Cancer Survival Up Thanks To Evidence-based Approaches, Says Cancer Council, Australia

�New research showing a 30 per cent gain in five-year cancer survival since 1986 shows evidence-based cancer ascendance programs are working, Cancer Council Australia said.



Speaking on Daffodil Day (22 Aug), Cancer Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, said the findings of a new government report* on cancer survival and prevalence mail three clear messages:



- cancer catching and handling are improving, thanks to evidence-based approaches;

- more Australians are living with cancer for longer periods and will want support; and

- lack of progress in treating some cancers underscores the ongoing need for research.



"This is the fourth reputation on cancer survival in Australia in 23 days, with improvements each clock time and an overall addition in five-year survival of around 30 per penny," Professor Olver said.



"Sixty-four per cent of Australian women and 58 per cent of men are now awake five long time after a cancer diagnosis, compared with 53 and 41 per cent severally between 1982 and 1986, with in particular good results for patients aged betwixt 50 and 70.



"The findings reflect the effectiveness of early detection and advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, which are extending the lives of hoi polloi diagnosed with a compass of cancers."



Professor Olver said the new figures also emphatic the need for programs that provide supportive charge for cancer the Crab patients and their families. "With 655,000 Australians either living with an invasive cancer or as a long-run cancer survivor, we give birth to draw together as a community to support individuals and their families through the many difficulties of a cancer diagnosing," he aforesaid.



"The new data also show that we experience made selfsame limited progress in treating some complex and strong-growing tumours, such as those of the lung, brain, pancreas and cancers of unknown elementary source, underscoring the indigence for more research."



Professor Olver said the report also showed cancer selection remained glower for Australians in distant areas and for those who ar financially deprived, "adding urging to the need for programs and services that reduce societal inequity in cancer care outcomes".



He commended Cancer Australia, the Federal Government's cancer controller agency, for commissioning the valuable research.



*Cancer survival and prevalence in Australia: report commissioned by Cancer Australia, prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Cancer Council Australia


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Funding Available For 21 Campus Suicide Prevention Grants

�The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is soliciting applications for grants to support suicide prevention effortson college campuses, pending the availability of FY 2009 funds.


The American College Health Association's 2006 National College Health Assessment establish that 9 percent of students enrolled in a higher education Department institution had seriously considered suicide within the past year, and that 1.3 percentage actually attempted suicide. This program is designed to assist colleges and universities in their efforts to prevent felo-de-se attempts and completions and to enhance services for students with mental and behavioral health problems, such as depression and substance abuse, which put them at risk for self-annihilation.


It is expected that about $2.1 meg will be available to fund up to 21 grants. The average yearly award sum is expected to be up to $100,000 per year for up to three years. Grant recipients ar expected to provide coordinated funds from nonfederal sources for each year of the grant. The actual award