Community Services
Viertel Centre for Research in Cancer Control (VCRCC)
The Queensland Cancer Registry (QCR)
Fundraising
Human Resources
Communications
Finance, Administration and Information Technology

The Community Services department is divided into five key areas: Prevention and Early Detection, Cancer Support Services, The Cancer Council Helpline, Cancer Counselling Services and Cancer Advocacy.

The Prevention and Early Detection Unit (PEDU) aims to reduce the incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality of cancer by promoting knowledge, skills and behaviours for the prevention and early detection of cancer. The Unit focuses on all cancers with an emphasis on skin cancer, smoking-related cancers, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and colorectal cancer.

Each year the objectives of the PEDU adjust in response to community needs, emerging research, national initiatives, and the changing focus of events/campaigns. The strategies used to achieve the objectives include health professional and community education, special events, mass media campaigns and resource provision.

The Cancer Support Services team provides a range of programs and services that aim to support people affected by cancer. These include: Cancer Nursing Education Programs, Breast Cancer Support Service, Prostate Cancer support, Volunteer and Group Support Programs, Brain Tumour Support Service, Look Good…Feel Better Program, practical support such as financial assistance and the loan of medical equipment, patient information resources and accommodation facilities in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville for patients accessing treatment in these areas.

The Cancer Council Helpline is The Cancer Council Queensland's toll-free information and support service. Health professionals provide support and information regarding cancer. The Helpline responds to more than 55, 000 enquiries a year. Our Helpline uses a computerised database that lists more than 1600 services throughout Queensland and a wide range of written and audiovisual resources to provide callers with up-to-date information about cancer. Our Helpline’s toll-free number is 13 11 20 and is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

The Cancer Counselling Service (CCS) is a free, telephone-based counselling service that provides evidence-based psychosocial interventions for people distressed by cancer. The aim of the CCS is to reduce suffering and promote coping and adjustment for all Queenslanders affected by cancer. Interventions include psychoeducation, emotional support, coping skills training and other psychological interventions. The service is particularly well suited to people from regional or rural/remote areas where psychosocial support services may be limited or a significant distance away, and people who may have difficulty accessing services due to health, mobility or financial barriers. Assistance can be provided at any time during the cancer trajectory, including diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, and survivorship, as well as during recurrent or advanced cancer and bereavement by cancer.

Cancer Advocacy works closely with political leaders, state government departments and community partners to change legislation and policy to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Queensland. Key topics of activity include tobacco law reform and patients' rights, aiming to ensure Queensland cancer patients are not disadvantaged by the location in which they live.

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The Viertel Centre for Research in Cancer Control (VCRCC) consists of the Epidemiology Unit and the Psycho-Oncology Research Unit.

The Epidemiology Unit serves to improve our understanding of what causes cancer, pinpoint who is at most risk of cancer and why, find out what are the most effective strategies to improve early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and conduct collaborative research to support the planning and evaluation of cancer programs and services in Queensland.

The Epidemiology Unit also provides accurate and up-to-date information on the occurrence of cancer in Queensland and identifies priorities for cancer control in this state. This research gives The Cancer Council Queensland the knowledge it needs to target resources in the most effective way to reduce preventable cancers, improve early detection and reduce cancer deaths.

We realise knowledge alone is not enough to control cancer. We need to understand how to translate that knowledge into people’s everyday lives. As such the Epidemiology Unit works closely with the Psycho-Oncology Research Unit in putting what we know about cancer into practice to improve cancer control.

The Psycho-Oncology Research Unit conducts research on behavioural aspects of cancer control. It works collaboratively with the Epidemiology Unit and the Community Services Department to develop, implement and evaluate programs which promote cancer prevention and early detection, and improve the quality of life and adjustment of cancer patients and their families and carers. Many of these programs emphasise achievable changes to lifestyle behaviours which impact positively on health, have the potential for broad population reach, and are especially targeted to disadvantaged groups and those in rural and remote regions with limited access to traditional cancer prevention and support services.

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The Queensland Cancer Registry (QCR) was established in 1982 as a state-wide Cancer Registry and operates under the Queensland Health Act 1937. The Registry maintains a record of every cancer diagnosis and death in Queensland.

Since October 2000, The Cancer Council Queensland has managed the Registry under an agreement with Queensland Health.

The main purpose of the Queensland Cancer Registry is to provide the information needed to understand the nature and extent of cancer in Queensland. This information is essential in the control and prevention of cancer. Information in the Queensland Cancer Registry is used:

• To assist research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer,
• In monitoring survival times for particular types of cancer, and
• In the planning of cancer services.

All information held in the Queensland Cancer Registry is strictly confidential and is kept in a secure environment accessible only by authorised staff. Use of the information within the Queensland Cancer Registry is permitted only after a rigorous approval process governed by the ethical and legislative requirements set out in the Queensland Health Act 1937 and related legislation.

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The Cancer Council Queensland relies on the generosity of Queenslanders to continue its vital work.
The Fundraising Department runs events and seeks support from the public to raise money to continue The Cancer Council Queensland's programs in cancer control. Fundraising areas include Community Fundraising, National Events, Major and Special Gifts and Merchandising (the SunSmart Shop).

There are various annual and ongoing fundraising activities the department co-ordinates; Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day, Dress Down Day, Girls Night In, Relay For Life, Nurse of the Year Campaign, Challenge for Cancer campaign, Bequests, Corporate Partners, Direct Mail, trusts and foundations and memorial gifts. While the fundraising staff, supported by many volunteers, co-ordinate these programs, all The Cancer Council Queensland staff are at some point involved in and support our fundraising activities during the year.

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The Human Resources department encompasses the Human Resources and Volunteer Services team. The Human Resources department manages the changing organisational requirements at a strategic and operational level working collaboratively with all The Cancer Council Queensland departments in support of The Cancer Council's mission, values and goals.

The Human Resources team is responsible for the recruitment and selection of staff, training and development, career succession planning, performance management, industrial relations, reward and compensation matters.

Volunteer Services develop and maintain quality volunteer programs and services by providing leadership in the management of The Cancer Council Queensland volunteers.

Staff throughout Queensland are supported by a large team of volunteers from a diverse range of social, economic and educational backgrounds. There are more than 2000 active, registered volunteers with The Cancer Council Queensland, each one of whom assists in providing the many programs and support services that are critical to the Queensland community.

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The Communications Department manages all internal and external communications for The Cancer Council Queensland, educating the public through the media about cancer control and The Cancer Council's work, and enhancing The Cancer Council's public profile as the leading cancer control agency in Queensland.

The department includes a Media and Communications unit, and a Creative Services unit. Both are important to our goal of reducing the impact of cancer.

The Media and Communications unit works closely with all departments and various media outlets in order to educate the public and provide important information about The Cancer Council's programs and services, research projects and fundraising events. The team is also responsible for managing content on the organisation’s website, as well as providing internal communications strategies.

The Creative Services team works closely with all departments across the organisation. The design and production is of a high standard that reflects community needs, emerging research and fundraising developments as well as the national approach to cancer control.

This team produces all of the hundreds of patient support and education materials The Cancer Council Queensland distributes free-of-charge to Queensland residents. The Creative Services team also takes care of research reports and annual reports, audiovisual development, web design, branding and logo development, the production of novelty items and photography.

Patient support and education materials can be ordered through The Cancer Council Helpline, toll free, on 13 11 20 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.

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Finance, Administration and Information Technology supports all areas of The Cancer Council Queensland's work.

The Administration team support all areas of The Cancer Council Queensland which includes reception, mail and store room and general support.

The Data Processing team is responsible for all donations; banking, data entry of donors, campaign and special event participants, as well as banking and mail outs.

The Information Technology team provide IT systems, management and support to staff in Brisbane and all regional offices.

Lodge supervisors and support staff are responsible for the running and maintenance of accommodation facilities, including the Gluyas Rotary Lodge in Townsville and the Charles Wanstall Apex Lodge in Brisbane.

The Finance team is responsible for all financial matters including payment of salaries, accounts receivable and payable, and financial reporting.

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