Assoc Professor Sharon Kilbreath, University of Sydney; Dr David Dalley, St Vincent’s Hospital; Lisa Oxman; and Anne Norton.

Lead researcher Assoc Professor Erica James School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW University of Newcastle FUNDING: ENRICH is supported by funding from the Australian Better Health Initiative: A joint Australian, State and Territory government initiative with additional funding and infrastructure support provided by the Cancer Council NSW and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

Assoc Professor Erica James

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Research highlights

Helping couples learn to cope Project: Partners in Action (PAct) – self-directed coping skills for couples affected by cancer

Couples facing cancer need help to cope with the emotional impact of the diagnosis. New support tools they can use at home are playing an important role in this process.

Both patients and their partners describe the acute post-diagnostic phase of the cancer journey as an emotional rollercoaster, with overlapping reactions including shock, distress, fear and uncertainty.

Few existing support programs target couples and those that are available are often inaccessible for long-term support.

Partners in Action (PAct) is an innovative program of self-directed coping skills training that is being developed to overcome the limitations of existing supportive care programs.

What is it?

What impact could it have?

Although research on the value of selfdirected assistance for cancer patients is gradually increasing, more evidence is needed to fully demonstrate the value of these programs. This is particularly important given their potential cost-effectiveness.

The PAct program can easily be integrated within existing support frameworks, as it does not require additional human resources. In addition, as the program focuses on a range of coping skills and strategies, it has the potential to be used to help patients cope with the personal issues raised by many other illnesses.

The PAct program consists of a workbook for couples, which encourages self-reflection and the use of coping strategies. It provides couples with a step-by-step guide to mindfulness; tips on communicating; exercises for joint problem-solving; and guides to seeking and sharing cancer information.

The program uses the latest research insights on effective coping strategies and makes them available to couples to help them manage the common physical, psychological and social challenges they face from cancer.

An iterative process is being used to develop PAct so that feedback from couples, clinicians and researchers is integrated into subsequent versions of the workbook.

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This year’s insights and highlights The workbook has been presented to 30 couples so far. Most have rated it highly and have reported that the coping strategies have helped them work through their issues. Interestingly, some participants felt a self-directed format was more acceptable to them than attending support groups or workshops.

Where to now?

In addition to the PAct workbook, a DVD is being developed which features a ‘coping coach’. In 2011, the efficacy of the PAct program in helping couples affected by prostate cancer to adjust to the illness will be investigated.

This pilot will then be followed by a larger trial funded by NHMRC in breast, prostate or colorectal cancer, or melanoma.

Development of PAct has involved an international collaboration with Professor Karen Kayser from the Graduate School of Social Work at Boston College, and may be adapted for use with American cancer patients and their partners.

Researcher Dr Sylvie Lambert, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology (CHeRP)

Appendices

questions diagnosis prevention cancer type treatment research support

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Appendices

Staff

Cancer Research Division

Project Coordinators

CEO Division

A/Prof Freddy Sitas, BSc, MSc(Med), DPhil Director, Cancer Research Division

Leighna Carmichael, BA, MSc

Naomi Crain, BA, AdvDipFamTh Executive Assistant to Director

Leonardo Simonella, BA, MPH(Hons)

Office of the CEO Dr Andrew Penman AM Chief Executive Officer Angela Aston Manager, Office of the CEO

Kate Christian, BSc Operations Manager

Alicia Delgado, BA, MSW(Hons)

Cat Van Kemenade, MSc(HumMovSc), MPH

Kate Blacker, BSc(Nurs) Katie Armstrong, BAppSc(HIM) Suzanne Hughes, BSc(Hons), MNutrDiet

Caroline Christensen Executive Assistant

Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit

Michael Revius, BSc

Research Strategy

Prof Dianne O’Connell, BMaths(Hons 1), PhD Manager and Senior Epidemiologist

Clare Kahn, BMus(Hons), MMus(Perf)

Catherine Holliday, BN, Grad Dip Nutr, MHSc, MHP Head, Research Strategy Dr Lauren Puglisi, BEd(Hons), PhD Project Officer Stephanie Deuchar, BA(Hons) Research Governance Officer (Ethics) Louise Woods Grant Administration Officer Jane Bennett Volunteer

‘B Positive’ Program Dr Monica Robotin, MBBS, FRACS, MBA, MIH, MAppEpid Medical Director Mamta Porwal, BHMS, MPH Project Coordinator ‘B Positive’

A/Prof Karen Canfell, BE(Hons), DPhil Research Fellow Dr David Smith, BA, MPH, PhD Research Fellow Dr Xue Qin Yu, MPH, PhD Research Fellow Dr Marianne Weber, BA(Hons), PhD Research Fellow Dr Louiza Velentzis, BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Rajah Supramaniam, BSc, MPH(Hons) Program Manager Megan Smith, BE, MPH(Merit) Program Manager Dr Jufang Shi, MD, MPH, PhD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Dr Carolyn Nickson, BA, GDip, PhD Post-doctoral Research Fellow

Jenny Rodger, BA(Hons), MSc

Jessica Darlington-Brown, BSc(Population Health), MPH Verity Hodgkinson, BSc, MSciMan

Research Programmers Jie Bin Lew, BSc(Bioinformatics) Robert Walker, BSc

Lab Manager Janis Jansons, MSc

Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Veronica Saunders

Senior Research Assistant Kristie Weir, BSc(Population Health)

Laboratory Research Assistants Statisticians Sam Egger, BSc, MBiostat David Goldsbury, BSc(Hons), MPH(Merit)

Mahboobeh Hosseini, BSc Smitha Rajpattan, BPharm, MAppSc Sarita Tiwari, MAppSc, MOBT, DMLT

Qingwei Luo, BSc, MAppStats

Research Assistants Christina Christou, BHS, MPH, DipNat Dr Moa Aye, MBBS, MPH Karen Allison, BBehavHlthSc Susan Spratley, BPsych(Hons)

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Administration

Research Officers

Kimberley McGregor

Shari Bonnette, BSocSc

Yulia Kim, BLing

Jamie Bryant, BPsych(Hons)

Pinya Kananuruk, BA, MProfAcct

Sarah Campbell, BPsych(Hons) Sarah Duncan, BPsych(Hons)

Postgraduate Students

Emma Gorton, BPsych(Hons)

Nayyereh Aminisani, (PhD Candidate) Alix Hall, BPsych(Hons) Yoon-Jung Kang, BA, MPH(Hons), (PhD Candidate)

Fiona Stacey, BAppSc(ConSci)(Hons)

Visalini Nair Shalliker, (PhD Candidate)

Alison Zucca, BA(Psych)(Hons), MMedSci

Leonardo Simonella, BA, MPH(Hons) (PhD Candidate)

Dissemination Officer

Usha Salagame, BSc(Microbiol), MSc(Biotechnology) (PhD Candidate)

Judith Borwein

Simon Willcox, BCom(Marketing), (MPH(Hons) Candidate)

Administrative Assistants

Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology Prof Afaf Girgis, BSc(Hons), PhD Director Genevieve Comiskey Executive Assistant to Director A/Prof Raoul Walsh, BSc, DipEd, PhD Senior Research Academic Dr Christine Paul, BA(Hons), PhD Senior Research Academic

Suzanne Myles, BA Elisabeth Fenn-Mitchell

Data Manager Sandra Dowley

Postgraduate Students Allison Boyes, PhD Candidate (P/T) Jamie Bryant, PhD Candidate (F/T) Sarah Campbell, Professional Doctorate Candidate (P/T) Lorraine Paras, PhD Candidate (P/T)

Dr Erica James, BAppSci, GDipHlthProm, MBus, PhD Senior Research Academic

Carla Saunders, PhD Candidate (P/T)

Dr Billie Bonevski, BA(Hons), PhD Senior Research Academic

Flora Tzelepis, PhD Candidate (P/T)

Camille Short, PhD Candidate (F/T)

Amy Waller, PhD Candidate (F/T)

Allison Boyes, BA(Psych), MPH Research Academic Amy Waller, BA(Psych)(Hons) Research Associate Dr Sylvie Lambert, RN, PhD Post-doctoral Research Fellow

Senior Research Officers Vibeke Hansen, BA(Psych)(Hons) Lorraine Paras, BA, GDipHlthProm Flora Tzelepis, BSc(Psych)(Hons)

Statistician Christophe Lecathelinais, DESS de Mathématiques Appliqué

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Appendices

Grants Grants awarded to CCNSW

Sitas F, Armstrong B, Banks E, Kricker A, Weber M, Pawlita M. Infectious and lifestyle determinants of non-melanoma skin cancer.

NHMRC Project Grant. 2009-2011. $953,200

Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit

Yu XQ. Projecting prevalence by phase of care for colorectal, lung, breast and prostate cancer in New South Wales. NHMRC Fellowship. 2009-2012. $279,000

New grants in 2010

O’Connell DL, Chambers S, Moxey A, Smith DP. Use of complementary and lifestyle therapies by men with prostate cancer: a population-based study. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. 2009-2011. $137,766

Canfell K, Clements M, Smith M, Walker R, Shi JF. Analytical services for New Zealand National Cervical Cancer Screening Program Monitoring Reports (contract awarded for monitoring services).

Shi J, (Supervisor Canfell K). Costeffectiveness evaluation of cervical cancer prevention strategies in China (renewed for second year). American Cancer Society International Fellowships for Beginning Investigators (ACSBI). 2010. US$45,000

Continuing grants Shi J, (Supervisor Canfell K). Costeffectiveness evaluation of cervical cancer prevention strategies in China. American Cancer Society International Fellowships for Beginning Investigators, UICC/ACSBI Fellowship. 2009-2011.

Neale R, O’Connell D, Janda M, Merrett N, Goldstein D, Beesley V, Wyld D, Gooden H. Patterns of care and quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer. NHMRC Project Grant. 2010-2012. $655,213 Canfell K. MAVARIC: manual vs. automated cytology in the UK (consultancy). UK National Health Service Cervical Screening Program.

2009-2010.

O’Connell D, Butow P, Armstrong B, Treloar C, Knight R, Dillon A, Newman C, Supramaniam R. Patterns of cancer care for Indigenous people in NSW. NHMRC Health Services Research Grant. 2007-2011. $1,580,755 Armstrong B, Seibel M, Clements M, Kricker A, (Nair-Shaliker V, PhD student). Relationship between prostate specific antigen, sun exposure and Vitamin D. Prostate Cancer Foundation/Cancer Council NSW/NHMRC Project Grant. 2008-2010. $300,000 Harris M, Knight R, Spigelman A, O’Connell D, Barton M, Veitch C. Referral pathways in colorectal cancer: general practitioners’ patterns of referral and factors that influence referral. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. 2008-2010. $598,750

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Sitas F, O’Connell D, Banks E, Frazer I, Canfell K (Canfell K added as Chief Investigator in May 2009). The effect of exogenous hormones, smoking and HPV on the incidence of screen detected pre-invasive cervical cancer. NHMRC Project Grant. 20062010. $1,151,625 Sitas F, Canfell K, O’Connell D, Banks E, Ward R, Baron M. The NSW Cancer Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk (CLEAR) study. Cancer Council NSW. 2006-2011. $2,500,000 Ward R, Pearson S-A, Haas M, O’Connell D, McKinnon R, Henry D. Establishment of a network to evaluate new and emerging cancer therapies. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. 2008-2010. $600,000 O’Connell D. Developing, promulgating and assessing treatment algorithms for the management of lung cancer in NSW. Cancer Institute NSW. 2009-2010. $69,060

Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology Bonevski B, Baker A, Paul C, D’Este C, Girgis A, Sanson-Fisher R, Wiggers J, Bowman J, Carey M, Freund M, Gilligan C, Inder K, Kay-Lambkin F, Kypros K, Wolfenden L. Faculty of Health: Strategic Initiatives Funding for Research in 2010 – Tobacco Control Research Infrastructure Unit. Faculty Research Management Committee, University of Newcastle Equipment Funding. $35,000 Girgis A, Short C, James E, Plotnikoff R. Move more for life: a tailored physical activity program for Australian breast cancer survivors. Cancer Institute NSW Research Scholar Award. $49,849

Boyes A. ‘It’s been a journey, I am a survivor’: population-based surveys of cancer survivors’ psychosocial wellbeing across the cancer trajectory. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour Research Higher Degree Completion Scholarship. $3,000 Bonevski B. Research Conference Travel Grant to attend the Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference 2010. University of Newcastle Travel and Conference. $898 Boyes A. Research Conference Travel Grant to attend the 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, 2010. University of Newcastle Travel and Conference. $1,500 Girgis A. Research Conference Travel Grant to attend the 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, 2010. University of Newcastle Travel and Conference. $1,500 Bonevski B. Society for Nicotine and Tobacco Research Conference. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour Travel and Conference. $2,500 Lambert S. IPOS 13th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology. Hunter Medical Research Institute Pulse Education Prize. $4,000 Lambert S, Girgis A, Turner J, McElduff P, Kayser K, Vallentine P. Coping-Together: a feasibility study of a self-directed supportive care intervention to enhance the illness adjustment of couples affected by prostate cancer. COSA Sanofi Aventis Advancing Care for Prostate Cancer Patients Research Grant. $35,000 Boyes A, Zucca A. Survivor guilt in cancer survivorship. University of Newcastle PRC for Health Behaviour Winter Intern Scholarship. $3,000 Lambert S, Girgis A. Coping-Together: development and pilot testing of a selfdirected coping skills intervention for patients and their partners. University of Newcastle PRC for Health Behaviour Winter Intern Scholarship. $2,500 Waller A. An investigation into the unmet needs of people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their caregivers. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour Pilot Funding. $10,000 Carey M, Paul C, Sanson-Fisher R, Bonevski B, Kypri K, Gilligan C, Inder K, Kelly B, James E. Visiting Expert Application. Professor Allen Dietrich Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour Visiting Expert Application. $10,700 Boyes A, Girgis A, Vallentine P, Zucca A, Chamber S, Stein K. Increasing uptake of peer-support services by cancer survivors with low levels of social support. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour Pilot Funding. $10,000

Bonevski B, Baker A, Paul C, Bryant J. Feasibility trial of a telephone-based lifestyle intervention for clients of homelessness services. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour Pilot Funding. $10,000 Girgis A, Lambert S, Turner J, McElduff P, Kayser K, Mihalopoulos C. Coping-Together: a randomised controlled trial of a selfdirected coping skills intervention for patients with cancer and their partners. Application ID: APP1002715. NHMRC Project Grant. $718,022 Girgis A, Lambert S. Coping-Together: a randomised controlled trial of a self-directed coping skills intervention for patients with cancer and their partners. Application ID: APP1012869. NHMRC Training Fellowship. $280,000 Bonevski B. Reducing tobacco-related inequalities using community-based behavioural research. Cancer Institute NSW Career Development Fellowship. $598,771 Bonevski B, Girgis A. Development of a webbased CME program on ‘Sun and Vitamin D’ for general practitioners. Cancer Institute NSW Research Innovation Grant. $49,947 Paras L, James E, Morgan P, Lynagh M. FamilyFIT: an innovative approach to increasing physical activity for the whole family. Hunter Children’s Research Foundation Project Grant Funding. $21,000

Fellowships Waller A. Post-doctoral Research Fellowship.

Hunter Medical Research Institute Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. $16,225 Lambert S. Post-doctoral Research Fellowship. Hunter Medical Research Institute Post-doctoral Research Fellowship. $90,772

Cancer Information and Support Services Division Building Cancer Support Networks Initiative: Better Cancer Support Through Consumers.

2009. Brain Cancer Multimedia Support Network Grant.

Health Strategies Division Pettigrew S, Quester P, Chapman K, Miller C. Investigating the indirect effects of childtargeted food promotion. ARC Linkage Grant.

2010-2011. $105,750 Baur L, Bauman A, Kelly B, Chapman K, Smith B. Food and drink company sponsorship of children’s sport: publicity or philanthropy? 2009-2011. $290,500

Grants awarded

by CCNSW New Research Project Grants in 2010 Bendall L, Juarez J. The role of sphingosine1-phosphate in haematopoietic stem cell egress from the bone marrow. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2010-2012. $120,000 Bryan T, Cohen, S. Recruitment of human telomerase to telomeres. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2010-2012. $120,000 deFazio A. Pathways of malignant progression in ovarian cancer. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2010-2012. $115,250Greer P. Real-time dose monitoring for patient safety in radiation therapy.

University of Newcastle. CCNSW Project Grant. 2010-2012. $120,000 Kohonen-Corish M, Pangon L, Musgrove E. Functional characterisation of the putative tumour suppressor gene MCC in colorectal cancer. Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

CCNSW Project Grant. 2010-2012. $120,000 Liu T, Bedalov A, Scarlett C. Targeting Myc onco-protein degradation for the treatment of Myc-induced malignancies. University of NSW. CCNSW Project Grant. 2010-2012. $106,500 Lyons G, Halliday G. Restoring epithelial differentiation to squamous cell carcinomas.

University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant.

2010-2012. $120,000 Baker M, Nice E. A colorectal cancer ‘interactome’ paradigm that influences patient survival. Macquarie University. CCNSW Project Grant. 2010-2012. $100,000 Meiser B. Too much, too soon? The impact of treatment-focused genetic testing in patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

University of NSW. Cancer Australia Prioritydriven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. 2010-2012. $22,050

New Program Grant in 2010 Horvath L, Ackland S, Balleine R, Biankin A, Catchpoole D, Clarke S, deFazio A, Gurney H, Links M, Mann G, Moscato P, Murray M, Nath C, Richardson D, Scott R. Building capacity in pharmacogenomics across NSW: PRIMe (Pharmacogenomic Research for Individualised Medicine). Garvan Institute of Medical Research. CCNSW Program Grant.

2010-2015. $300,000

Continuing Research Project Grants Ashman L, Verrrills N, Denham J. Tetraspanin proteins in prostate cancer progression and prognosis. University of Newcastle. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $113,000 Bebawy M, Grau G, Combes V. Microparticlemediated transfer of P-glycoprotein in conferring multidrug resistance in cancer.

University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant.

2009-2011. $119,375 Byrne J, Bright R, Catchpoole D, Smith B. The molecular basis of cell transformation produced by TPD52 overexpression.

University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant.

2009-2011. $90,750 Chen S, Slavin M, Szer J, Bardy P, Sorrell T, Schwarer A, Morrissey O. Randomised trial of diagnostic strategies for invasive aspergillosis in at-risk haematology patients: funding extension. Westmead Hospital. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $67,875 Daly R, Ormandy C. Tyrosine kinase profiling of human basal breast cancers. Garvan Institute of Medical Research. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $115,250 Fabbro M, Sakoff J. Dynamin inhibitors as new anti-cancer drugs. University of Sydney.

CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $114,500 Goldstein D, Spry N, Padbury R, Shannon J, Biankin A, Kneebone A, Fitzgerald P. LAP07: randomised multicentre phase III study in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: gemcitabine with or without chemoradiotherapy and with or without erlotinib. University of Sydney. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. 2009-2012. $28,386 Gottlieb D, Clancy L. Adoptive immunotherapy for the prevention of varicellazoster virus reactivation post–stem cell transplant. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $95,750

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Appendices

Haass N. The role of melanoma stem cells in melanomagenesis. Centenary Institute.

CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $116,000 Hart D, Radford K. RNA loading of tumourassociated antigens and the activation of blood dendritic cells for prostate cancer immunotherapy. University of Queensland.

Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. 2009-2012. $32,601 Haydon A, Zalcberg J, Walpole E, Yip D, Price T, Howard K. SCOT: Short Course Oncology Therapy. A study of adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Monash University. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme.

2009-2012. $32,855 Jolly C, McKay M, Manis J, Xu H. Understanding AID-induced cancer: unravelling complex mutation and repair pathways. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $116,000 Leong T, Gebski V, Smithers B, Watson D, Spry N, Zalcberg J. Randomised phase II/ III study of preoperative chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy for resectable gastric cancer. University of Sydney. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. 2009-2012. $6,075

Tangye S, Palendira U. EBV-specific CD8+ T cells in anti-tumour immune responses in patients predisposed to developing lymphoma. Garvan Institute of Medical Research. CCNSW Project Grant.

2009-2011. $116,000

Friedlander M, Gainford M, Foo S, Duruic V. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy with Paclitaxel and Cisplatin after optimal debulking surgery for ovarian cancer.

University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant.

2008-2010. $30,000

Williams M, Metcalfe P, Bailey M, Rozenfeld A, Forstner D, Everitt C. A dosimetric Inter-Comparison of Australian Radiotherapy IMRT Systems (ICARIS).

University of Wollongong. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $88,375

Kneebone A, Pearse M, Williams S, Duchesne G, Fisher R, Frydenberg M. A phase III trial comparing adjuvant versus salvage radiotherapy for high-risk patients post–radical prostatectomy. University of Newcastle. CCNSW Project Grant. 20082010. $49,000

Young J, Solomon M, Frizelle F, Heriot A, King M, Salkeld G. Quality of life outcomes and cost-effectiveness of pelvic exenteration for people with advanced rectal cancer. University of Sydney. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme. 2009-2012. $21,101 Zhang ZD, Avery-Kiejda K, Hersey P. Targeting p53 isoforms, 40p53 and p53ß, to promote chemosensitivity in human melanoma. University of Newcastle. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $115,000 Apte M, Biankin A, Goldstein D, Wilson J, Pirola R. Desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer: role of pancreatic stellate cells in cancer progression. University of NSW. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000

McDonald K, Bennett M, Davey R, Robinson B. The role of IQGAP1 in actively migrating glioma cells and its regulation by miR-124.

University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant.

2009-2011. $110,750

Ashton L, Southey MC, Dalla-Pozza L, Cohn R, Hopper J, Lindley R. Long-term health outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer and their families. University of NSW. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000

Murray M, Gurney H, McLachlan A. Development of personalised dosage protocols for tyrosine kinase inhibitors in oncology patients. University of Sydney.

CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $95,550

Baker M, Molloy M, Saldanha R. Lynchpin protein interactions that drive epithelial cancer malignancy. Macquarie University. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000

Naylor M. Role of beta1 integrin in prostate development and carcinogenesis. Garvan Institute of Medical Research. CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $116,000 O’Neill G, Golemis E. The signalling switch function of the pro-metastatic, adhesion adaptor protein HEF1. University of Sydney.

CCNSW Project Grant. 2009-2011. $116,000 Poulsen M, Veness M, Rischin D, Macfarlane D. Phase II efficacy study of chemoradiotherapy in PET-staged II-III merkel cell carcinoma of the skin. Princess Alexandra Hospital. Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme.

2009-2012. $10,139

36

Clifton-Bligh R, Au A, Learoyd D, Robinson B. Cross-talk between PPARg and MAP kinase pathways in thyroid cancer.

University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant.

2008-2010. $78,550 Crossley M. The role of zinc finger proteins in B cell cancer. University of NSW. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000 Damian D, Halliday G. Nicotinamide protection from ultraviolet radiation–induced skin carcinogenesis in humans. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000 Friedlander M, Grimison P, Stockler M, Toner G, Thomson D, Singhal N. Accelerated first-line chemotherapy for advanced germ cell tumours. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $83,636

Mackay F, Herzog H. Role of neuropeptide Y1 receptor in regulatory T cell function: a new angle to treat autoimmunity and cancer.

Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000 MacKenzie K. Delineation of the role of telomeres and telomerase in erythropoiesis.

University of NSW. CCNSW Project Grant.

2008-2010. $97,425 Rasko J, Holst J. Dissecting BORIS function in neoplasia. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000 Reeve V. Protection against photoimmune suppression and skin cancer via oestrogen receptor signalling. University of Sydney.

CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000 Suchowerska N, Milross C, McKenzieD, Jackson M, Ebert M. Radiobiological modelling for Intensity- Modulated Radiation Therapy. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $70,000 Swarbrick A. Defining the role for Id1 in breast cancer metastasis. Garvan Institute of Medical Research. CCNSW Project Grant.

2008-2010. $56,375 Trevena L, McCaffery K, Barratt A, Leask J-A, Brotherton J, Dobbins T. A randomised trial of a web-based toolkit for applying evidence in the general practice cervical cancer prevention visit. University of Sydney. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $73,500 Verrills N, Ashman L, Sim A, Perrotti D. PP2A: a novel target for leukaemia therapy.

University of Newcastle. CCNSW Project Grant. 2008-2010. $100,000

Continuing Program Grants

Research programs

Hogg P, Dawes I, Lock R. New arsenicalbased cancer drugs. University of NSW. CCNSW Program Grant. 2006-2010. $375,618

Biankin A. Garvan Institute of Medical Research, International Cancer Genome Consortium. $500,000

Norris M, Haber M, Marshall G, Kavallaris M. Improved treatment outcomes for children with leukaemia. University of NSW. CCNSW Program Grant. 2006-2010. $400,000 Reddel R. Alternative lengthening of telomeres: a target for cancer treatment.

Children’s Medical Research Institute.

CCNSW Program Grant. 2006-2010. $400,000

Strategic Research Partnership (STREP) grants Biankin A, Kench J, Goldstein D, Smith R, Apte M, Smith G. New South Wales Pancreatic Cancer Network. Garvan Institute of Medical Research. CCNSW STREP grant.

2006-2010. $249,648 Meiser B, Lobb E, Tucker K, Andrews L, Kirk J, Friedlander M, Mireskandari S, Kasparian N, Wakefield C. Psychosocial impact of hereditary cancer and the development and evaluation of effective patient education and decision support strategies. University of NSW. CCNSW STREP grant. 2006-2010. $129,796 Ward R, Hawkins N, Hogg P, Spigelman A. The Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium: a model for the integration of biomedical research into patient care. University of NSW. CCNSW STREP grant. 2006-2010. $162,685 George J, McCaughan G, Dore G, Liddle C, Strasser S. Epidemiology, prevention and management of liver cancer in NSW: towards a strategic research partnership. University of Sydney. CCNSW STREP grant. 2008-2012. $250,000 Nowak A, McDonald K, Teo C, Wheeler H, Joseph D, Robinson B. Clinical Outcomes and Genetic Epidemiology of high grade Glioma: COGEG. University of Western Australia. CCNSW STREP grant. 2008-2012. $247,029

Cancer Trials NSW, in partnership with Cancer Institute NSW. $1,320,000 45 and Up Cohort Study, Sax Institute. $300,000

Commissioned research projects The Partners/Carers Study: a longitudinal study of the psychosocial outcomes of the partners/carers of cancer survivors. $41,512 Evaluation of Cancer Council NSW’s Telephone Support Groups. $7,667 GPs and Vitamin D deficiency: a survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices. $12,307 Evaluation of Cancer Council Connect. $2,010 Action research for Tackling Tobacco in community-based social services. $27,540 Satisfaction survey evaluation of Cancer Council’s Helpline and Call Back Service. $20,000 Mapping relative transport disadvantage among people affected by cancer in NSW. $3,000 Multiple perspectives on sexuality and intimacy post-cancer, leading to the development and evaluation of supportive interventions. $30,000 Evaluation of parental knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about fruit and vegetables. $90,000 Nature and extent of sports sponsorship in children’s sporting clubs and opportunities for policy intervention. $25,000 Effects of food marketing on children and parents. $25,000 Youthblock evaluation for Tackling Tobacco Program. $30,000 AHMRC ‘Breathe’ Project randomised trial. $50,000

Whiteman D, Lord R, Watson D, Phillips W, Hayward N. PROBE-NET: Progression of Barrett’s Esophagus to Cancer Network.

Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

CCNSW STREP grant. 2008-2012. $264,446

37

Appendices

Publications, presentations and posters CEO Division Publications Holliday C, Robotin M. The Delphi process: a solution for reviewing novel grant applications.

Int J Gen Med. 2010;3:1-6. Available from: http://www.dovepress.com/articles. php?article_id=4963 Robotin M. Enquiring about cancer patients’ use of complementary and alternative medicines: is our job done? Asia Pac J Clin Oncol. 2010;6(4):245-7. [Editorial] Robotin MC, Jones SC, Biankin AV, Waters L, Iverson D, Gooden H, Barraclough B, Penman AG. Defining research priorities for pancreatic cancer in Australia: results of a consensus development process. Cancer Causes Control. 2010; 21(5):729-36. Available from: http://www.mdlinx.com/hemeonclinx/ news-article.cfm/3019534 Robotin MC, Kansil M, George J, Howard K, Tipper S, Levy M, Phung N, Penman AG. Using a population-based approach to prevent hepatocellular cancer in New South Wales, Australia: effects on health services utilisation. BMC Health Serv Res. 2010:10:215. Available from: http://www. biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/10/215

Presentations Gooden HM, Friedsam AJ, Robotin M, Biankin A, White K. Doing sensitive research: the importance of listening to the voice of those affected by pancreatic cancer. Paper presented at: 16th International Conference on Cancer Nursing; 2010 Mar 7-11; Atlanta GA, USA. Holliday C, Pigot M, Robotin M. Results of a pilot program for research volunteers.

Paper presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Robotin M. Lessons from the field: engaging consumers in the fight against cancer. Paper presented at: Sydney Cancer Conference 2010 (SCC2010); 2010 Jul 14-16; Sydney, Australia. [Invited presentation] Robotin M, Holliday C, Bensoussan A. Research priorities in complementary medicine in Australia: recommendations of a consensusbuilding process. Paper presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

38

Tipper S, Robotin M, Putha V. Engaging with communities in the fight against liver cancer. Paper presented at: 7th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference; 2010 Sep 6-8; Melbourne, Australia.

3. Benson VS, Green J, Pirie J, Beral V, for the Million Women Study Collaborators (including Canfell K). Cigarette smoking and risk of acoustic neuromas and pituitary tumours in the Million Women Study. Br J Cancer. 2010;102(11):1654-6.

Posters

4. Canfell K. Models of cervical screening in the era of human papillomavirus vaccination. Sex Health. 2010;7(3):359-67.

Liu Y, Zhao Y, Robotin M. Supporting health literacy improvements in a communitybased cancer control organisation: a librarian’s view. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Robotin M, Patton Y, Putha V, Tipper S, George J. Collaborating with general practitioners in cancer control: lessons from the ‘B Positive’ Project. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Robotin M, Patton Y, Tipper S, Levy M, Phung N, George J. How effective are professional seminars in improving GP knowledge of hepatitis B? Poster presented at: 7th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference; 2010 Sep 6-8; Melbourne, Australia.

Robotin M, Patton Y, Tipper S, Levy M, Phung N, George J. Knowledge of hepatitis B screening and management among GPs providing care to communities at risk of chronic hepatitis B in Sydney. Poster presented at: 7th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference; 2010 Sep 6-8; Melbourne. Australia.

Cancer Research Division Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit Publications 1. Arya F, Egger S, Colquhoun D, Sullivan D, Pal S, Egger G. Differences in postprandial inflammatory responses to a ‘modern’ v. traditional meat meal: a preliminary study. Br J Nutr.

2010;104(5):724-8.

2. Banks E, Canfell K. Recent declines in breast cancer incidence: mounting evidence that reduced use of menopausal hormones is largely responsible. Breast Cancer Res. 2010;12(1):103. [Invited editorial]

5. Canfell K. Monitoring HPV vaccination programs. BMJ. 2010;340:c1666.

[Invited editorial] 6. Creighton P, Lew JB, Clements M, Smith M, Howard K, Dyer S, Lord S, Canfell K. Cervical cancer screening in Australia: modelled evaluation of the impact of changing the recommended interval from two to three years. BMC Public Health. 2010;10(1):734.

7. Jiang J, Liu B, Sitas F, Zeng X, Chen J, Han W, Zou X, Wu Y, Zhao P, Li J. Casespouse control design in practice: an experience in estimating smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease deaths in Chinese adults. J Formos Med Assoc. 2010;109(5):369-77.

8. Jiang J, Liu B, Sitas F, Li J, Zeng X, Han W, Zou X, Wu Y, Zhao P. Smokingattributable deaths and potential years of life lost from a large, representative study in China. Tob Control. 2010;19(1):7-12.

9. Malope-Kgokong BI, Macphail P, Mbisa G, Ratshikhopha E, Maskew M, Stein L, Sitas F, Whitby D. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) seroprevalence in pregnant women in South Africa. Infect Agent Cancer.

2010;5:14.

10. Reeves GK, Travis RC, Green J, Bull D, Tipper S, Baker K, Beral V, Peto R, Bell J, Zelenika D, Lathrop M, on behalf of the Million Women Study Collaborators (including Canfell K). Incidence of breast cancer and its subtypes in relation to individual and multiple low-penetrance genetic susceptibility loci. JAMA. 2010;304(4):426-34.

11. Ringland CL, Arkenau HT, O’Connell DL, Ward RL. Second primary colorectal cancers (SPCRCs): experiences from a large Australian Cancer Registry.

Ann Oncol. 2010;21(1):92-7.

12. Sitas F, O’Connell DL, van Kemenade CH, Short M, Zhao K. Breast cancer risk among female employees of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Australia.

Med J Aust. 2010;192(11):651-4.

13. Smith DP, King MT, Egger S, Berry MP, Stricker PD, Cozzi P, Ward J, O’Connell DL, Armstrong BK. Quality of life three years after diagnosis of localised prostate cancer: population-based cohort study.

BMJ 2010;339:b4817.

14. Webster AC, Supramaniam R, O’Connell DL, Chapman JR, Craig JC. Validity of registry data: agreement between cancer records in an end-stage kidney disease registry (voluntary reporting) and a cancer register (statutory reporting). Nephrology.

(Carlton.) 2010;15(4):491-501.

15. Woods LM, O’Connell DL, Lawrence G, Tracey E, Willmore A, Coleman MP. Differences in breast cancer incidence in Australia and England by age, extent of disease and deprivation status: women diagnosed 1980-2002. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2010;34(2):206-13.

16. Yu XQ, Chen WH, O’Connell DL. Improved survival for non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients in New South Wales, Australia. BMC Cancer. 2020;10(1):231.

Presentations 1. Canfell K. The impact of vaccination on the cervical cancer screening program.

Oral presentation at: Seminars on HPV: Jack Cuzick/Karen Canfell; 2010; Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.

2. Canfell K. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination. Oral presentation for Cancer Council NSW session at: Australian Practice Nurses Association (APNA) Meeting; 2010 May 6-8; Gold Coast, Australia.

3. Canfell K. Cervical screening in the era of HPV vaccination. Presentation at: International Centre for Infectious Diseases, Manitoba HPV Disease Prevention Secretariat, Invited Speaker Series; 2010 Jun 28; University of Manitoba, Canada.

4. Canfell K. Evaluating options for cervical cancer screening in the era of HPV vaccination. Oral presentation at: Centre for Women’s Health, Gender and Society Research Seminar; 2010 Nov 15; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

5. Canfell K. Hormone therapy and breast cancer: insights from observational epidemiology. Presentation at: International Centre for Infectious Diseases, Manitoba HPV Disease Prevention Secretariat, Invited Speaker Series; 2010 Jun 29; University of Manitoba, Canada.

6. Canfell K. Using modelling and costeffectiveness studies to inform public health decisions: what we know, and what we need to find out. Oral presentation at: International Papillomavirus Conference Public Health Workshop; 2010 Jul 3-8; Montreal, Canada.

7. Egger S. New results of analysis of InterSCOPE data. Oral presentation at: 2nd InterSCOPE Collaborators Meeting; 2010 Sep; German Cancer Research Centre; Heidelberg, Germany.

8. Egger S, Smith D, King M, Armstrong B. A novel approach to presenting quality of life outcomes in longitudinal studies: The Prostate Cancer Care and Outcomes Study.

Oral presentation at: NSW & ACT Cancer Epidemiology Network Workshop; 2010.

9. Goldsbury DE, Harris MF, Barton MB, Pascoe S, O’Connell DL and the Colorectal Cancer Referral Pathways Study Team. Use of The 45 and Up Study in the Colorectal Cancer Referral Pathways Study. Oral presentation at: 7th Annual 45 and Up Study Collaborators’ Meeting; 2010 Oct 29; Sydney, Australia.

10. O’Connell DL, Carmichael LK, Smith DP, Gattelari M, Chambers S, Pinnock CP, Slevin T, Ward J. Prostate cancer and PSA testing. How much do men think they know? What do they know?

Oral presentation at: Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group 1st Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 10; Melbourne, Australia.

11. Shi JF, Canfell K, Lew JB, Zhao FH, Walker R, Simonella L, Chen JF, Legood R, Smith M, Qiao YL. Evaluation of combined HPV vaccination and Care HPV screening strategies in rural China.

Oral presentation at: International Papillomavirus Conference: 2010 Jul 3-8; Montreal, Canada.

12. Sitas F. Presentation of summary of work to date for InterSCOPE Study.

Oral presentation at: 2nd InterSCOPE Collaborators Meeting; 2010 Sep; German Cancer Research Centre; Heidelberg, Germany.

13. Sitas F. The burden of cancer in Africa.

Oral presentation at: Cancer Registration Workshop for IARC; 2010 Sep 12-15; Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus; Cape Town, South Africa.

14. Smith M, Canfell K, Lew JB, Creighton P, Clements M, Kang YJ, Howard K, Dyer S, Canfell K. Modelling the impact of HPV vaccination on the cervical screening program. Oral presentation at: HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Prevention Symposium; 2010 Aug 12; Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney; Sydney, Australia.

15. Smith DP, Egger S, O’Connell DL, King M, Berry M, Stricker P, Cozzi P, Ward J, Armstrong BK. Sexual function five years after diagnosis of localised prostate cancer: results from the New South Wales (NSW) Prostate Cancer Care and Outcome Study. Oral presentation at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

16. Yu XQ. Estimating relative survival using population-based data. Oral presentation to: The George Institute of Global Health; 2010; Sydney, Australia.

Posters 1. Bradshaw D, Egger S, Groenewald P, Laubscher R, Kleikowski D, Sitas F. Use of smoking questions on the South African death notification form to measure tobacco-attributed mortality: results from 1 million deaths notified between 19992006. Poster presented at: APACT 2010 – Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health; 2010 Oct 6-9; Sydney, Australia.

2. Bradshaw D, Groenewald P, Laubscher R, Kielkowski D, Egger S, Sitas F. TB is the leading cause of death from smoking in South Africa: results from 1 million deaths. Poster presented at: 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health; 2010 Nov 11-15; Berlin, Germany.

3. Canfell K, Lew JB, Smith M, Simonella L, Nickson C, Clements M, Walker R, Creighton P, Casey D, Lewis H. Timevarying impact of HPV vaccination on the national cervical screening program in New Zealand. Poster presented at: International Papillomavirus Conference; 2010 Jul 3-8; Montreal, Canada.

4. Goldsbury DE, Smith DP, Armstrong BK, O’Connell DL. Accuracy of hospital records and Medicare claims data for monitoring prostate cancer care. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

39

Appendices

5. Legood R, Smith M, Lew JB, Walker R, Moss S, Kitchener H, Canfell K. Why HPV test of cure both saves money and achieves better outcomes. Poster presented at: International Papillomavirus Conference; 2010 Jul 3-8; Montreal, Canada.

Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology

6. O’Connell DL, Armstrong K, VinodS, Simonella L, Thomas R, Peters M. Algorithms for the management of lung cancer in New South Wales. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Bonevski B. Spending, shopping and saving: ex-smokers’ perceptions about material gains following quitting. J Smok Cessat.

2010;5(1):77-82.

7. O’Connell DL, Carmichael LK, Smith DP, Gattelari M, Chambers S, Pinnock CP, Slevin T, Ward J. Prostate cancer and PSA testing. How much do men think they know? What do they know? Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

8. Rodger J, Supramaniam R, Saunders V, O’Connell DL. Pathways to the diagnosis of cancer for Aboriginal people in NSW. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

9. Shi JF, Kang DJ, Qi SZ, Yan SW, Liu YC, Sun LJ, Li L, Canfell K, Qiao YL, on behalf of the Chinese Genital Warts Study Group.

Impact of genital warts on health-related quality of life: a multicentre hospital-based study in China. Poster presented at: International Papillomavirus Conference; 2010 Jul 3-8; Montreal, Canada.

10. Smith M, Canfell K, Lew JB, Creighton P, Clements M, Kang YJ, Howard K, Dyer S, Lord S. Economic evaluation of LBC, Auto LBC and HPV triage testing for cervical screening in Australia. Poster presented at: International Papillomavirus Conference; 2010 Jul 3-8; Montreal, Canada.

11. Supramaniam R, O’Connell DL, Rodger J, Saunders V, Dennis J. Differences in socioeconomic status, spread of disease, rural residence and access to surgery do not explain lower survival from breast cancer for Aboriginal women. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

12. Willcox SJ, Stewart BW, Sitas F. What do cancer patients and their partners believe causes cancer? (New South Wales, Australia). Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

40

Publications

Kinsman L, Rotter T, James E, Snow P, Willis J. What is a clinical pathway?

Development of a definition to inform the debate. BMC Med. 2010;8:31.

Mitchell G, Girgis A, Jiwa M, Sibbritt D, Burridge L. A GP Caregiver Needs Toolkit versus usual care in the management of the needs of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial. Trials.

2010;11:115.

Bonevski B, Campbell E, Sanson-Fisher RW. The validity and reliability of an interactive computer tobacco and alcohol use survey in general practice. Addict Behav.

2010;35(5):492-8.

Paul CL, Mee KJ, Judd TM, Walsh RA, Tang A, Penman A, Girgis A. Anywhere, anytime: retail access to tobacco in New South Wales and its potential impact on consumption and quitting. Soc Sci Med. 2010;71 (4):799-806.

Boyes A, Hall A, Zucca A, Girgis A. Supportive Care Needs Survey: Supplement 2 – reference data for cancer survivors 5-9 months postdiagnosis. Newcastle: Centre for Health Research and Psycho-onology; 2010.

Paul CL, Ross S, Bryant J, Hill W, Bonevski B, Keevy N. The social context of smoking: a qualitative study comparing smokers of high versus low socioeconomic position. BMC Public Health. 2010;10:211.

Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, O’Brien J, Oakes W. Delivering smoking cessation support to disadvantaged groups: a qualitative study of the potential of community welfare organisations. Health Educ Res. 2010;25(6):979-90.

Rotter T, Kinsman L, James E, Machotta A, Gothe H, Willis J, Snow P, Kugler J. Clinical pathways: effects on professional practice, patient outcomes, length of stay and hospital costs. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Mar17;(3): CD006632. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006632.pub2.

Butow PN, Sze M, Duggal-Beri P, Mikhail M, Eisenbruch M, Jefford M, Schofield P, Girgis A, King M, Goldstein D. From inside the bubble: migrants’ perceptions of communication with the cancer team. Support Care Cancer. 2010.

DOI: 10.1007/s00520-010-0817-x. Epub 2010 Feb 19.

Francis K, Dobbinson S, Wakefield M, Girgis A. Solarium use in Australia: recent trends and context. Aust N Z J Public Health.

2010;34(4):427-30.

Gallagher TH, Girgis A. Discussing adverse outcomes with patients. In Kissane DW, Bultz BD, Butow PM, Finlay IG, editors. Handbook of communication in oncology and palliative care. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press; 2010.

Hansen V, Girgis A. Can a single question effectively screen for burnout in Australian cancer care workers? BMC Health Serv Res. 2010;10:341.

Jiwa M, Mitchell G, Sibbritt D, Girgis A, Burridge L. Addressing the needs of caregivers of cancer patients in general practice: a complex intervention. Qual Prim Care.

2010;18(1):9-16.

Johnson C, Girgis A, Paul C, Currow DC, Adams J, Aranda S. Australian palliative care providers’ perceptions and experiences of the barriers and facilitators to palliative care provision. Support Care Cancer. 2010. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-010-0822-0. Epub 2010 Feb 16.

Saunders C, Girgis A. Status, challenges and facilitators of consumer involvement in Australian health and medical research. Health Res Policy Syst. 2010;8:34.

Waller A, Girgis A, Johnson C, Mitchell G, Yates P, Kristjanson L, Tattersall M, Lecathelinais C, Sibbritt D, Kelly B, Gorton E, Currow D. Facilitating needs-based cancer care for people with a chronic disease: evaluation of an intervention using a multicentre interrupted time series design.

BMC Palliat Care. 2010; 9:2.

Waller A, Girgis A, Lecathelinais C, Scott W, Foot L, Sibbritt D, Currow D. Validity, reliability and clinical feasibility of a Needs Assessment Tool for people with progressive cancer. Psychooncology. 2010;19(7):726-33.

Wilson AJ, Bonevski B, Jones AL, Henry DA. Deconstructing cancer: what makes a goodquality news story? Med J Aust. 2010;193(1112):702-6.

Zucca AC, Boyes AW, Lecathelinais C, Girgis A. Life is precious and I’m making the best of it: coping strategies of long-term cancer survivors. Psychooncology. 2010. DOI: 101.002/pon.1686. Epub 2010 Feb 11.

Presentations Aldridge LJ, Butow P, Bell M, McGrane J, Jefford M, Schofield P, King M, Eisenbruch M, Girgis A, Duggal-Beri P, Sze M, Grayson N, Faraji S, Yates P, Connell S, Meiser B, Goldstein D. The case for culturally competent navigators: examining health disparities, distress and unmet needs in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Greek and Arabicspeaking cancer survivors in Australia. Paper presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Aldridge L, Butow P, Bell M, McGrane J, Jefford M, Schofield P, King M, Eisenbruch M, Girgis A, Grayson N, Faraji S, Duggal-Beri P, Sze M, Lobb E, Goldstein D. Health disparities and unmet needs in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Greek and Arabic-speaking cancer survivors in New South Wales.

Paper presented at: Sydney Cancer Conference 2010 (SCC2010); 2010 Jul 14-16; Sydney, Australia.

Aldridge L, McGrane J, Butow P, Girgis A, Jefford M, Schofield P, King M, Eisenbruch M, Yates P, Connell S, Duggal-Beri P, Sze M, Lobb E, Goldstein D. Unmet needs in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Greek and Arabic-speaking cancer survivors in Australia.

(Symposium). Paper presented at: 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology; 2010 May 25-29; Quebec, Canada.

Baker A, Bonevski B, Bowman J, Ratschen E, Richmond R, Thornton L, Wye P. Moving away from cigarettes as ‘portable therapy’ for smokers with mental health problems: translating evidence from public health, clinical and training settings into policy.

(Symposia). Paper presented at: 12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Europe; 2010 Sep 6-9; Bath, United Kingdom.

Bonevski B, Bryant J, Paul C. Paying the poor to quit: welfare service staff and client perceptions about financial incentives for smoking cessation. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Bonevski B, Magin P, Girgis A, Horton G, Coppa K. Vitamin D deficiency and sun protection: a survey of GP knowledge, attitudes and practices. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Boyes A, Girgis A, Zucca A. ‘It’s been a journey, I am a survivor’: changes in psychosocial wellbeing over the first 12 months since a cancer diagnosis. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Boyes A, Girgis A, Zucca A, D’Este C. ‘It’s been a journey, I am a survivor’: patterns of adjustment across the cancer trajectory.

(Symposium). Paper presented at: 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology; 2010 May 2529; Quebec, Canada.

Boyes A, Girgis A, Zucca A, D’Este C. Survivors’ patterns of psychosocial adjustment over the first two years of the cancer trajectory.

Paper presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Boyes A, Vallentine P, Zucca A, Friedsam J. ‘I look forward to the call’: evaluation of a telephone-based support group. Paper presented at: 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology; 2010 May 2529; Quebec, Canada.

Bryant J. ‘I don’t really enjoy it anymore’: what smokers attending community service organisations say about their smoking. Paper presented at: World No Tobacco Day; 2010 May 31; Newcastle, Australia.

Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C. A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of smoking cessation research with disadvantaged smokers. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, O’Brien J, Oakes W. The potential of community service organisations for delivering tobacco cessation support to disadvantaged smokers. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Girgis A. Assessment of supportive care needs in cancer survivors. Paper presented at: MASCC/ISOO 2010 International Symposium, Supportive Care in Cancer; 2010 Jun 24-26; Vancouver, Canada.

Girgis A. Cancer Survivorship Consortia: international research and clinical priorities – Australia. Pre-MASCC Symposium Study Group Workshop. Cancer Survivorship: creating international collaborations to study the supportive care needs of cancer survivors; 2010 Jun 23; Vancouver, Canada.

Girgis A. Flourishing or flailing? The impact of cancer on survivors and their caregivers. Paper presented at: Sydney Cancer Conference 2010 (SCC2010); 2010 Jul 14-16; Sydney, Australia.

Girgis A. Flourishing or flailing? The impact of cancer on survivors and their caregivers across the cancer trajectory. (Symposium). Paper presented at: 12th World Congress of PsychoOncology; 2010 May 25-29; Quebec, Canada.

Girgis A. Meet the expert: Brad Zebrack. At a crossroads: adolescents and young adults with cancer. Meet the Expert Session Chair at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Girgis A. The many roads people travel on their cancer survival journey: a population-based study. Paper presented at: MASCC/ISOO 2010 International Symposium, Supportive Care in Cancer; 2010 Jun 24-26; Vancouver, Canada.

Girgis A. We want to provide patient-centred care: the case for routine screening. Keynote address at: North Eastern Metropolitan Integrated Cancer Service (NEMICS) Annual Forum; 2010 Aug 31; Melbourne, Australia.

Girgis A, Lambert S, McElduff P. Unmet supportive care needs among a populationbased sample of partners and caregivers (P/ Cs) of cancer survivors 6, 12, and 24 months post-diagnosis. Paper presented at: OZPOS/ PoCoG Psycho-oncology Professional Day; 2010 Nov 8; Melbourne, Australia.

Girgis A, Lambert S, Stacey F, Lecathelinais C. Predicting borderline/clinical anxiety and depression among a large, population-based sample of cancer caregivers six months post-diagnosis. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Girgis A, Lambert S, Stacey F, Lecathelinais C. Predicting borderline/clinical anxiety and depression among a large, population-based sample of cancer caregivers six months postdiagnosis. Paper presented at: 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology; 2010 May 25-29; Quebec, Canada.

Girgis A, on behalf of the Palliative Care Needs Assessment Research Team. A marriage made in heaven: Palliative Care Research Program as a demonstration of researchers and policy-makers working hand-in-hand.

Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

James E, Chapman K, Stacey F, Asprey G, Lubans D, Sundquist K, Boyes A, Girgis A. Description and preliminary evaluation of the ENRICH (Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health) program. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

41

Appendices

James E, Stacey F, Glasson C, Chapman K, Lai J, Ruhan C. Use of shopping receipts to assess fruit and vegetable purchasing behaviours.

Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Lambert S, Girgis A, Chambers S, Sundquist K. Coping-Together: development and pilot testing of a self-directed coping skills intervention for patient-primary support person dyads. Paper presented at: 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology; 2010 May 25-29; Quebec, Canada.

Paul C, Bonevski B, Bryant J, Sanson-Fisher R. Approaches to tobacco control and population effects: how good is the evidence that standard approaches are equitable? Paper presented at: 12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Europe; 2010 Sep 6-9; Bath, United Kingdom.

Saunders C, Girgis A. Involvement in health and medical research: consumers for progress? Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Short C, James E, Girgis A. Tailoring to promote physical activity and reduce sitting time amongst breast cancer survivors. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Stacey F, James E, Chapman K, Lubans D, Asprey G, Sundquist K, Boyes A, Girgis A. ENRICH (Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health): efficacy and feasibility of an exercise and nutrition program for cancer survivors and carers. Paper presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Tzelepis F, Paul CL, Walsh RA, McElduff P, Knight J. Cold calling smokers for proactive telephone counselling: what are their long-term cessation rates? Paper presented at: 12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Europe; 2010 Sep 6-9; Bath, United Kingdom.

Tzelepis F, Paul CL, Walsh RA, Wiggers J, Knight J, Duncan SL, Daly J, Girgis A. Cold calling smokers for proactive telephone counselling: what are their long-term cessation rates? Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

42

Vallentine P, Boyes A, Zucca A, Friedsman J. Program evaluation: informing and supporting service delivery for Telephone Support Groups (TSGs). Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Waller A, Girgis A, Johnson C, Currow D, Lecathelinais D, Sibbritt D, on behalf of the Palliative Care Research Team. Impact of a palliative care needs assessment intervention on patient needs and service utilisation.

Paper presented at: 8th Palliative Care Congress; 2010 Mar 10-12; Bournemouth, United Kingdom.

Waller A, Girgis A, Johnson C, Currow D, Lecathelinais D, Sibbritt D, on behalf of the Palliative Care Research Team.

Impact of a palliative care needs assessment intervention on patient needs and service utilisation. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Posters Bonevski B, Bryant J, Paul C, O’Brien J. Addressing social inequalities in smoking by partnering with community social services: the Tackling Tobacco Research Project. Poster presented at: 12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Europe; 2010 Sep 6-9; Bath, United Kingdom.

Bonevski B, Paul C, Bryant J, Walsh R, Melville C. Support for smoke-free technical and further education (TAFE) settings: a survey of staff behaviours, knowledge and attitudes.

Poster presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Boyes A, Girgis A, Zucca A, D’Este C. If it doesn’t kill you, does it make you stronger?

Results of a population-based longitudinal survey of cancer survivors. Poster presented at: 5th Biennial Cancer Survivorship Research Conference; 2010 Jun 17-19; Washington DC, USA.

Waller A, Girgis A, Johnson C, Lecathelinais C, Sibbritt D, Currow D, on behalf of the Palliative Care Research Team. Systematic assessment of palliative care needs: efficacy, time, resource implications and future directions. Paper presented at: Cancer Care Coordinator Conference; 2010 Mar 25; Gold Coast, Australia.

Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, O’Brien J, Oakes W. The potential of community service organisations for delivering tobacco cessation support to disadvantaged smokers. Poster presented at: 12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Europe; 2010 Sep 6-9; Bath, United Kingdom.

Walsh RA, Paul CL, Tzelepis F, Stacey F, Paras L. Exiled smoking: public attitudes, visibility and potential role in relapse. Paper presented at: APACT 2010 – Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health; 2010 Oct 6-9; Sydney, Australia.

Chambers S, Girgis A, Occhipinti S, Hutchison S, Turner J, Carter R, Dunn J. Improving the psychosocial health of people with cancer and their carers: a community-based approach.

Poster presented at: 12th World Congress of Psycho-Oncology; 2010 May 25-29; Quebec, Canada.

Wilson T, Gander K, Glasson C, Chapman K, James E. An RCT to evaluate the efficacy of a peer-led fruit and vegetable education intervention. Paper presented at: 19th Annual Conference Australian Health Promotion Association; 2010 May 30 – Jun 2; Melbourne, Australia.

Zucca A, Boyes A, Girgis A, Hall A. Travel all over the countryside: travelling for cancer treatment in NSW and Victoria. Paper presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Girgis A, Lambert S, Boyes A. Predictors of anxiety among individuals diagnosed with cancer and their primary support person six months post-diagnosis. Poster presented at: 5th Biennial Cancer Survivorship Research Conference; 2010 Jun 17-19; Washington DC, USA. Girgis A, Lambert S, McElduff P. Unmet supportive care needs among a populationbased sample of partners and caregivers (P/ Cs) of cancer survivors 6, 12, and 24 months post-diagnosis. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Lambert S, Girgis A, Chambers S, Regan T. Is a self-directed coping skills intervention acceptable to couples affected by cancer?

Insights from the pilot testing of the CopingTogether workbook. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Lambert S, Pallant JF, Girgis A. Using RASCH analysis to enhance measurement in behavioural sciences: exemplar using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Poster presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Paras L, Morgan PJ, Lynagh M, James E, Bonevski B. Rationale and intervention description of the familyFIT study: a familyfocused community-based RCT, to increase physical activity levels in children and their parents. Poster presented at: Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS) Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Oct 21-23; Sydney, Australia.

Regan T, Lambert S, Girgis A. When two halves are better than one: a systematic review of the efficacy of couple-based interventions vs. patient-only interventions. Poster presented at: Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) 37th Annual Scientific Meeting; 2010 Nov 9-11; Melbourne, Australia.

Thewes B, Boyes A, Girgis A. Fear of recurrence in the first year after diagnosis: results of a registry-based study. Poster presented at: 12th World Congress of PsychoOncology; 2010 May 25-29; Quebec, Canada.

Tzelepis F, Paul CL, Walsh RA, McElduff P, Knight J. Proactive telephone counselling for smoking cessation: meta-analyses of the impact of recruitment channel and methodological quality on efficacy. Poster presented at: 12th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Europe; 2010 Sep 6-9; Bath, United Kingdom.

Waller A, Girgis A, Lecathelinais, Scott W, Foot L, Sibbritt D, Currow D. Validity, reliability and clinical feasibility of a Needs Assessment Tool for people with progressive cancer.

Poster presented at: 10th Biennial Behavioural Research in Cancer Control Conference; 2010 Apr 14-16; Fremantle, Australia.

Walsh RA, Paul CL, Tzelepis F, Paul CL, Wiggers J, Knight J, Duncan SL. Nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion use in a telephone counselling trial using cold calling recruitment. Poster presented at: APACT 2010 – Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health; 2010 Oct 6-9; Sydney, Australia.

Health Strategies Division Publications Kelly B, Baur, LA, Bauman AE, Salah S, Smith BJ, King L, Chapman K. Role modelling unhealthy behaviours: an analysis of food and drink sponsorship of peak sporting organisations. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. Submitted May 2010.

James EL, Stacey F and Chapman K. The Etiology of Cancer – Diet and Physical Activity. Cancer Report of Asian-Pacific Region 2010 O’Brien J, Geikie A, Jardine A, Oakes W, Salmon A. Integrating smoking care in community service organisations to reach disadvantaged people: Findings from the Smoking Matters project. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. 2010; 21: 176-182.

Kelly B, Baur, LA, Bauman AE, King L, Chapman K, Smith BJ. Food and drink sponsorship of children’s sport: who pays?

Health Promotion International.

DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daq061

Bryant J, Bonevski B, Paul C, O’Brien J, Oakes W. Delivering smoking cessation support to disadvantaged groups: a qualitative study of the potential of community welfare organizations. Health Education Research 2010; 25: 979-990.

Kelly B, Baur, LA, Bauman AE, King L, Chapman K, Smith BJ. Examining opportunities for healthy eating promotion at children’s sports clubs. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. Published online October 2010. DOI: 10.1111/j.

1753-6405.2010.00619.x

Potente S, Coppa K, Williams A, Engels R Legally brown: using ethnographic methods to understand sun protection attitudes and behaviours among young Australians ‘I didn’t mean to get burnt—it just happened!’ Health Educ. Res published online November 8, 2010 doi:10.1093/her/cyq066

Hebden L, King L, Kelly B, Chapman K, Innes-Hughes C, Gunatillaka N. Regulating the types of foods and beverages marketed to Australian children: How useful are food industry commitments? Nutrition & Dietetics 2010; 67(4):258-266 Hebden L, King L, Kelly B, Chapman K, InnesHughes C. Industry self-regulation of food marketing to children: Reading the fine print.

Health Promotion Journal of Australia 2010; 21(3):229-235.

King L, Hebden L, Grunseit A, Kelly B, Chapman K, Venugopal K. Industry self regulation of television food advertising: Responsible or responsive? Int J Pediatr Obes 2010 September 21 Kelly B, Baur, LA, Bauman AE, Salah S, Smith BJ, King L, Chapman K. Health promotion in sport: an analysis of peak sporting organisations’ health policies. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 13: 566-567.

Kelly B, Halford J, Boyland E, Chapman K, Bautista-Castaño I, Berg C, Caroli M, Cook B, Coutinho J, Effertz T, Grammatikaki E, Keller K, Leung R, Manios Y, Monteiro R, Pedley C, Prell H, Raine K, Recine E, Serra-Majem L, Singh S, Summerbell C. Television food advertising to children: a global perspective.

American Journal of Public Health.2010; 100: 1730-1736 Glasson C, Chapman K, James E. Fruit and vegetables should be targeted separately in health promotion programmes: differences in consumption levels, barriers, knowledge and stages of readiness for change.

Public Health Nutr. 2010; 1-8

43

Appendices

Board and committees Cancer Council NSW Board of Directors Mr Bruce Hodgkinson SC (Chair) Barrister, Denman Chambers Dr Stephen Ackland Staff Specialist, Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Ms Jill Boehm OAM (Deputy Chair) Ms Mary Chiew General Manager, Giorgio Armani Australia Dr Patrick Cregan Clinical Director, Surgery, South West Sydney Area Health Service Mr Paul Lahiff Consultant Prof Graham Mann Professor in Medicine, University of Sydney, Associate Dean (Research Strategy) Sydney Medical School

Prof Reg Lord Head, Gastroesophageal Cancer Research Program, St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, UNSW A/Prof Bettina Meiser Head of Psychosocial Research Group, Dept of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital Prof Graham Mann Professor in Medicine, University of Sydney, Associate Dean (Research Strategy) Sydney Medical School Mr John Morony Consumer Representative Prof Murray Norris Deputy Director, Children’s Cancer Institute Australia Dr Andrew Penman AM CEO, Cancer Council NSW

Mr Stephen Roberts Mercer Investments

Prof Roger Reddel Head, Cancer Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute

Mr Bob Sendt Consultant and former NSW Auditor-General

Dr Monica Robotin Medical Director, Cancer Council NSW

Cancer Council NSW Cancer Research Committee Prof Bruce Armstrong (Chair) Professor of Public Health, Medical Foundation Fellow, University of Sydney Dr Stephen Ackland Staff Specialist, Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Prof Mark Baker Chair of Proteomics, Macquarie University Ms Jane Bennett Consumer Representative Prof Andrew Biankin Head, Pancreatic Cancer Research Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research Prof Andrew Grulich Professor, National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of NSW Prof Don Iverson Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health), University of Wollongong

44

Dr Ros Sorenson Senior Lecturer and Researcher, University of Technology A/Prof Natalka Suchowerska Head of Research and Education in Medical Physics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Prof Kate White Professor of Nursing, University of Sydney and the Cancer Institute of NSW Chair in Cancer Nursing

Cancer Council NSW Ethics Committee A/Prof Bettina Meiser (Chair) Non-Medical Graduate with Research Experience, Dept of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital Sr Therese Carroll Religious Representative Dr John Friedsam Allied Health Professional Ms Meghan Magnusson Lawyer Ebsworth & Ebsworth

Mr Bill McCarthy AM Medical Graduate with Research Experience Dr Graeme Morgan Medical Graduate with Research Experience Ms Joanne Muller Lawyer Rev David Pettett Minister of Religion Anglican Chaplain, Metropolitan Reception and Remand Centre Dr Monica Robotin Medical Graduate with Research Experience Dr John Sanders Layman Mr Leo Simonella Cancer Council NSW Staff Member

Internal Research Review Committee Prof Louisa Jorm (Chair) Sax Institute Ms Gill Batt Director, Cancer Information and Support Services Division, Cancer Council NSW Prof Afaf Girgis Director, Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology, Cancer Council NSW Mr Jim Graind Consumer Representative Dr Monica Robotin Medical Director, Cancer Council NSW A/Prof Freddy Sitas Director, Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW

International visitors CEO Division Dr Christian Abnet National Cancer Institute, USA Dr Jan Brabender Cologne University, Germany Dr Timothy Cloughesy University of California, Los Angeles, USA Dr Steven DeMeester University of Southern California, USA Dr Stefan Ă–berg Lund University, Sweden Dr Brian Reid Fred Hutchinson Comprehensive Cancer Centre, USA

Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology Prof Wolfgang Linden University of British Columbia, Canada A/Prof Brad Zebrack University of Michigan, USA

Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit Prof Dame Valerie Beral University of Oxford, England Dr Erich Kliewer Cancer Care Manitoba, Canada

Contact CERU

RSSD

Cancer Epidemiology Research Unit

Research Strategy & Scientific Development

Cancer Council NSW PO Box 572 Kings Cross NSW 1340

Cancer Council NSW PO Box 572 Kings Cross NSW 1340

P: 02 9334 1837 F: 02 8302 3550 E: crd@nswcc.org.au

P: 02 9334 1854 E: research@nswcc.org.au

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