Research Update
 The Centre of Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) at Monash University and The Jean Hailes Foundation recently launched a 5 year study to determine the key physical and emotional issues for women following breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Although breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, there has been a dramatic increase in survival rates for this disease in the past decade.
The study, led by Chief Investigators Professor Susan Davis and Dr Robin Bell, will consider quality of life issues and medical factors for survivors of breast cancer.
Having breast cancer can be a devastating time of uncertainty, pain and treatment for a woman and her family. To date the focus has been on treatment and survival. Not much is known about women’s individual experiences after breast cancer, or the extent to which having had breast cancer impairs a woman’s quality of life. |
Breast Cancer Survivors from left to right:
Deanne Sutherland, Pratika Lal,
Rita Marigliani
|
What is known is that women who undergo chemotherapy experience more severe symptoms of menopause as a result of their treatment. Other medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, depression or changed family or social situations may also be more common after breast cancer and can have significant impact on future wellbeing.
The Jean Hailes Foundation estimates that approximately 15,000 women will participate in this Victorian-based study, the results of which will benefit women Australia wide.
In this study we will investigate:
-
frequency and severity of specific symptoms experienced by women after treatment
-
effects on wellbeing and sexual health
-
impact of breast cancer on relationships, family, employment and finances
-
which treatments women use to manage their menopausal symptoms
-
possible effects of treatment such as fractures of hip, spine or wrist; cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events; venous thromboembolic events; and reproductive history
This information is needed to develop meaningful health programs and practice guidelines to support women who have been treated for breast cancer. We will also, for the first time, document sites and rates of recurrence of breast cancer in the community.
Every Victorian woman with a new diagnosis of breast cancer after 1st June 2004 is invited to take part. Participants will be asked to fill in questionnaires at regular intervals and no travelling is required.
If you would like more information about the study please call 1800 034 348 or visit  www.afterbreastcancerstudy.org.au
Events and Resources
Education at The Jean Hailes Foundation – sharing what we know so that you can make better decisions about your health.
For women
Community Seminar
Women Powering Through Midlife
Nov 12, 7.30pm – 10pm
Hellenic Club, Woden, ACT
In partnership with the Women’s Centre for Health Matters Phone 02 6290 2166
The Jean Hailes Website
www.jeanhailes.org.au offers information about The Foundation and health information on a wide range of topics of interest to women such as menopause, hormone and complementary therapies, incontinence, lifestyle, nutrition, emotional health, sexuality, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Log on to our website for updated information on:
www.jeanhailes.org.au
Speaker Request Program
Speakers are available on women’s health topics for community groups and health professionals in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Midlife-Choices for Health and Wellbeing - CD-ROM
Developed to assist women to make informed decisions about their health at midlife so as to enhance health and wellbeing. The CD-ROM comprises current information on menopause and options for managing menopausal symptoms, including hormone and complementary therapies, lifestyle and diet among others.
$12 (includes postage)
Bone Health For Life – website and CD-ROM
An innovative, evidence-based website about osteoporosis for women and health professionals. It explores causes and diagnosis, identifies ‘at risk’ groups, considers women at all life stages and highlights new prevention and management options.
CD-ROM $12 (includes postage) or visit the website www.bonehealthforlife.org.au
Midlife Resource Kit for health professionals
Provides health professionals with a comprehensive set of resources about menopause and midlife health, a set of educational tools and resources to assist in the design and implementation of education activities, as well as resources suitable for women in the community including a video and CD-ROM.
Kit $330 (includes GST)
Postage and handling additional $10
For health professionals
Further information on these programs can be found on our website www.jeanhailes.org.au or contact Professional Development Program Manager on 1800 151 441 or by email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Hormone Therapy Consensus Statement issued by RANZCOG
Advice to medical practitioners regarding the use of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Further information online, under hormone therapy.
NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council
A Comprehensive Literature Review Hormone Replacement Therapy for women at or after menopause www.health.gov.au/nhmrc/publications/synopses/wh34syn.htm
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Supervised Clinical Attachment
The Jean Hailes Foundation is offering eight Women’s Health and Wellbeing Supervised Clinical Attachments in 2005. The supervised clinical attachments are in line with RACGP standards and a minimum of 10 hours is required, however two and three day attachments are encouraged. Applications will be considered from around Australia. Applications available online under health professionals at www.jeanhailes.org.au
Satellite Program
Hormone Therapy – a Comprehensive Update was broadcast nationally by the Rural Health Education Foundation on 26 October 2004. The program is available online, video or CD-ROM.
Rural GP Program
In association with the Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria (RWAV), The Jean Hailes Foundation is running a program for rural doctors, successfully working with women and their health, to be held in Melbourne on November 13, 2004. Topics covered include assessment of well women, hormone therapy, nutrition and lifestyle, depression, contraception and violence against women.
Menopause and Midlife Clinical Audit
The Menopause and Midlife Clinical Audit is currently under review. A new audit should be available in the new triennium 2005-2007. Expressions of interest can be registered with Julie Middleton.
Australian Family Physician
Special menopause update in November issue of the Australian Family Physician magazine with feature articles by women’s health experts at The Jean Hailes Foundation.
NEW Online CPD Activity on Osteoporosis 
GPs can now complete a professional development activity online at the Bone Health For Life website www.bonehealthforlife.org.au, developed by The Jean Hailes Foundation.
Launch of wellbeing4life website
| The Jean Hailes Foundation congratulates Tetley on the launch of its wellbeing4life website and their commitment to the health and wellbeing of all Australians. |
|
|
|
Privacy Statement
Due to recent changes in Australian privacy laws your permission is required for The Jean Hailes Foundation to continue sending you information about our activities. You will continue to receive information unless you indicate otherwise. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, or would like to make changes or additions to your contact details, please contact us on 03 9562 6771 (1800 151 441 tollfree).
The Jean Hailes Foundation magazine is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended that The Jean Hailes Foundation magazine provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health professional. The Jean Hailes Foundation does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of information or advice) which is provided in this magazine or incorporated into it by reference. Information is provided on the basis that all persons reading the magazine undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.
© The Jean Hailes Foundation. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under copyright legislation, no part may be reproduced or reused for any commercial purposes.
Note: This article is an archive. Whilst the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health has made every effort to ensure this information was accurate at the time of publication, the article content has not been updated since the date listed below.
Content created November 01, 2004
|
