Mr John Newsom

Chair

John worked for 30 years in broadcasting and for 15 years in overseas development. He was also a director of a number of not-for-profit aid agencies and credit unions. He had a colon cancer operation in 1999 followed by chemotherapy in 2000 - the MOSAIC clinical trial of oxaliplatin. When he retired in 2005, John became a patient-to-patient counsellor at the Sydney Cancer Centre and then a member of the Executive of Cancer Voices NSW. This in turn brought him membership of many committees with such organisations as Cancer Australia, Cancer Institute NSW and his "local" Sydney South West Area Health Service. He chairs the Consumer Research Panel of the Cancer Council NSW, is Chair of Cancer Voices Australia and a member of the COSA Council. He sees 'the involvement of people affected by cancer in cancer research as one of the most practical and important contributions they can make to the well being of future patients'.

Mrs Neryl Benson

Four years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer. After surgery I had 7 months of chemotherapy, treated with the drug 5FU. The doctors thought I carried the gene for Bowel Cancer, but it was found I have Serrated Pathway Syndrome, which means I will always make many tumours.

I had a check-up recently with my surgeon who said 'you are a walking miracle'. That made me feel good.

I became a Consumer Advisory Panel Member because I am interested in knowing the progress of cancer research and if my experience can help anyone I feel it worthwhile. I also enjoy meeting others who are on this cancer journey.

His Hon Alan Bishop

I was diagnosed in February 2002 with a rare cancer called GIST - gastro - intestinal stromal cancer. Shortly before my diagnosis the previously bleak outlook for this condition dramatically improved with the development of a specifically targeted drug which helped over 80% of patients.

I had the primary removed in 2002 and had a couple of later adventures with liver metastases. I am now on the second generation medication and developments in treatment are still occurring.

Mrs Susan Emery

Sue was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2007 following emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction. The following year she was then diagnosed with breast cancer . Both cancers being primary in origin. Having had first hand experience how cancer can affect and change people’s live Sue decided to help others faced with similar situations . As part of the Consumer Advisory Panel not only does Sue learn more about cancer and its treatments but is able to contribute to the future treatments of cancer patients.

Mrs Karen Fallah

Karen is a mother of two adult children and recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.

In October 2006 Karen was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Following major surgery and then 6 months of chemotherapy Karen was advised to be genetically tested, the results confirmed that she carries the faulty gene for bowel cancer.

Karen said 'I see my involvement with the AGITG Consumer Advisory Panel as an opportunity to be a voice for cancer patients, past, present and future. Additionally my involvement will allow me to keep up to date with current and future research with the goal to hopefully improve prevention and survival for my family and others with genetic cancers.'

Mr Dan Kent

A resident in Bundaberg Queensland, Dan retired in 2002 after many years in management in the local sugar and rum industries. Following surgery for rectal cancer in December 2005 Dan joined several health related organisations in both the local area and his home State. Whilst a former Voluntary Community Speaker for the Cancer Council Queensland, he is currently a member of the Bundaberg Health Community Council, Treasurer of the Wide Bay Ostomates Association and a member of the Advisory Committee of Cancer Voices Queensland.

Dan says 'As a colo-rectal survivor I was very pleased to become a member of the AGITG Consumer Advisory Panel as I fervently believe that research into and quality of life issues associated with cancer management are matters which I see as critical to patients and their loved ones. It is a privilege to be able to assist in this small (but what can be a very large) way in hopefully improving their opportunity to an improved quality of life'.

Mr Ross McBride

In September 2005 I had an orange-sized cancerous polyp removed from the upper colon. The surgeon removed 26cm of colon as well as 19 lymph nodes. Fortunately the cancer was contained within the bowel wall and all biopsies were clear. Regular colonoscopies are now required and at present I am clear of cancer.

I joined the Consumer Advisory Panel to help make people aware that cancer of the colon can be cured if found early. I hope I will make an honest and diligent advocate.

Mr Charles Titmus

In May 1989, I was admitted to hospital which resulted in surgery to remove a gangrenous section of the small bowel due to a lymphoma cutting the blood supply to the bowel. At the time, I was given a 40% survival chance. After surgery, I had chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I have been given the all clear by doctors but still require medicine for bowel regularity.

As a brother died recently of pancreatic cancer, I am interested in care and early diagnosis and prevention of cancer.

Ms Pamela Todd

Pamela is a retired community welfare worker. In 2004 she was diagnosed with early stage rectal cancer. She also cared for her late husband when he was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. Pamela is passionate about early detection and raising community awareness of colorectal cancer and in 2006 co-founded the Brisbane Bowel Cancer Support Group. She is also a Cancer Council Qld peer support volunteer and a hospital visitor at Royal Brisbane Oncology Outpatient and Day Treatment Unit. Being on the Steering Committee of Cancer Voices Queensland led to her consumer involvement with the AGITG.

Pamela says: 'I congratulate the AGITG for establishing the Consumer Advisory Panel. It is a privilege and my good fortune to be part of this dynamic organisation and to have the opportunity to review new clinical trial concepts and protocols, with quality of life issues as a priority, on behalf of and for the benefit of other gastro-intestinal patients and their families.'

'Being involved with the AGITG also holds special meaning for me and I take this opportunity to pay tribute to AGITG Scientific Advisory Committee member, the late A/Prof. Joe Tjandra, who in l987 gave my husband the opportunity of being included in his University of Melbourne cutting-edge monoclonal antibody therapy trial, which brought precious hope when there had been none.'