Frequently Asked Questions:

What happened to the messages I had previously posted

Welcome to the new-look Cancer ChatNZ to all our members who have posted on the old site, and to all those coming to Cancer ChatNZ for the first time. Unfortunately we are unable to display historical posts on our new site but we hope the transition will be easy for those used to using that familiar format.

We encourage you to continue any conversations over from the old boards, and want to let you know that the people behind the scenes are the same people that you will have communicated with before, so the only thing that has really changed is the look and feel of the site.

How many drinks of alcohol does the Cancer Society recommend a women should drink each day?

Hi - thanks for your question.

The Cancer Society of NZ is currently reviewing its position on alcohol and cancer and this is almost finalised. and will be available soon on www.cancernz.org.nz

It will be in line with the recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer Research which firstly state that alcohol consumption is not recommended at all because it increases your risk for certain cancers. For women who choose to drink they should limit it to no more than one alcoholic drink per day . (One drink is equal to 285mls of full-strength beer or 450mls of light beer, or 100mls of wine or 30mls of spirits).

Regards

Julie, Cancer Information Nurse

i have lost my father and brother to different types of cancer and now another brother has advanced bowel cancer is there anyway of testing to see if the rest of the family are likely to get cancer or is it just bad luck. so far it is the males in the family who seem to be affected.

Hi thank you for your enquiry.Sorry to here of your brother's diagnosis, and the family history of cancer.

The different types of cancer sounds like bad luck, but you or they could check with the General Practitioner to see if they are elligible to Bowel screening under the MOH bowel screening guidelines.

Visit the guidelines website: www.nzgg.org.nz detailed guidelines--" Surveillance and management of groups at increased risk of Colorectal Cancer"

You may like to enquire with the clinical Genetics Service--Northern Region :0800 476 123, lower north Island and South Island. 0508 364 436

If we can assist with any other queries please don't hesitate to call us on 0800 226 237.

Kind regards,

Naena Chhima

Cancer Information Nurse.

My father has advanced lung cancer and has recently started chemotherapy (doxorubicin) and has just had his first treatment. He is currently on a perscription of steriods, motilium, and is using orolube.

Thank you for your question.During chemotherapy it is recommended that your father follows a balanced diet to maintain his weight and energy levels as much as possible. It can be difficult to achieve this as for many people, chemo can cause taste changes and reduced appetite, sore/dry mouth etc. The Cancer Society booklet ‘Eating Well’ has many suggestions for coping with these problems during treatment – call us 0800 CANCER (226237) to get a copy or email info@cancersoc.org.nz.

It may be helpful for your father to discuss his nutrition with the hospital dietitian – they can suggest supplements such as Complan or Ensure which can help if his appetite is reduced.

Taking vitamins, antioxidants, herbal products etc during chemo is generally not recommended – some research suggests they may make treatment less effective. It is best to get nutrients where possible from food sources. I hope this is helpful and best wishes for your father’s treatment.

Regards

Julie, Cancer Information Nurse

Hi - my partner's cancer is now terminal & I understand we'll be going under hospice care, could you please tell what this means & if he'll also need a GP (he doesn't currently have one

Dear Michelle,

I am sorry to hear of your partner's illness.

You have asked about Hospice care, that he will be reffered to. Hospice care is about Palliative care, which is about caring for people with a terminal illness as well as their families.It is given when treatment to cure an illness won't work any longer or cancer has advanced.It aims to ease the pain and other symptoms, distress and many other physical, emotional and spiritual problems that are present with a terminal illness.

All patients need GP s, especially when they are treated for illness of any type.

I am happy to post you out a booklets on hospice and advanced cancer care.

I hope this answer's your questions, please don't hesitate to contact us if we can help or support you further.Tel: 0800CANCER (226 237)

Kind regards,

Naena

Cancer Information Nurse

Do you have any information for those of us who have completed treatments but still have the cancer? Life after Cancer focusses on cured survivors

Hi - thanks for your question

The Cancer Society has a booklet we bring into NZ from the Cancer Council Victoria called ‘Life With Cancer’ which you can obtain by calling 0800 226 237. It is also available online at www.cancervic.org.au/about-cancer/living-with-cancer

For people with advanced cancer we have a booklet called ‘Advanced Cancer’ available in hard copy from our 0800 service or online at www.cancernz.org.nz/information/cancer-types/#information-booklets

We also have books in our library which may be helpful so please don’t hesitate to call/email if you would like suggestions of titles – we can mail books out to you.

Kind regards

Julie

Cancer Information Nurse