Bulletin

Issue: July 2004

News

New course for lung cancer nursing

La Trobe University's Austin Health Clinical School of Nursing, Austin Health and the Cancer Council Victoria have developed a new initiative to train nurses with specialist skills in caring for lung cancer patients. The program helps Registered Nurses (Division 1) increase their knowledge and skills so they can improve the quality of life for these patients.

Nurses, doctors and allied health professionals specialising in lung cancer care wrote the training package for the 13 week distance education program. Students study off campus through study guides, selected readings and supporting activities which integrate theory with practice. The subject can be accredited towards a Graduate Diploma in Cancer Care or Palliative Care.

Professor of Nursing, Annette Street, said: 'Unlike breast cancer, lung cancer does not have a high profile in the Australian community or the media, yet it kills more Australians each year than any other cancer. In most cases it is a preventable disease with 90% of cases attributed to smoking. It is also the most difficult cancer to diagnose and the most complex cancer to manage.'

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