It’s a cause close to many Novocastrian’s hearts – finding ways to improve the quality of life and outcomes for the one in two Australians who are diagnosed with cancer.
Over the past thirty years the prognosis of cancer patients has improved considerably: in the 1980s the cancer survival rate was less than 50 per cent. Today for some cancers the survival rate is as high as 90 per cent.
Providing hope to people with all cancers through one treatment – radiation therapy – TROG Cancer Research has grown from humble beginnings in Newcastle to become one of the largest cancer clinical trial groups in Australia and New Zealand.
Today the group work with national and international hospitals, universities, cancer centres and the wider community.
To recognise thirty years of improvements to the quality of life and treatment options made possible through TROG Cancer Research’s clinical trials held worldwide, the organisation is hosting its annual Tea4TROG on Sunday 27 October 2019.
TROG Cancer Research believes fighting cancer is a collaborative approach.
The event is designed to bring people together to help ensure the continuation of research into new radiation therapy technology and techniques that will help the one in two patients who could benefit from this treatment.
CEO, Susan Goode said the number of people who experience cancer today is alarming, but that technologies like radiation therapy have both changed the lives and saved the lives of patients.
With so many strains of the disease in existence, ongoing research is needed to find the treatments that work for different conditions and circumstances.
“Combating cancer takes a collaboration between our researchers, our team and the community, and the Newcastle and Hunter community have always been so supportive of our cause,” Susan said.
“It’s thanks to events like Tea4TROG and the generosity of our community that we’ve been able to look at new ways to use radiation therapy and continued to achieve great advancements in cancer patient care and outcomes that have changed the way patients are treated worldwide.”
Held at Mercure Charlestown, this year’s Tea4TROG will be hosted by journalist, radio broadcaster and cancer survivor, Julie McCrossin alongside guest speaker, TROG member and Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Puma Sundaresan.
As well as entertainment on the day, guests will enjoy a large selection of decadent afternoon treats, a silent auction and raffles with great prizes to be won.
For the first time, TROG Cancer Research is also inviting the community to host their own event with friends, family or colleagues at a time that suits them.
“We understand that not everyone can attend, so we want people to have the opportunity to get involved in other ways,” Susan said.
Offering free Tea4TROG hosting packages to interested hosts, TROG Cancer Research is hoping to see people put their own spin on what has become a popular annual afternoon tea event.
Last year TROG Cancer Research raised over $10,000 in sponsorship and donations at their sold-out Tea4TROG event.
The funds have gone directly towards critical research trials that have helped cancer patients in the Hunter region and across the world.
Susan hopes that the event this year will be even more successful and will teach people about the importance of radiation therapy research.
“This year is our thirtieth year of TROG Cancer Research, and our researchers, supporters and team have advanced the study of radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer significantly over that time,” Susan said.
“However ongoing research is needed to ensure we can progress the ways we use this advanced technology to outsmart the many strains of cancer that exist today. Our Tea4TROG is an opportunity for the Hunter – where we first established our Central Operations Office and it remains today – to play a part in that positive change.”
To learn more about how you can get involved with Tea4TROG, people are encouraged to visit the TROG Cancer Research website or check out their social media.
IMAGE | TROG Cancer Research’ sold out 2018 Tea4TROG event.