NBOCC News - September 2009

In this issue...

NBOCC pilots wiki technology to streamline external review of clinical practice guidelines

In an organisational first, National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) is inviting external review of Recommendations for the use of chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, using wiki technology.

Wiki is an interactive website that can be used by multiple users to view, comment on, create and share information. Using the wiki platform, sharing of comments and feedback on the guideline can be facilitated quickly and easily, ensuring all reviewers have access to the most up-to-date version of the review document.

In a moderated online environment, external reviewers can view the guidelines and make general comments, suggest changes, and provide feedback on the wiki system itself.

The development of clinical practice guidelines is an integral component of NBOCC’s leadership in improving outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The external review of guidelines is a critical component of the guideline development process.

To review and provide comment on Recommendations for the use of chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, click here. The external review closes on 14 October.

For further information about the guideline review, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Ph. 02 9357 9421).

Review of breast cancer risk factors now available

NBOCC has released Breast cancer risk factors: a review of the evidence, an up-to-date review of the evidence relating to breast cancer risk factors.

As incidence of breast cancer increases worldwide, investigation into its potential causes and risk factors continues to attract a high level of interest from media, researchers, clinicians and the community.

Breast cancer risk factors: a review of the evidence provides an up-to-date overview and analysis of epidemiological studies about factors associated with breast cancer risk, including:

Sex, age and residence
Family history and genetics
Breast conditions
Reproductive and menstrual history
Endogenous and exogenous hormones
Body size and lifestyle behaviours
Medical history
Environmental exposures
Psychosocial stress and cancer

Breast cancer risk factors: A review of the evidence provides a comprehensive update to NBOCC’s 2005 report, Summary of risk factors for breast cancer. The new report is available in PDF format to enable the ongoing update of content to reflect advances and updates in the evidence about risk for breast cancer.

The evidence provided in the report has informed the development of NBOCC’s online risk calculator, which allows a woman to calculate her personal level of breast cancer risk compared to another woman of the same age. To visit NBOCC’s risk calculator, click here.

In the News - Research into link between human papillomavirus and breast cancer

On 3-4 September, several television news programs reported Australian research linking the human papillomavirus (HPV) with breast cancer. HPV has been identified as a cause of the majority of cervical cancer cases and is the target of the Australian-discovered HPV vaccine...more

Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign scholarships – applications open soon

Nurses and community health workers in rural, regional and remote Australia are encouraged to apply for scholarships to expand their skills in caring for local women with breast cancer.

The scholarships provide nurses and community health workers with the opportunity to undertake further study or to attend conferences where they can share experiences with colleagues and learn about the latest advances in breast cancer treatment and care.

All nurses and community health workers based in Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT are eligible to apply, as are nurses and community health workers in other states who are employed in areas other than capital cities or major metropolitan centres.

The scholarships are funded by the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign and made available to recipients across Australia through a collaboration between Polo Ralph Lauren and NBOCC.

Applications open on Monday, 28 September 2009 and close on Friday, 30 October 2009.

Nurses and community health workers wishing to apply for a scholarship should visit the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign website or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Ph. 02 9357 9414).

Please note, previous scholarship applicants or recipients will be considered.

NBOCC Pink Ribbon Events

Tickets selling fast – now is the time to organise your table!

Join NBOCC at our 2009 Pink Ribbon Events to hear the latest breast cancer information, be inspired and celebrate October, Australia’s Breast Cancer Month.

The 2009 Melbourne Pink Ribbon Lunch will take place on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne.
The 2009 Sydney Pink Ribbon Breakfast will take place on Monday, 26 October 2009 at the Westin Hotel, Sydney.

For further information about the events or to purchase tickets, visit the Pink Ribbon Events website.

Paying tribute

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia and National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre invite you and your family to attend a service to honour and remember loved ones whose lives have been affected by breast or prostate cancer.

The Melbourne service will be held at St Michael's Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne on Sunday 4 October 2009 at 2pm.

The Sydney service will be held at St James Church, 173 King St, Sydney on Sunday 18 October 2009 at 3pm.

To attend the service, please phone 1800 000 118 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please RSVP by Thursday 24 September 2009 for both services.

Cancer Australia