The Community Speakers Program aims to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of cancer and how Cancer Council Queensland's programs and services can benefit people affected by cancer.

Community Speakers Program

Cancer Council Queensland's Community Speakers Program is an information program designed for a range of adult audiences including workplaces, community groups and clubs.

Six presentation topics aim to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of cancer and how Cancer Council Queensland's programs and services can benefit people affected by cancer.

Cancer Council Queensland community speakers are volunteers who are specially trained to deliver our information program to adults in the community. This program is not suitable for children or school groups. Schools can contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 to find out about other Cancer Council programs and resources that cater to their needs.

All presentation topics are up to 30 minutes in length and relevant resources are distributed to attendees. All requests must be made by registering online.

When submitting a request, please allow three to four weeks for your request to be processed. A minimum of 10 people per session is required and we can cater to a maximum of 50 people. Exceptions of the maximum audience number of 50 may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

Workplaces are invited to submit the Workplace Online Request Form for any of the six presentation topics from February through to the end of November.

Community groups and clubs are invited to submit the Community Groups & Clubs Online Request Form A selection of presentations will be available which will coincide with Cancer Council Queensland key health awareness events in May, June, October and November.

Please note that availability of topics and program speakers may be limited in some regions. Should this occur, we will contact you to discuss your options. Once a topic and volunteer has been secured, your workplace, community group or club will receive a confirmation email.

The six presentation topics are

Healthy living to reduce cancer risk

One in two Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.
The good news is that at least one third of cancers diagnosed are preventable and the number of cancer deaths could be reduced significantly through adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This presentation discusses lifestyle risk factors including tobacco smoking, sun exposure, physical inactivity, being overweight or obese, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and how you can reduce your overall cancer risk by modifying these risk factors. It also includes an overview of bowel (also known as colorectal) cancer and how to reduce your risk. Bowel cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Queensland, yet it is also one of the most preventable cancers. Community groups and clubs are invited to book this presentation for May, June and October to coincide with Cancer Council Queensland's key health awareness events.

Reducing your risk of skin cancer

Skin cancer is an important health concern for all Queenslanders, but the good news is there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
This presentation will provide you with up-to-date information on the different types of skin cancers, how you can best protect yourself from the sun and how to detect changes in your skin. Participants are reminded to Slip on sun-protective clothing, Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade between UV periods of 10am and 3pm and Slide on protective sunglasses. Community groups and clubs are invited to book this presentation for November to coincide with Queensland SunSmart Day and National Skin Cancer Action Week.

Men's cancer awareness

One in two Queensland men will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers for men are prostate, melanoma, bowel (colorectal) and lung cancer. This presentation provides information on male-specific cancers such as prostate and testicular cancer and also provides information on other cancers such as cancers of the lung, bowel and skin. This presentation also discusses simple steps men can take to reduce their cancer risk. Community groups and clubs are invited to book this presentation for June to coincide with International Men's Health Week.

Women's cancer awareness

One in two Queensland women will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers for women are breast, bowel (colorectal), melanoma and lung cancer. This presentation provides information on female-specific cancers such as breast cancer and gynaecological cancers and also provides information on other cancers such as cancers of the lung, bowel and skin. This presentation also outlines cancer screening programs available for women and discusses simple steps women can take to reduce their cancer risk. Community groups and clubs are invited to book this presentation for October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month events.

Sun exposure and young children – reducing children's skin cancer risk

Research has proven sun exposure received during childhood and adolescence makes an important contribution to overall lifetime risk of skin cancer.
This presentation will provide you with up-to-date information on how to reduce children's skin cancer risk. Children can burn in as little as a few minutes if exposed to the sun without adequate protection. It is therefore essential that babies, young children and adolescents are adequately protected from the sun. This presentation outlines the different types of skin cancers, the SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Centres Program and the SunSmart Grants Scheme. Community groups such as Parents and Citizen's Associations are invited to book this presentation for November to coincide with Queensland SunSmart Day and National Skin Cancer Action Week. This presentation is designed for adults who care for young children.

Cancer Council Queensland – supporting your community

Cancer Council Queensland's goal is cancer control through all actions that aim to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals and the community.
This presentation will provide you with up-to-date information about Cancer Council Queensland's programs and services including the Cancer Council Helpline, Cancer Counselling Service, peer support programs, practical support and accommodation, public health and professional education programs and resources. This presentation runs for up to 20 minutes. Community groups and clubs are invited to book this presentation for May to coincide with Australia's Biggest Morning Tea or in October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month events.

• To request a community speaker for your workplace, complete the Workplace Online Request Form.
• To request a community speaker for your community group or club, complete the Community Groups & Clubs Online Request Form.
• If you're interested in becoming a valued Cancer Council Community speaker, apply online.

More information

Contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or download our Community Speakers Program brochure.

The information available on this page should not be used as a substitute for advice from a properly qualified medical professional who can advise you about your own individual medical needs. It is not intended to constitute medical advice and is provided for general information purposes only. See our Disclaimer.