MEDICUS FEBRUARY 2016

N E W S

Volunteers sought for ovarian cancer trial

ST JOHN OF God Subiaco Hospital is seeking ovarian cancer survivors interested in volunteering for a trial evaluating the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation courses to help manage fears about their cancer recurring. The pilot study is being led by St John of God Subiaco Hospital Director of Gynaecological Cancer Research Dr Paul Cohen in collaboration with The University of Western Australia and Cancer Council Western Australia. Dr Cohen said this important study will examine if mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) assists the psychological wellbeing of those who have completed chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. “It is well known that women who

have survived ovarian cancer can become very concerned and anxious about their cancer recurring, which can impact on their psychological wellbeing,” Dr Cohen said. “Known as the Fear of Recurrence in Ovarian Cancer Survivors study, we are initially undertaking a pilot study on the effectiveness of MBCT to assist participant’s wellbeing.” MBCT combines the formal practice of mindfulness meditation with elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy. Those interested in participating will be required to attend an eight-week MBCT course run by Cancer Council WA from early February at either Shenton Park, Fremantle or Duncraig. The free course runs for two hours each week and provides practical

coping techniques aimed at helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood, quality of life and sleep. Participants will be asked to undertake each day the activities recommended in the course, including a 40-minute meditation session. In addition participants will be asked to complete questionnaires immediately before and after the course as well as six months later. Each questionnaire will take about 30 minutes to complete. Those interested in participating in the study, or seeking further information, can contact the Clinical Trial Unit at St John of God Subiaco Hospital on ClinicalTrials.Subiaco @sjog.org.au or (08) 6465 9204. ■

A NEW SERVICE in Perth’s north-east is giving women and children who are escaping family and domestic violence, the option to stay safe in their homes. Child Protection Minister Helen Morton said the Ellenbrook Safe at Home program addressed a gap in services in the growing north-eastern suburbs. She added that women and children experiencing domestic violence should not be forced to flee, while the perpetrator remained in the family home. “For victims, being at home means their support networks and job security are maintained and, where it is safe to do so, this service will support victims to stay at home,” she said. “This Ellenbrook Safe at Home service, the seventh of its kind to be rolled out in Western Australia, assesses victims’ support and safety needs, including referrals to support services and security upgrades to the home. “Where staying at home is not a safe option, victims will be assisted with the cost of finding new accommodation, setting up home and starting children at new schools.” The service is delivered by The Patricia Giles Centre and will become part of the Ellenbrook Women’s Refuge when it opens in early 2016. ■ New Ellenbrook domestic violence service

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6 M E D I C U S 15