Updated patient resources now available from Cancer Council Victoria
Cancer nurses play a critical role in supporting patient understanding and decision-making. These updated “Understanding Cancer” booklets reflect the latest evidence, improved guidance, and enhanced supportive care content, helping to strengthen patient education in everyday practice.
Understanding Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with around 1 in 2 people with cancer likely to benefit from it at some point in their care. This update includes refined content on sex, intimacy and fertility, supporting more informed and open patient discussions.
Understanding Head & Neck Cancer
With approximately 5,600 Australians diagnosed each year, this resource now includes:
- Updated statistics and risk factors
- Improved information on diagnosis and treatment, including biopsy, surgery and drug therapies
- Greater emphasis on multidisciplinary care
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Enhanced illustrations and support guidance
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
With around 4,500 diagnoses annually, this updated resource includes:
- Revised tumour statistics, including endocrine, exocrine and neuroendocrine tumours
- Updated incidence data
- Clarified guidance on genetic and genomic testing
- Updates to targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and nutrition support
Understanding Complementary Therapies
Supporting holistic, person-centred care, updates include:
- New infographics and practical guidance for patient discussions
- Expanded safety information on herbs and therapies
- Updates on exercise, nutrition, and clinical trials
- New content on integrative oncology and culturally inclusive care, including Aboriginal and traditional healing practices
These resources are a valuable addition to your clinical toolkit, supporting consistent, evidence-based patient education and empowering patients to better understand their care.
