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An estimated 145,000 new cases of cancer in Australia will be diagnosed in 2021, with that number predicted to rise to 150,000 by 2022 – representing a huge number of people who will be touched by this horrible disease. This month we speak with Tanya Byrne, Campaigns Lead, Cancer Council NSW, about the importance of getting behind the organisation to raise awareness and vital research funds in the pursuit of a cancer-free future. By Margaret Mielczarek. Tell us a little about your background. How did you come to work at the Cancer Council and The March Charge campaign? I’ve worked in the non-profit sector for more than 10 years and now work at Cancer Council as Campaigns Lead. It’s a cause very close to my heart. My grandfather and aunty both passed away from cancer, and my close friend’s mother passed away from ovarian cancer when we were still in school. I love working on campaigns that help increase your health and wellbeing, bring the community together and raise funds and awareness for all cancers, across the whole journey. What is the Cancer Council? What is its aim and purpose? We’re Australia’s leading cancer charity. We’re the only charity that works across every area of cancer, from research to prevention and support. Our vision is a cancer-free future. How does Cancer Council assist those with cancer? We know that coping with cancer is challenging, which is why we deliver a comprehensive range of support services for all people, affected by all cancers, across every state and territory. We run support groups, offer practical and financial assistance, transport people to treatment in rural and regional areas, provide a safe and supportive online community, broadcast podcasts, produce trusted information resources, and much more. Cancer Council 13 11 20 is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run by Cancer Councils in each state and territory. If you have a question about cancer, or if you’re seeking emotional or practical support, call 13 11 20 to speak to our specially- trained staff. What research is currently underway in this space? Our research program, ‘Pathways to a cancer free future’, is the only independent research initiative focused on all areas of cancer control: prevention, “You can participate in The March Charge by setting your own walking or running challenge ... If walking or running isn’t your thing, you can also try an activity like cycling, swimming, tennis or dance.” AWARENESS SPOTLIGHT 19 early detection, treatment and care. We’re currently undertaking research to reduce the burden of breast cancer through risk-based and personalised screening approaches, providing crucial evidence to support cervical elimination worldwide, addressing cancer control challenges for bowel and liver cancers, optimising PSA testing, active surveillance and survivorship in prostate cancer, and much more. You can find out more about our current research projects on our website: cancercouncil.com.au/ research/research-we-conduct/ How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected operations at Cancer Council? Over the next year, we’re facing a drop of more than $20 million in funding in NSW alone due to the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s more than $20 million less to help people impacted by cancer. As the Covid-19 global pandemic took hold, we were forced to make the difficult decision to cancel most of our community fundraising events, leading to a sudden drop in vital income, which we rely upon to support people impacted by cancer. In the first three months of the pandemic, our fundraising income was down by almost half. We’re facing a decline of almost 30 per cent in fundraising income over the next year. We need the support of our communities to continue providing our vital research and services to the people who need it most, now and into the future. Without funding, our future is uncertain. Tell us about The March Charge, which happened last month. What is it, why was it created, and how can people get involved with the campaign? The March Charge provides an opportunity for everyone, no matter what their fitness level, to get healthy and contribute to a cancer-free future. You can participate in The March Charge by setting your own walking or running challenge over the course of one month. If walking or running isn’t your thing, you can also try an activity like cycling, swimming, tennis or dance. All you have to do is set yourself a physical challenge, get ‘Charging’, and keep track of your kilometres and donations on your fundraising page. Charge as an TO PAGE 20 RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • APR 2021