The Cancer Nurse Society of Australia’s 13th Winter Congress addressed leadership, innovation and advanced practice, among other topics

The CNSA is an independent body for cancer nurses in Australia who are committed to achieving and promoting excellence in cancer care, and its 13^th Annual Cancer Nurse Society of Australia Winter Congress was held from July 29^th to the 31^st at the Hyatt Regency, Perth.  The theme for the 2010 congress was “Leadership, Diversity and Innovation: The Global Picture.” 

Topics discussed at congress included leadership, innovation, advanced practice, rural cancer care, clinical updates, communication, educating the cancer care workforce, workforce opportunities, psychosocial support, nurse led interventions, cultural diversity, etc.

An additional topic of note was the cancer known as mesothelioma.  Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer affecting the lining of the chest and/or abdomen. Those with exposure to airborne asbestos particles are more likely to develop the disease. 

Most mesothelioma doctors agree that once a patient is suffering this disease, chances are slim that he will ever be completely cured.  Still, mesothelioma treatment exists and consists of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or any combination of the three.

The congress adopted an original approach by including pre-congress workshops, engaging plenary sessions, up to five concurrent sessions over each day and poster presentations amongst the exhibition. The pre-congress workshops on July 29th included: Cancer Care Outside the Cancer Setting, Sexuality and Survivorship, Leadership – What does that really mean?, Vital Conversations – Making the most of every opportunity.

The congress began at 7:30AM on Friday July 30^th, with a breakfast symposium, and officially opened two hours later with the first plenary session.  A similar itinerary was followed on Saturday July 31^st.  Social events were also organized for those interested in paying an extra fee.  These social events included a welcome reception on the 29^th and a dinner held at the Royal Perth Yacht Club with a live band on the 30^th.

Some of the event’s most prominent speakers included:

Dr Julia Downing - the Deputy Executive Director of the African Palliative Care Association

Professor Alison Kitson - Director of CEPSA, Professor and Head of Discipline of Nursing, University of Adelaide Fellow, American Academy of Nursing Associate Fellow.

And exhibitors include Sydney Nursing School, the University of Sydney, Pfizer, Novartis Oncology, National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, Merck Serono Oncology, Cancer Institute NSW, Cancer Council WA and beyond blue: The National Depression Initiative.

The registration fee differs for members and non-members: A$600.00 for a non-member and a standard price of A$700.00.  There is also the possibility of paying a day fee and paying extra for workshops. 

For additional information, please visit the CNSA’s 13th Annual Winter Congress Web page at:
http://www.cnsa2010.com/default.asp

The Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center promotes continuing education for all physicians and nurses involved in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer.