Cancer Control
The major means of preventing cancer (smoking cessation, avoiding excess alcohol intake and deliberate sun exposure and adopting a lengthy lifestyle in relation to diet and exercise) are actively pursued by Health Promotion within SESIAHS and by Cancer Institute NSW and NSW Health at a state level.
The Cancer Control Program within the SESIAHS Public Health Unit addresses cancer prevention strategies in relation to particular problems beyond the broad focus of general cancer prevention. Certain problems have arisen within the Area Health Service boundaries: these include the carcinogenic (cancer-causing) risk, and associated community concern about organic solvent contamination of Botany groundwater and possible radiation from the Lucas Heights reactor. State-wide, other specific hazards have been evaluated. These include contamination of fish in Sydney Harbour by dioxins (TCDD), potential exposure of oncology pharmacists and nurses to cytotoxic drugs and the emission of ethylene oxide from an industrial facility.
The Cancer Control Program is currently concerned with evaluation of reported clusters of cancer Australia-wide and determination of the need for any specific intervention.
Useful links
Disclaimer: The links above are to agencies and other organisations that contain useful information. These links do not imply any endorsement, support or commercial gain by South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service or NSW Health Services or the State of New South Wales. See our Disclaimer for more information.