Optimism was the order of the day for the “Lunch for Lung Cancer” fundraiser stoically hosted by Patricia Purves from Shellharbour this month. Patricia had just the

day before commenced her third round of chemotherapy after only a week prior receiving the devastating news that she had a recurrence of her lung cancer.

Patricia has been selling raffle tickets for the past few months in a brave effort to raise money for lung cancer support and awareness.  

Twenty four generous people arrived for a fun afternoon at the Warilla Bowling Club. The room was resplendent in green and white napery and balloons. Arranged orchids decorated the table (which were sold afterwards). In between the tasty courses of lunch, lucky door prizes were drawn, musical chairs was played and Mirella’s Shoes and handbags were purchased with 10% of all sales on the day going to The Australian Lung Foundation. The three major raffle prizes were also drawn.

Local Illawarra radio presenter Lyndal Rogers MC’d the event; Medical Oncologist, Dr Maurie Aghmesheh spoke of the prevalence of lung cancer. He discussed the inequity in the support and funding received for lung cancer, compared to Breast Cancer for example (despite the fact that the mortality associated with lung cancer is substantially greater). Nurse Consultant Stephen Dunn spoke about the importance of multidisciplinary approach to the management of cancer care and the dedication and satisfaction he gets from his work. Jenny Gearon from The Australian Lung Foundation highlighted the importance of fundraising events such as this in providing valuable contribution to the lung cancer project initiatives of this not for profit organisation.

Patricia shared her heart-warming story and proved an inspiration for all. Her message: To take up the cause and spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Patricia plans to further support lung cancer by taking a light to the streets with the Shine a Light Vigil/walk later in the year.

Patricia’s optimism and strength is truly inspirational and The Australian Lung Foundation is grateful for her tireless efforts and contribution to the cause. More than $2,200 was raised  on the day. A big thank you to McGrath Parts and Paint for their generous donation of $1,000 to Patricia’s findraising efforts.

Click here to view a media story from the lunch.

Save this date! Canberra Living with Mesothelioma Seminar – Thursday 24th May 2012

Canberra Mesothelioma patients and their families are invited to a one day seminar on managing this respiratory disease on Thursday 24^th May 2012 at Old Parliament House.  This seminar features a dynamic and experienced group of health professionals speaking on current issues relating to Mesothelioma.

Click here for more information on this seminar.

We invite you to be interviewed as part of an important research project called “Lung Cancer Outcomes”.

Cancer Council Queensland in collaboration with Cancer Council New South Wales and Griffith University is conducting a new program of research, called “Lung Cancer Outcomes” which is looking at the experiences of people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, and how different views about lung cancer might influence this. 

 The purpose of this research is to understand the experiences of people diagnosed with lung cancer so that we can develop and improve the services available to patients now and in the future.

 If you agree to take part, we would ask you to answer some questions about your health, lung cancer experiences and how you are faring since your diagnosis. Some questions will be asked over the telephone by study staff. Others will be asked in a written questionnaire that you can complete and return to the study team.

 If you would like to know more about the “Lung Cancer Outcomes” study,  please telephone the Project Manager, Alison Dowling on 07 3634 5324 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Australian Lung Foundation in partnership with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Cancer Council Victoria has translated the lung cancer patient DVD – Understanding, Managing Living in 12 languages including Vietnamese, Cantonese,  Mandarin, Farsi, Serbian, Turkish, Malay,  Macedonian, Italian, Greek, Arabic and Croatian. To view the dvd of your choice simply go to http://www.kjlcn.org.au/patient-resources-and-support/translated-resources To order your FREE copy go to http://www.kjlcn.org.au/patient-resources-and-support/lung-cancer-dvd/dvd-order-form

For the first time outside the United States, The Australian Lung Foundation hosted three shine a light on LUNG CANCER vigils around Australia in November to raise public awareness about the inequities that exist in health care for lung cancer patients and their families.  More ...

These vigils focused on the need to stamp out the stigma around a lung cancer diagnosis and the urgency of more research funding to develop a lung cancer screening test to increase earlier diagnosis of this disease.

Our Sydney and Perth vigils, held on Saturday November 12 were blessed with a spectacular spring evening on both sides of the continent and more than 160 patients and supporters participated in the torch lit walks.

Despite unseasonal rain at the Canberra vigil, more than 100 loyal supporters (patients, carers, family members, health professionals and a couple of politicians) braved the showers to take part in a torch-lit walk from Old Parliament House to New Parliament House. 

A big thank you to the wonderful lung cancer nurses who helped organise these three vigils - Beth Ivimey, Judy Rafferty, Caitlin Broderick and Kirsten Mooney.

To view more vigil photos, please go to Shine A Light On Lung Cancer 2011

Cancer Council Victoria has recently launched a new booklet, Mesothelioma: a guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.

A first of its kind in Australia, the booklet takes a comprehensive look at dealing with a malignant diagnosis of mesothelioma, both for people with cancer and their families.

Three years in the making, the content covers diagnosis, treatment options, support options, living with advanced cancer, as well as practical information such as dealing with the financial and legal implications of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

To order a copy, visit www.cancervic.org.au/resources

International lung cancer expert, Dr David Gandara, who spoke at the Australian Lung Cancer Conference in October 2010, "Shines a Light on Lung Cancer" at the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation’s Living Room support group. 

Dr Gandara  gives some inspiring views on the care and  treatment of lung cancer patients and his hopes for future medical research into more effective screening techniques.

Dr. Gandara at the LUNG CANCER "LIVING ROOM" from LungCancerFoundation.Org on Vimeo.

Content updated 2 August 2011

The Australian Lung Foundation’s Australia New Zealand Lung Cancer Nurses’ Forum (ANZLCNF) is pleased to announce that three travel support grants of $500 each will be awarded to send nurse representatives to Sydney to attend the 14th Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) Winter Congress on 21-23  July 2011.  

These travel grants will support up to 3 nurses who have a specific interest in lung cancer/mesothelioma,  from within Australia, to attend this national conference which includes a half day lung cancer workshop. 

It is the intention of this funding that the successful  grant recipients will increase their knowledge and understanding of lung cancer, and establish new networks with nurses within the Australian lung cancer nursing community.

The successful grant recipients will be required to attend a half day lung cancer workshop on Thursday 21 July 2011 which will deliver informative sessions on the latest in lung cancer research, treatments, symptom management and supportive care.  

The attached application can be submitted either electronically or by fax.  Applications close on Monday 6^th June 5pm (EST).

For more information please contact Kerrie Callaghan on 07 3251 35641.

Click here to download the application form  Travel Grant Application 1.10 Mb

During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, November 2011

Australians will participate in “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer “ vigils thanks to a new partnership forged between The Australian Lung Foundation and the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA).

LCA is a US based non profit organisation dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease.

LCA created this awareness event five years ago and this year hopes to host 100 vigils across the US!

Join our Aussie vigils in Sydney or Canberra or stage a vigil in your own area to raise awareness about the need for more support to lung cancer patients and their families and to help break down the stigma attached to this devastating disease.

For more information email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it