Print this pageNSW Oncology Group: Neuro-Oncology
NSWOG Neuro-Oncology was established in September 2005 and has an active membership led by Dr Kerrie McDonald, Head Cerebral Research at the Kolling Institute of Medical Research. The group was originally led by Professor Michael Barton and has multidisciplinary membership across both adult and paediatric specialities, representing the complex journey of a neuro-oncology patient. This includes neurosurgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, social workers and nurses, rehabilitation physicians and palliative care, pathologists, consumers, as well as representation from research and clinical trials.
Key activities of NSWOG Neuro-Oncology:
- Brain Cancer Support & Education Forum – 5 May 2010
NSWOG Neuro-Oncology are once again hosting a free information day for brain cancer patients and their families. This years program features both adult paediatric sessions, presented by brain cancer clinicians and professionals involved in all spectrums of care throughout the patient journey. To register, please complete the online registration form. Please click here for a full program.
- Brian Tumour Nursing Education project
NSWOG Neuro Oncology identified the need for a short induction for nurses who work in neurological wards, to highlight the special needs of brain tumour patients. An education module will be developed.
- Brain Tumour Support and Education Forum - 28 October 2008
120 patients, carers, families and health professionals attended the NSWOG Neuro-Oncology Brain Tumour Support and Education Forum, to hear leaders in the field describe the complex patient journey in simple terms - from surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to research and rehabilitation.
The day also featured inspirational stories from patients and carers, which included Marcella Zemanek.
Click here for session summaries, audio files and links to media and information resources.
- NSWOG Priority Project: Addressing the cognitive and behavioural sequelae of adults with brain tumour: trialling a Behavioural Consultancy Model
In 2007, the Cancer Institute NSW supported a project defined by each invited NSWOG as the priority activity to improving cancer care and control in their clinical area. The selected project was supported by the NSWOG membership, aligned to the Terms of Reference of the Group.
The NSWOG Neuro-Oncology Priority Project, funded by the Cancer Institute NSW, addresses the cognitive and behavioural sequelae of brain tumour. An important component of the project was to improve the information resources about behavioural problems for patients and their families. A series of fact sheets have been developed on typical cognitive and behavioural changes that may occur after diagnosis with a primary brain tumour.
Click here to read the Report
Click here to read the Project Summary Report.
Click the following links to view available materials: Posters | Abstracts | Factsheets | Resource sheets |
Posters
Impact of cognitive and behavioural sequelae in patients with primary brain tumour on family members
Patient Functional Status is Strongest Correlate of Challenging Behaviour after Brain Tumour
Abstracts:
The prevalence of cognitive and behavioural sequelae of adults with a brain tumour
Patient functional status is strongest correlate of challenging behaviour after brain tumour
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Factsheets: Managing changes to thinking and behaviour after diagnosis of a brain tumour
NSWOG Neuro-Oncology developed 16 fact sheets that provide important information about many of the thinking and behaviour changes people may experience after a brain tumour.
For more information or a hardcopy of these resources, please contact Kylie Wright on or Teresa Simpson
Click here to read the Factsheet overview: NSWOG Neuro-Oncology Overview.
Factsheets:
Anger: Are you having trouble with your temper
Stress & Anxiety: Are you feeling tense, nervous or overwhelmed?
Attention and Concentration: Are you having difficulty staying on task
Communication: Can’t find the word or talk too much?
Disorientation/Appearing Confused: Feeling lost, not knowing where you are…?
Being Self-Centred (Egocentricity): Do you only think about yourself and find it hard to see other people’s point of view…?
High Level Thinking or Executive Impairments: Can’t seem to think straight…?
Fatigue: Do you feel exhausted or tired a lot of the time…?
Impulsivity: Do you sometimes act without thinking…?
Inappropriate social behaviour/ inappropriate sexual behaviour: Can’t seem to say or do the right thing at the right time…?
Lability: Do you feel that you are on an emotional roller coaster…?
Apathy/Lack of motivation: Can’t seem to get yourself going…? Don’t seem to care about anything…?
Neglecting Personal Care / Looking after yourself: When how you look no longer seems to be important…
Memory: Do you keep forgetting things…?
Low Mood - Depression: Do you feel sad, tearful, can’t seem to enjoy yourself…?
Perservation: Do you repeat yourself or get stuck like a broken record…
Resource Sheets:
Checklist for getting ready
Goal Setting
How to Cope with Depression
Activity Scheduling
Memory Tips
Mindfulness exercise
Problem solving
Stress Management and relaxation techniques
Stress Management
Timetable
