Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre

People with cancer have a strong desire for information. For patients and families, information is key in understanding their diagnosis and prognosis, making treatment decisions, and accessing support services. Sometimes this information is about the cancer itself, and sometimes it is about the consequences of cancer in the family – such as how to discuss a parent’s cancer diagnosis with young children, or how to manage finances while a family member is undergoing treatment.

The cancer information service at ONJCWC works with patients and families to help them find information and resources tailored to their needs. This includes having available a broad selection of reputable written and web-based information, and other resources such as DVD’s. The service also links people with community services and agencies who can provide further support once the patient has left hospital.

Dry July funds will go towards updating resources at this service in 2016.

The ONJCWC at Austin Hospital is using funds towards a psychological and emotional support counselling pilot program.

Psychological support for patients with cancer and their carers may be needed at any point in the patient care pathway.

The psychological and emotional counselling support program will provide expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions including anxiety and stress associated with the shock of a cancer diagnosis. It will mean patients and carers can get the right help at the right time. The program will result in reduced distress and promote adjustment in patients and carers, enabling them to enjoy a better quality of life.  

Dry July funds are going towards the establishment of an artist residency program at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Centre, that will engage patients and carers in creating artwork that is personally meaningful during their stay as an inpatient or while attending the centre as an outpatient.

When patients and carers come into a Cancer Centre they are often anxious, scared and feel isolated from their families and wider community. The artist in residence program will enable them to engage in artistic activities that allow them to relax and engage in their own creativity, to express their feelings, to engage in an activity that distracts them from the rigour of treatment and that connects them with the wider community. Through the arts, people with cancer and their carers are able to find a “safe space” for themselves during what is often a confronting life experience.

One of the highlights of the project was the Art Therapy Brain Cancer Support Group - Mosaic Sculpture, as pictured here.