Immunotherapy: supporting patients in their cancer treatment
At this webinar, Dr Piyush Grover will discuss strategies to support patients receiving immunotherapy including how to recognise and manage both acute and late side effects and how to determine when a specialised approach is required.
Ovarian cancer and GP follow-up of survivors of gynaecological cancer
This webinar is presented as part of the Women’s Health Day series: a collaboration between Cancer Council WA, King Edward Memorial Hospital, BreastScreen WA, and Sexual Health Quarters. At this webinar, attendees will learn about the symptoms with clinical significance, how to initiate timely and appropriate investigation or referral of patients in whom they suspect cancer, and the appropriate follow-up of survivors of gynaecological cancer.
The Good GP podcast episode: The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
In episode 114, The Good GP interviews Dr Hooi Ee on the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program including the role GPs play, the success of the program, and tips to circumvent low yield colonoscopy. Dr Hooi Ee is a specialist Gastroenterologist and head of Gastroenterology at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
The episode is available to listen on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Soundcloud, and Apple Podcasts.
Breast density - what does it mean for GPs and their patients?
At this webinar, Associate Professor Jennifer Stone will discuss the significance of breast density, its occurrence, how to discuss the implications of increased breast density with patients, and the way forward.
Demystifying cancer drugs administered in general practice (Audio only)
Some cancer drugs, particularly for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer can be administered in general practice. At this webinar, Medical Oncologist Dr Siobhan Ng, will discuss the commonly prescribed drugs by Medical Oncologists including goserelin acetate, denosumab, degarelix, leuprorelin acetate – which are then administered in general practice by a GP or nurse. Dr Ng will also highlight the common side effects and how they can be managed, as well as tips for injecting the subcutaneous medications.
Bowel cancer screening – from the GP perspective
This webinar will address the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, including the efficacy of the FOBT in average risk populations, advice on answering questions around age eligibility and appropriate management of patients with a family history of bowel cancer; and case studies addressing challenging patients’ cases and how they can be managed.
Improving NBCSP participation – understanding our audience
This webinar will highlight the latest research into the 36 per cent of eligible patients whose screening had lapsed or who had never been screened via FOBT or colonoscopy, and includes information as to how general practice health professionals can identify, support, and enable these patients’: Intenders, Refusers, and Naïve to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Getting to the bottom of colonoscopy use in bowel screening
This webinar, Gastroenterologist Dr Hooi Ee will discuss the appropriate use of colonoscopies including when to start and stop surveillance for patients; how to communicate the benefits and risk to patients, and when to refer a patient back to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program after a colonoscopy.
Cancer and Alcohol: the culturally celebrated carcinogen
Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer. Despite the strong and consistent evidence, widespread awareness of the risk remains low. The provision of information by trusted authorities such as a patient’s Medical Oncologist, Surgeon, GP or Nurse can play an important part in raising awareness of alcohol-related harm, including alcohol-caused cancer. Some health professionals who care for patients are concerned that recommendations to avoid alcohol are unrealistic, hypocritical, and may be met with resistance.
At this webinar, Professor Moira Sim will discuss the link between alcohol and cancer including: the strength of evidence, the biology, associated cancers, and how health professionals can talk with (and listen to) patients about the risks of alcohol use and low-risk drinking guidelines in a way that increases the likelihood of changed behaviour. There is also ample time at the end of the presentation for audience questions and discussion.
Supporting your patient’s choice: the expansion of cervical screening self-collection
From 1 July 2022, current eligibility criteria for access to self-collection under the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) self-collection policy will be removed. This change means that self-collection will be available to all women and people with a cervix under the NCSP and will no longer be restricted to under or never-screened women. Expanding the self-collection policy will give participants a choice in screening method – either self collected or clinician collected – both of which are still accessed through a health professional. Healthcare providers such as GPs & practice nurses will continue to play a critical role in supporting patients with cervical screening. At this webinar, Gynaecologic Oncologist, Dr Emma Allanson will discuss the change to the self-collection guidelines, as well as the evidence to support such a change. Medical Scientist, Rossemarie Ramirez-Avalos will discuss the requirements for requesting and processing self-collected tests from pathology laboratories.
Let’s talk about sex (and cancer)
Sexual health is an important aspect of life and is one of the most common and distressing side effects of treatment among female cancer survivors. All forms of cancer treatment have the potential to affect a women’s sexual function – both physically and psychologically. At this webinar, Women’s Health General Practitioner, Dr Lesley Ramage will discuss the cancers that have the greatest impact on female sexual function, and the assessment and management of common sexual difficulties experienced by female cancer survivors. Dr Ramage will also highlight how to initiate a conversation with your patient about sex and sexual difficulties they may be experiencing due to their cancer and cancer treatment.
Taboo topics: talking to clients about cancer, nutrition and complementary/ alternative therapies
Healthy eating is effective in improving health-related quality of life for patients with cancer. Often, patients look for dietary information and advice from their primary health care providers, but many also look to alternative diets; some which claim to cure cancer or have certain “benefits”. At this webinar Accredited Practicing Dietitians Anne Finch and Emma Slee will highlight the evidenced-based nutritional recommendations for patients with cancer, as well as provide and demonstrate communication tips that can be used to translate nutrition advice into behaviour change.
Prescribing and dosing exercise for cancer patients in primary care
Exercise is increasingly recognised as an important aspect of cancer survivorship to counteract many of the adverse physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment. At the webinar, multiple experts from the Exercise Medicine Research Institute at Edith Cowan University will discuss the evidence supporting ‘prescribing and dosing’ exercise to cancer patients, the recommended physical activity guidelines and principles for patients with cancer including those with poor cancer prognosis, and appropriate referral pathways.
Promoting good oral health can help reduce cancer risk? It’s the tooth!
Dental professionals have patients presenting with a variety of oral health problems which can hinder their quality of life. At this webinar, Oral Medicine Specialist – Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen, will provide and demonstrate practical communication skills that can be utilised when talking to patients about the prevention of poor oral health, as well as highlighting ways to improve oral examination to recognise abnormalities including potential signs of oral malignancies.
Anne Finch, Accredited Practicing Dietitian will discuss the common ground between oral health and chronic disease prevention including cancer risk reduction, and how recent public health initiatives such as the Sugary drinks are rotten for teeth campaign; a collaborative between Cancer Council WA LiveLighter® and the Australian Dental Association WA are encouraging healthy behaviour change.
Melanoma Update
The biennial Melanoma Update: A collaboration between Cancer Council WA and WA Kirkbride Melanoma Advisory Service.
Related resources
Cancer in childhood: Late effects and survivorship
Improving prognoses and treatment outcomes mean that more children are surviving their cancers. These patients will look to general practice to provide support and ongoing surveillance of their health issues caused by their childhood cancer. This free education session will provide an update on the late effects for survivors of childhood cancer, and key surveillance strategies recommended for patients transitioning to the primary care setting after initial diagnosis and treatment as well as the considerations for adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Colonoscopy: The full picture
This free education activity will provide an update on colonoscopies: When’s appropriate, when isn’t appropriate, and alternative options.
With the end in mind: Palliative care and voluntary assisted dying
The webinar will cover the palliative care and how primary care health professionals can broach end of life conversations. In July, the voluntary assisted dying laws will be accessible to patients and is essential that GPs are aware of their potential roles, and how to access resources and further education.
Neck lumps: when to be suspicious and what to do next
Neck masses are a common cause of presentation to general practice for both adults and children. It is important primary care health professionals are confident in the diagnosis, management, and referral of neck lumps.
Investigation and management of incidentally detected renal masses
With increasing use of imaging to diagnose other conditions, incidentally detected small renal masses and cysts are now a common clinical scenario. Dr Jennifer Kong explains to primary care health professionals how to confidently investigate and manage incidentally detected renal masses.
Medical imaging: Referral, modalities & cancer diagnostic imaging pathways
Dr Ravinder Dhillon, Radiologist from Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, provided the biennial update on medical imaging.
Genetic testing and counselling in the familial cancer field
Genetic Services of WA provided a comprehensive overview of familial cancers including key discussion points for addressing familial cancer risk with your patients, determining eligibility for referral, genetic factors associated with familial cancer, and exciting advances in technologies and investigations.
An overview of oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders
Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer and incidence is increasing. General practice plays a pivotal role in timely oral cancer diagnosis, with close to 50% of symptomatic patients presenting first to general practice health professionals, rather than a dental health professional.
On the 28 October, 2020, Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen provided an update for health professionals on the signs and symptoms, and the early detection of oral cancers, as well as an overview of potentially malignant oral cancer conditions.
Less common cancers: Pancreatic cancer
This webinar was delivered by Dr Chris Lomma – Medical Oncologist, and Dr Mandivavarira Mandurah – General Surgeon and covered symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Women’s health day: Part 1
Developed and delivered in collaboration with Cancer Council WA, Sexual Health Quarters, Breast Screen WA, and King Edward Memorial Hospital. This webinar covered skin cancer, and palliative care.
Women’s health day: Part 2
This webinar Dr Cathy Brooker discusses common causes for pain with sex, and the management of common problems with lead to dyspareunia. Dr Mat Epee-Bekima and Dr Winston Almeida discuss ovarian cysts and cancer.
Breast cancer update: Identifying, and managing, high risk patients
This online webinar was delivered by Professor Christobel Saunders. This education meeting provided an update for general practice on the prevention and diagnosis of breast cancer, and management of patients with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Gut health management: Bowel disease, bowel cancer, and the microbiome
Dr Hooi Ee, Dr Claire Gordan, and Catalina Lizama provided an updated on gut health management. The speakers addressed the significance of the gut microbiome, its role in disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies including faecal microbiota transplant; identifying risk factors and improving behaviour to reduce bowel cancer risk, and appropriate follow up investigation; and the role of general practice in increasing participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Psycho-Oncology collaborative: Grief & loss during COVID
This webinar provided GPs with the current evidence around the impact of COVID-19 on dealing with grief and loss. This gave an opportunity to examine grief and loss from several perspectives, including their own, and provide insight into the incorporation of what we learn into future practice.
COVID-19 update: Immunocompromised patients
This online webinar was delivered by Dr Daniel Yeoh, and Professor Michael Millward. This education meeting provided information on immune response, Kawasaki disease and possible links to COVID-19 in children, and the impact on early detection of cancer and how cancer outcomes are being affected.