UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Each year 30,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in New South Wales. The Cancer Council NSW provides a Helpline and a wealth of other information and practical support to help cancer patients and their families through the cancer journey.

The quality of health information and support programs for cancer patients and their families is irrelevant if they are not widely known or widely available at the right time in the patient's cancer journey. Using social marketing techniques can lead to improved access to information and support services, improving a patient's quality of life and can also assist clinicians in supporting their patients

Methods: Since the beginning of 2004 the Cancer Council has used social marketing techniques to influence clinicians as the gatekeepers to refer their patients to the Cancer Council's Information and Support Services.

A range of promotional material about the support and information available through the Cancer Council has been developed including a standard presentation used by staff and volunteers. 40,000 Support and Information Packs have been distributed through NSW. A Newsletter has been developed and mailed to over 12,000 health professionals in NSW.

Results: A survey of 213 health professionals who hand out the Support and Information Pack found that 47% of health professionals said it assisted their work with 6% stating it actually reduced their work. Calls to the Cancer Helpline in the first six months of 2005 have increased by 22% compared with the same period in 2004 rising from 8,742 to 10,650.