In addressing the known problem of delays in diagnosis for stomach and oesophageal cancers the Pancare Foundation have created a one hour, fully accredited online education module for GPs, practice nurses, primary care providers and any interested health professionals which aims to increase awareness of stomach and oesophageal cancers with regards to prompt patient identification and optimal referral for investigation and specialist review.
The learning outcomes of the module are:
- Identify patients at high risk of oesophagogastric cancer and those who present with symptoms.
- Facilitate appropriate and timely referral of patients at risk of, or with suspected, oesophagogastric cancer for further investigations and/or specialist intervention.
The module is facilitated by GP Dr Ralph Audehm and upper GI surgeon Dr Mary Ann Johnson. Four people experiencing gastric or oesophegeal cancer are featured, presenting their own case studies to learn from.
The module can be accessed here https://www.arterialeducation.com/c/trust-your-gut-89
Arterial Education
Arterial Education. Free, online, accredited education for Australasian Healthcare Professionals. RACGP Major Provider. RACGP, RNZCGP and ACRRM accredited activities
Providing an overview of the current issues being faced in providing care for people with gastric and oesophageal cancer, Dr Ashraf Tohki and Dr Eliza Muir have written an article titled Understanding and addressing challenges in gastric and oesophageal cancers. This article first appeared in the Medical Journal of Australia’s Insight+ newsletter.
Understanding and Addressing Challenges in Gastric and Oesophageal Cancers
To further the cause of understanding these cancers the Pancare Foundation, in partnership with the MJA have produced two podcasts.
The first, titled What doctors need to know about gastric and oesophageal cancer, is presented by Dr Ashraf Tohki, upper GI surgeon and aims to guide GPs towards accurate investigation of symptomatic patient presentations. It can be listened to here: https://www.mja.com.au/podcast/220/7/mja-podcasts-2024-episode-14-what-doctors-need-know-about-gastric-and-oesophageal
The second, titled What patients need to know about gastric and oesophageal cancer, is presented by Dr Ralph Audehm, GP and Nick Verry, patient. Nick discusses his path to diagnosis and Ralph highlights the GP role in this pathway. It can be listened to here https://www.mja.com.au/podcast/220/10/mja-podcasts-2024-episode-20-what-patients-need-know-about-gastric-and-oesophageal
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Melanie Regan – Special Projects Manager
Melanie Regan brings three decades of diverse experience in cancer nursing, spanning clinical practice, policy development, program management, and research. Her career has taken her across both metropolitan Melbourne and regional and rural Victoria. With a strong generalist clinical background, Melanie has honed her expertise in supportive care, reflected in her extensive research portfolio. She has successfully managed projects within the integrated cancer services and now contributes her expertise to Pancare.
Melanie holds postgraduate qualifications in cancer care, breast care, and a Master’s degree focused on care coordination. Currently, she oversees Australian Government-funded projects and programs at the Pancare Foundation, where she is also leading the redesign of the PanSupport program. Her work includes developing a specialized community cancer support model for Upper GI cancer patients, reflecting her ongoing commitment to enhancing patient care and support.