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Where the money goes

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) exists to unite and serve the people of NSW in the quest to defeat cancer. It is an organisation with a holistic view of the cancer world and its players. We use this perspective to discover new ways of doing things and bring people with ideas and passion together so they can collaborate towards shared goals.

We are an independent, philanthropic and evidence-based organisation. Our mission activity encompasses programs in cancer research, services and support for cancer patients and carers, community cancer awareness and cancer prevention, and advocacy.

Relay For Life, one of the world's largest fundraising events for cancer, brings together a community of thousands who come together each year to make a contribution towards the defeat of cancer. Your support, great and small, helps us fight cancer in your community.

How does Relay support the Sutherland Shire community?

Research

Cancer Council sees research as having a vital role in providing the evidence that will inform and empower our communities to make a difference

Cancer Council's total spending on research increased by more than 10% in 2009 to $14.3m

This funds studies undertaken by the Cancer Council Research Division as well as vital cancer research in hospitals, universities and research institutes across NSW.

Cancer Council contributes more than 50% of all philanthropic funding for cancer research in NSW.

About 13% of the adult population in NSW now participates in one of our many collaborative studies.

Information and Support Services

With more than 39,000 people in NSW diagnosed with cancer last year, the need for accurate, appropriate and timely information and support is more important than ever.

Almost 20,000 calls from across NSW were made to the Cancer Council Helpline, of which 9,000 were from patients and carers.

Staffed by experienced oncology health professionals the Helpline provides a central point of contact for all services from anywhere in NSW.

Cancer Council and St George Cancer Care Centre have signed a joint agreement on the development of a Cancer Council Information Centre in the facility. The Cancer Information offers a friendly, comfortable space for cancer patients and their friends and family to access additional relevant cancer information and a range of support services tailored to their needs. In some locations, it may also offer additional services such as educational seminars or hosting of support groups.

Cancer Council Information Display Stands are located in Sutherland and St George Hospitals and local libraries, providing a range of free booklets from our ‘Understanding Cancer' series. The series provides information on many different types of cancers, their treatments, and more generic issues such as diet and emotions.

The ‘Living Well After Cancer Program' is held in the Sutherland Shire after each Relay event. This free, face-to-face information day includes practical information and open discussion for cancer survivors and their families.

Cancer Council offers facilitator training and grief and loss training to all Cancer Support Group facilitators across the State, including to the Sutherland and St George Cancer Support Groups.

Financial Assistance Grants of up to $300 are offered to people experiencing hardship as a result of a cancer diagnosis. During 2008 over $533,000 has been given to over 1,800 families across NSW with 18 families in Sutherland Shire receiving over $4000 in support.

Community organisations and services in the Sutherland Shire are able to apply for regional cancer control grants of up to $3000 to fund locally based projects.

Sutherland Shire residents were the first to participate in the ENRICH (Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health) pilot program in late 2009. ENRICH is a new program designed for cancer survivors and/or their caregivers and partners. The program provides education and skill development in a series of motivational health coaching sessions.

The Sutherland Shire Cancer Network promotes cancer awareness and cancer prevention messages in the Sutherland Shire . Network members include local residents and cancer health professionals. Information about local cancer initiatives and programs is shared, and the opportunity to be involved in health promotion, media, advocacy and local events is open to members. The network is supported by Cancer Council NSW and meetings are held in the evening, bi-monthly at Sutherland Library.

Health Advocacy and Cancer Prevention

Cancer Council aims to prevent cancer by creating healthy environments, promoting healthy public policy and providing clear evidenced based advice to the people of NSW.

Cancer Council and Sutherland Shire Council have worked in partnership on an innovative new project. ‘Be Sun Sound' aims to encourage the use of sun protection among young people. This project was launched December 2009 and to date over 13 youth focused outdoor areas have been targeted for inclusion in the project. Every year over 150 people in the Sutherland Shire are diagnosed with a melanoma.

Cancer Council has so far assisted 60 Early Childhood Centres (out of 105) in the Sutherland Shire to attain SunSmart status, by developing and implementing a sun protection policy that aims to reduce children's UV exposure.

For the past 10 years Cancer Council has contributed to the Elouera Surf Club's annual surf awareness clinic. The skin cancer awareness sessions for over 400 nippers provide these young people with important knowledge and skills on how to protect themselves against harmful UV rays.

Cancer Council has formed partnerships with over 103 Local Councils across the State, who now have formal agreements in place to promote the health and well being of residents through implementing cancer control measures. Sutherland Shire Council have been a formal partner since April 2008 and have been a passionate supporter of both Relay For Life and in working with Cancer Council to reduce the impact of cancer in the Sutherland Shire.

In 2009 tougher laws were introduced to protect children from tobacco. This legislation responded to more than 6,000 submissions from Cancer Council supporters, including those from Sutherland Shire.

Cancer Council NSW campaigns for better support and access to services for consumers, as well as risk prevention for the wider population. We continue to offer Consumer Advocacy Training free of charge for people in NSW, including the Sutherland and St George area. Over 380 community members across the State have been trained as Cancer Council advocates, who will speak out and take action on important cancer issues.

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