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Hollywood star reveals breast cancer diagnosis

<p>Olivia Munn has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and has undergone a double mastectomy following her diagnosis. </p> <p>In an emotional post shared on Instagram, the actress shared a series of photos of her receiving treatment over the past year, and how she first found out about her diagnosis in an effort to "help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey".</p> <p>"In February of 2023, in an effort to be proactive about my health, I took a genetic test that checks you for 90 different cancer genes," she said.</p> <p>"I tested negative for all, including BRCA (the most well-known breast cancer gene). My sister Sara had just tested negative as well. We called each other and high-fived over the phone. That same winter I also had a normal mammogram."</p> <p>"Two months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer.</p> <p>"In the past ten months I have had four surgeries, so many days spent in bed I can't even count and have learned more about cancer, cancer treatment and hormones than I ever could have imagined.</p> <p>"Surprisingly, I've only cried twice. I guess I haven't felt like there was time to cry. My focus narrowed and I tabled any emotions that I felt would interfere with my ability to stay clearheaded."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4dXfrULDdJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4dXfrULDdJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by o l i v i a (@oliviamunn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She then credited her proactive gynaecologist, Dr Thais Aliabadi, for discovering the cancer, which could've gone unnoticed for another year. </p> <p>"Dr Aliabadi looked at factors like my age, familial breast cancer history, and the fact that I had my first child after the age of 30," the actress said.</p> <p>"She discovered my lifetime risk was at 37 per cent. Because of that score I was sent to get an MRI, which led to an ultrasound, which then led to a biopsy. The biopsy showed I had Luminal B cancer in both breasts. Luminal B is an aggressive, fast moving cancer."</p> <p>The<em> X-Men: Apocalypse </em>star said she has kept her health battle private until now, so she could catch her breath and go through the most difficult parts of her treatment. </p> <p>Her partner, comedian John Mulaney, who she shares son Malcom with, commented on her post saying: "Thank you for fighting so hard to be here for us. Malc and I adore you." </p> <p>A few other celebrities praised the actress for her courage and honesty. </p> <p>"You are very generous to share your story," Jessica Chastain wrote. </p> <p>"I believe in doing so, you've saved lives. So much love to you and your family."</p> <p>"Sending you and your family love & healing vibes. You are so strong," <em>Modern Family's</em> Ariel Winter added. </p> <p>"Thank you for sharing this! Wow," <em>Big Bang Theory</em> star Kaley Cuoco wrote.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

"It is hard to say": News anchor announces health news during broadcast

<p>A US news anchor has teared up during a live broadcast as she shared the news of her cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>Sara Sidner, a host of the CNN News Central program, announced with her loyal viewers that she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, and is currently undergoing radiation treatment. </p> <p>The 51-year-old news presenter shared she is in her second month of chemotherapy, as she is preparing to undergo a double mastectomy.</p> <p>At the end of the news broadcast, Sidner told viewers, "I don't smoke, I rarely drink, breast cancer does not run in my family. And yet here I am, with stage 3 breast cancer - it is hard to say out loud."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C12fWHxMqnY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C12fWHxMqnY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by CNN (@cnn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She went on to say she was feeling positive about the future of her illness, saying stage 3 breast cancer "is not a death sentence anymore for most women."</p> <p>Sidner became emotional as she urged women to conduct self-exams and to not skip their routine mammograms. </p> <p>"Try to catch it, before I did. I have thanked cancer for choosing me," she said, as her voice broke.</p> <p>"I am learning that no matter what we go through in life, that I am still madly in love with this life and just being alive feels really different for me now... I don't stress about foolish little things."</p> <p>In October, Sidner traveled to Israel to cover the ongoing war with Hamas when she was told she would need to undergo a biopsy upon her return to the US. </p> <p>After her diagnosis was confirmed, she told <a href="https://people.com/sara-sidner-breast-cancer-diagnosis-exclusive-interview-8423441" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em> magazine</a> that she has found strength in the devastating stories she was told by those facing the reality of war. </p> <p>"Seeing the kind of suffering going on, where I was and seeing people still live through the worst thing that has ever happened to them with grace and kindness, I was blown away by their resilience," Sidner told <em>People</em>.</p> <p>"In some weird way, it helped me with my own perspective on what I am going to be facing."</p> <p><em>Image credits: CNN</em></p>

Caring

Suzanne Somers' official cause of death revealed

<p>Suzanne Somers' official cause of death has been revealed after her tragic passing on October 15, just one day before her 77th birthday. </p> <p>A copy of her death certificate obtained by <em><a href="https://theblast.com/550097/suzanne-somers-death-certificate-official-cause-death-brain-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Blast</a></em> revealed the severity of her decades-long battle with breast cancer, and while it was the main cause of her death, it had reportedly also metastasized to the brain.</p> <p>According to the publication, Somers also suffered from hypertension and hydrocephalus (a build up of fluid on the brain) in the lead up to her death. </p> <p>The <em>Step by Step</em> actress had endured a <span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">23</span>-year long battle with breast cancer before her passing, which sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. </p> <p>Somers' publicist R. Couri Hay first broke the news of her passing in a statement, and also shared that the actress' husband Alan Hamel had given her a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/uniquely-magically-indescribably-us-read-the-emotional-love-letter-from-suzanne-somers-husband" target="_blank" rel="noopener">love letter</a> just 24 hours before her passing. </p> <p>"She read the poem and went to bed and later died peacefully in her sleep,” her publicist said at the time. </p> <p>In one of her Instagram posts before her death, Somers opened up about her battle with cancer and how grateful she was to have her husband by her side. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvYACxKytPM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvYACxKytPM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Suzanne Somers (@suzannesomers)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down," she wrote.</p> <p>"I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me."</p> <p>"I know how to put on my battle gear and I'm a fighter. Alan has been by my side every step of the way. I can't even explain how much he has done for me. If it's even possible, we are even closer than ever."</p> <p>Somers is survived by Alan, her husband of 46 years, her son, Bruce Somers Jr. and her three granddaughters.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Getty</em></p>

Caring

"I’m not going to be cured". How breast cancer awareness and support sidelines people with metastatic disease

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sophie-lewis-111177">Sophie Lewis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrea-smith-15431">Andrea Smith</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katherine-kenny-318175">Katherine Kenny</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>There have been incredible <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research">advances</a> in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in recent years. And stories about celebrities who have “beaten” breast cancer continue to be a source of inspiration for many people.</p> <p>However, this emphasis on fighting, beating and surviving cancer shuts out the voices of those who will not survive. That is, the many people diagnosed with incurable, life-limiting metastatic breast cancer, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia">which kills nine Australians every day</a> or nearly <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia">3,300 people</a> a year. Yet an <a href="https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/making-metastatic-breast-cancer-count/">estimated 10,000</a> Australians are living with the diagnosis.</p> <p>Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, as one of the authors has been, means ongoing treatment to live as long, and as well, as possible. It also means an ongoing need for emotional and practical support.</p> <p>However, society, health-care professionals, cancer advocacy organisations, even a patient’s closest family and friends, can struggle to understand what it is like to live with an incurable and life-limiting cancer and how best to provide support.</p> <h2>Why is there so little awareness?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.breastcancer.org/types/metastatic">Metastatic breast cancer</a>, also called stage four breast cancer, is the most serious form of breast cancer. Unlike early breast cancer that is contained within the breast or nearby lymph nodes, metastatic breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.</p> <p>There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer despite decades of advocacy, funding and research. Treatment continues for as long as it helps to control the cancer and is tolerated by the patient. Median survival is <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.5694/mja2.51687">two to three years</a>, although newer, novel treatments mean some patients are living much longer.</p> <p>As a society, we can be uncomfortable <a href="https://theconversation.com/before-you-go-are-you-in-denial-about-death-34056">talking about and facing death</a>. When it comes to cancer, we usually prefer focusing on good news stories. These narratives are often perceived to be better for fundraising and are reassuring for people newly diagnosed. But they fail to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-9566.13704">represent</a> the diversity and reality of cancer experiences.</p> <p>Despite considerable research into people with non-metastatic breast cancer, <a href="https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/making-metastatic-breast-cancer-count/">relatively little</a> is known about Australians with metastatic breast cancer.</p> <h2>Feeling silenced and unsupported</h2> <p>Through our <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-9566.13704">research</a> we wanted to better understand people’s experiences of metastatic breast cancer. We interviewed 38 participants from around Australia with diverse experiences of metastatic breast cancer. Participants were recruited through breast cancer and community organisations.</p> <p>We found messages and public campaigns about cancer survivorship, which emphasise hope and positivity, drowned out the voices of those with metastatic breast cancer. The focus on “success stories” about surviving breast cancer made some people feel like it was their responsibility to “beat” cancer. If they didn’t, it was their own fault. </p> <p>As one interviewee told us: "I react quite badly to all the, ‘we’ve had breast cancer and we beat it and we’ve survived. Aren’t we fantastic.’ There’s almost a feeling if you haven’t beaten your breast cancer you haven’t tried hard enough."</p> <p>Silence around metastatic breast cancer was common in research participants’ experiences. It prevented many from connecting with others and to the support they needed. It even affected relationships with those closest to them leaving them feeling misunderstood: "They don’t realise I’ve got to be on treatment forever. I’m not going to be cured. I think society thinks everything can be fixed; metastatic breast cancer actually can’t be fixed."</p> <p>Sharing deep fears and worries about their life expectancy can leave people with metastatic breast cancer feeling drained rather than supported. Many participants reported having to support and shield family, friends, acquaintances and work colleagues from the reality of their terminal diagnosis.</p> <p>"You hide how you feel because you don’t want to be avoided […] You put on that big, happy face. But like an onion if you peeled the layers away, you’d find out what’s going on."</p> <p>While many participants wanted to join a community of people with metastatic breast cancer, they struggled to know how to find one. Those who did, emphasised how invaluable it had been: "Being able to identify with and know that these people really get me is a huge relief and it reduces the isolation."</p> <p>These findings echo <a href="https://www.bcna.org.au/media/alcjjmm2/bcna_member-survey-report_2017.pdf">previous research</a> demonstrating people with metastatic breast cancer have higher support needs than those with non-metastatic breast cancer. And these needs are <a href="https://www.bcna.org.au/media/alcjjmm2/bcna_member-survey-report_2017.pdf">less likely to be met</a> by <a href="https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-08269-8">health care, support services</a>, family or friends.</p> <h2>A new path</h2> <p>Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can be terrifying, lonely and create significant support needs. It is essential people with metastatic breast cancer have their <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.20.00183">voices listened to</a> and their needs met.</p> <p>Next steps should include:</p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://bcna-dxp.azureedge.net/media/d32bhdzf/bcna_making-metastatic-breast-cancer-count_2022.pdf">improving data collection by cancer registries</a> so we know exactly how many people in Australia have metastatic breast cancer</p> </li> <li> <p>increasing representation of people with metastatic breast cancer in advocacy, support organisations and research</p> </li> <li> <p>nationwide access to peer-to-peer programs and professionally led metastatic breast cancer support groups.</p> </li> </ul> <p>We must ensure people with metastatic breast cancer are the ones to speak to their experience and needs. As a colleague with metastatic breast cancer said: "I read an article written by an early-stage breast cancer ‘survivor’. It felt like someone describing winter when they had only ever experienced autumn."</p> <p>If you or someone you know has metastatic breast cancer, these organisations may be able to support you or connect you with others with the same diagnosis:</p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.bcna.org.au">Breast Cancer Network Australia</a> for information and support</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/">McGrath Foundation</a> for information about access to metastatic breast care nurses.</p> </li> </ul> <hr /> <p><em>The authors would like to thank the members of Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Lived Experience Reference Group for their review of this article.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215458/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sophie-lewis-111177">Sophie Lewis</a>, Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrea-smith-15431">Andrea Smith</a>, Research fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katherine-kenny-318175">Katherine Kenny</a>, ARC DECRA Senior Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-not-going-to-be-cured-how-breast-cancer-awareness-and-support-sidelines-people-with-metastatic-disease-215458">original article</a>.</em></p>

Caring

“If you’re reading this, I have died”: Breast cancer advocate’s powerful last words

<p dir="ltr">Breast cancer advocate Nicky Newman has passed away at the age of 35, leaving a posthumous message to her dedicated followers. </p> <p dir="ltr">The influencer has been documenting her journey battling stage 4 breast cancer with her 300,000 followers on Instagram, sharing the ups and downs of her disease. </p> <p dir="ltr">The British woman’s death was confirmed by her husband Alex, who posted Nicky’s final message to those who supported her through her cancer journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">"If you're reading this it means I have died, I made it 5 & half years though, not bad for a stage 4 breastie hey," the post began.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And none of this 'she fought her battle nonsense', I didn't lose anything, the cancer eventually took over & that's okay, we all knew this would happen."</p> <p dir="ltr">The inspiring woman recalled being told she had breast cancer and how she chose to embrace life during the time she had left.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I don't think we are ever prepared to hear the words, we think we are indestructible & a magic cure will appear, but the truth is we all live this life day to day (we just knew our days are shorter)," she continued.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxVtBF7Itxy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxVtBF7Itxy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nicky & Mr G - Go Grab Life! (@nicknacklou)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">"So please promise me to cherish those around you and give your friends and loved ones the biggest squeezes! GO GRAB LIFE!</p> <p dir="ltr">"You never truly know what is coming around the corner - so don't take anything for granted."</p> <p dir="ltr">In the hours after Nicky’s last post, Alex shared some thoughts of his own to her Instagram account, explaining why he thought Nicky’s story resonated with so many. </p> <p dir="ltr">He recalled a conversation he had with this wife, saying, "People instantly love and are drawn to you because ever since diagnosis, at the worst time of our lives, we chose not to mourn the time we are losing but rather to celebrate and cherish the time that we have left - however long that may be."</p> <p dir="ltr">"She has created a legacy here, a place where anyone can see that life is for positivity and smiles and happiness. Even through hardship…even if it seems impossible."</p> <p dir="ltr">Both Alex and Nicky’s posts racked up hundreds of thousands of likes, with people flocking to the comments to share how Nicky’s strength had had an impact on their lives. </p> <p dir="ltr">One person wrote, “Life is so unexplainably cruel at times…and even when it was for you, you still came on here and raised awareness for all of us, and our future generations - of the importance of things that without you educating us, we wouldn’t know without having to go and research ourselves.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thankyou for putting us first, and for making me see how precious life is, & how important it is to grab it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

How Fergie's breast cancer became "an enormous friend"

<p>Sarah Ferguson has shared how she has turned her devastating diagnosis of breast cancer into a tool for resilience and strength. </p> <p>The Duchess of York, who was <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/sarah-ferguson-s-devastating-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diagnosed</a> with breast cancer after a routine mammogram in June, has described her illness as an "enormous friend" she uses as a "shield of protection".</p> <p>After publicly sharing the news of her diagnosis, Fergie said she has received an "outpouring of kindness" from members of the public, who have written her letters of well wishes. </p> <p>While recovering from her single mastectomy, the Duchess has been personally replying to the letters while watching the tennis and taking it easy. </p> <p>Speaking on her podcast <em>Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah</em>, which she hosts with her close friend Sarah Thomson, she said the personal letters have been very healing for her to read. </p> <p>"It's been great, staring this journey back to full health, sitting watching Wimbledon, great excuse, I also love to respond in hand-written letters to anyone that has been kind," the Duchess said.</p> <p>"I've written about 500 this week."</p> <p>Doctors first found the cancer after a routine mammogram earlier this year, which the Duchess almost put off.</p> <p>She was soon admitted to the King Edward VII's Hospital in London for a single mastectomy and is now recovering at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.</p> <p>Addressing the impact the breast cancer had had on her, she said, "People are asking me about this breast cancer".</p> <p>"I really feel this is really exciting, about having this enormous friend with me, who is now my friend, to such a degree I feel like a shield, like I've got a shield of protection, because it feels like it's definitely there to say we got this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Sarah Ferguson's devastating cancer diagnosis

<p>Sarah Ferguson is recovering at home after undergoing surgery to treat breast cancer. </p> <p>The Duchess of York was diagnosed with the cancer following a routine mammogram screening, with a spokesperson confirming the 63-year-old had undergone surgery.</p> <p>They went on to say her "prognosis is good", though it is unclear if the Duchess will require further treatment. </p> <p>In a statement shared early Monday morning, the spokesperson for the Duchess said she is resting in the Royal Lodge following her surgical intervention. </p> <p>"Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening," the statement reads. </p> <p>"She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully."</p> <p>"The duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family."</p> <p>The Duchess was treated at the private King Edward VII's Hospital in central London, where royal family members have been treated for many years. </p> <p>Fergie's spokesperson shared that the Duchess wanted to express her "immense gratitude" for the medical staff who helped her through her hospital stay. </p> <p>"She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening."</p> <p>Fergie has previously spoken about how cancer has devastated her family, sharing how her late father and melanoma and prostate cancer. </p> <p>She said, "I didn't know what to do to really fight for other people so they didn't have to go through cancer."</p> <p>"People around my age group don't talk about it… we are from a different generation where you don't express your feelings and you just get on with it, you know, stiff upper lip."</p> <p>"It's so crucial to get the message out that we are all listening… they are here to help you."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

National Duck Day: Diana Chan's Seared Duck breast with nashi pears, honey and star anise

<p dir="ltr">The family owned business and Australia’s leading duck producer Luv-a-Duck has partnered up with MasterChef alum and duck lover Diana Chan, to officially launch National Duck Day, which falls on Tuesday May 23rd, 2023. </p> <p dir="ltr">Diana Chan is a Malaysian-Australian and won the 9th season of MasterChef in 2017. She has since become a well-known TV host, menu designer, product creator and restaurateur, turning her passion for food into her career.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Duck </span>breast with nashi pears, honey and star recipe</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Serves:</strong> 2</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Prep time:</strong> 10 mins </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Cook time: </strong>45 mins</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong> INGREDIENTS: </strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 x Luv-A-Duck raw duck breasts </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Salt to taste </p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For the roasted pears: </strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 nashi pears, halved and cored 2 tbsp honey</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Juice of 1 lemon</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">4 whole star anise pods </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp dry vermouth or dry white wine </p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Garnish:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Micro herbs </p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>METHOD: </strong></p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Preheat the oven to 180C. Cut 4 pieces of baking paper and aluminium foil enough to cover the pears. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dip the cut side of the pear in lemon juice (to prevent browning). </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place 1 star anise in the cored center of each pear. Drizzle 1 tablespoon honey over each star anise.Place a pear half, cut side up, on each piece of baking paper. And wrap with foil on the outside to cover. Twist the foil tightly around the top of each fruit to seal. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place the pears on a baking tray and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the pears are tender. Remove from the oven and carefully unwrap each pear half. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">To cook the duck, make a few slits diagonally on the skin of the duck breasts about 2 cm apart. Be careful to not slice into the meat. Season liberally with salt. In a cold pan, add in the duck breasts skin side down and cook for 10-12 minutes to render the fat on low heat. Gradually turn the heat up from low to high. Turn the duck breast over and cook for another 5 minutes. Allow the duck breasts to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Add the liquid from the pears into the pan with all the duck fat and juices and mix to combine over low heat. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">To assemble, slice each duck breast into three pieces diagonally. Place on a serving plate with the pears and drizzle over the pan juices over the duck.</p> </li> </ol> <p><em>Image credit: </em><em>Luv-a-Duck</em></p>

Food & Wine

National Duck Day: Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad

<p dir="ltr">The family owned business and Australia’s leading duck producer Luv-a-Duck has partnered up with MasterChef alum and duck lover Diana Chan, to officially launch National Duck Day, which falls on Tuesday May 23rd, 2023. </p> <p dir="ltr">Diana Chan is a Malaysian-Australian and won the 9th season of MasterChef in 2017. She has since become a well-known TV host, menu designer, product creator and restaurateur, turning her passion for food into her career.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Serves:</strong> 2</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Prep time: </strong>10 mins</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Cook time:</strong> 10 mins</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 x precooked Luv-A Duck peking duck breasts</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 x 400g packet fresh egg noodles (medium thickness)</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For the five spice sauce:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp cooking oil</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 cloves garlic, minced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">3 shallots, finely diced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">50g galangal, sliced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">50g ginger, sliced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Leftover liquid from the packet</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp five spice powder</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp tapioca starch mixed with 2 tbsp of water</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For the cucumber salad:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 continental cucumber, halved and sliced into 5mm thick chunks</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">30g coriander, roughly chopped</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp black vinegar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp sugar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp soy sauce</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>To garnish:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Freshly sliced spring onions</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp toasted sesame seeds</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>METHOD:</strong></p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Cook the peking duck breasts according to the packet instructions (microwave or oven) and set aside somewhere warm.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Preheat a large braising pot or wok. Add cooking oil. Add the garlic, shallots, galangal and ginger and fry until aromatic - about 3 minutes or so. Add the sauce from the packet and the five spice. Allow to reduce for 10 minutes.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mix tapioca starch with water. Pour it into the sauce liquid while stirring at the same time and the liquid will start to thicken. You can add more tapioca mixture if you don't think the sauce is thick enough.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">While the sauce simmers, reheat the noodles according to the packet instructions.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">To assemble, remove the cooked duck breasts from the packet and slice them into 5mm thickness.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">In a mixing bowl, add in all the ingredients for the cucumber salad and mix to combine.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place the reduced sauce into the serving bowls, divide the noodles into 2 portions, top with the duck breasts and pour over the sauce. Serve with the cucumber salad on the side. Garnish with some spring onions and sesame seeds.</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Luv-A-Duck</em></p>

Food & Wine

"Fight of her life": Neighbours star's devastating diagnosis

<p><em>Neighbours</em> star Kate Keltie has been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, as she prepares for the "fight of her life" through aggressive treatment. </p> <p>The actress, 36, who played Holly Valance's sister Michelle on the soap for five years from 1999 to 2004, was given the shock diagnosis recently.</p> <p>Her cancer is so aggressive it has rapidly spread to other parts of her body, including her lymph nodes, blood and hip bones.</p> <p>In order to help her fight the disease, a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/kate-has-cancer-how-can-you-help-pls-donate?qid=0cfa37a46ef57b1c3979c8fe23a02ac5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been set up. </p> <p>"Our beautiful Kate is going through the unimaginable... This week the fight of her life begins as she starts chemotherapy," the fundraising page states.</p> <p>"She will lose her gorgeous hair and cannot carry children in the future. This is devastating news for anyone, let alone at the age of 36, with no family history of breast cancer."</p> <p>"Kate will then require chemo infusions every three weeks for the rest of her life, and potentially radiotherapy and surgery too."</p> <p>Supporters of Kate have already donated more than $30,000 to the page. </p> <p>Kate said she was touched by the outpouring of support and expressed her gratitude for those who have sent her well wishes. </p> <p>"It's amazing to know I have so many incredible people in my corner. I've just got over Covid and I start my first round of chemotherapy tomorrow," she said in a statement.</p> <p>"You have no idea how my head space has changed going into it because of each and every one of you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock - Fremantle Media</em></p>

Caring

Little known fact about Olivia Newton-John

<p dir="ltr">Chloe Lattanzi has revealed a little known fact about her mother, the late Olivia Newton-John.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Grease star lost her battle with breast cancer on August 8 when she passed away peacefully at the age of 73 at the family home in California. </p> <p dir="ltr">A few weeks after her tragic death, her daughter Chloe is still coming to terms with the loss, sharing three incredible photos of herself to Instagram. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the caption she explained that her mother took the photos and that she was an “excellent photographer”. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch7z5c_vqOa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch7z5c_vqOa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Through mama’s lens,” the caption began with three heart emojis. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She always got the best and realest out of me. Helped me with my shyness. Like my grandmother, my mama was an excellent photographer! </p> <p dir="ltr">“Don’t know if you knew that about her. One of her many talents. Thank you for these mama.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans commented on the post saying that Olivia took “beautiful” photos of Chloe and that she would be so proud of her. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Your mama took the most beautiful pictures of you and you of course always looked absolutely stunning in those pictures.. Sending you the biggest hug and lots of love,” one commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Absolutely stunning! She had a great gift…to add to her list of many for sure!” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Absolutely beautiful Chloe, you're such a beautiful, strong and kindhearted soul. Your mom is always around you and in your heart. Sending you so much love. Always here if you need you know how to reach me x,” another read.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news of Olivia’s passing</a> was announced by her husband John Easterling on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research:</p> <p dir="ltr">“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."</p> <p dir="ltr">Her daughter Chloe also shared a series of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/no-words-emotional-images-from-olivia-newton-john-s-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heartwarming photos</a> upon the news breaking as celebrities and fans alike offered their condolences.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

What Olivia Newton-John wanted after her death

<p dir="ltr">A never before seen interview of Olivia Newton-John before her tragic death has aired on TV.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Grease star lost her battle with breast cancer on August 8 when she passed away peacefully at the age of 73.</p> <p dir="ltr">Olivia appeared in a special interview on <em>Spotlight: Olivia - A Magical Life</em> where she explained what she wanted to happen when she died.</p> <p dir="ltr">The beloved singer said she wanted her ashes to be scattered in Byron Bay, California and “in other places I love”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Olivia’s late mother and sister also had their ashes scattered in the popular holiday destination.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t think I’ve really thought about it that deeply. We all should,” Olivia said in the interview.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I’d like to be with them, I’d like to be with them … that would be nice.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news of Olivia’s passing</a> was announced by her husband John Easterling on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research:</p> <p dir="ltr">“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."</p> <p dir="ltr">Her daughter Chloe also shared a series of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/no-words-emotional-images-from-olivia-newton-john-s-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heartwarming photos</a> upon the news breaking as celebrities and fans alike offered their condolences.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family have also accepted a state funeral from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Seven</em></p>

Caring

How Olivia Newton-John’s legacy lives on

<p dir="ltr">The news of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dame Olivia Newton-John’s death</a> at the age of 73 rocked the world following an extremely brave fight against breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">For almost 30 years, Olivia pushed through several treatments and even founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in 2012 to help others who were in the same boat.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her heartbreaking death surrounded by family has just proven how powerful her voice was in the treatment for breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Diagnosed at the age of 44 in 1992, Olivia’s fight was exactly that: a constant battle to ensure she pushed through her cancer treatments.</p> <p dir="ltr">Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre is part of Austin Health which has seen incredible breakthroughs because of the late <em>Grease</em> star.</p> <p dir="ltr">The chief executive of Austin Health, Adam Horsburgh said without Olivia, the centre would not exist.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Without her drive and her commitment, the centre would not be here,” he told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/aug/09/this-was-her-dream-olivia-newton-johns-legacy-lives-on-at-cancer-research-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And her ongoing support over many years has ensured the success of the centre.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It has enabled us to provide care and support to thousands of patients over the past 10 years.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Todd Harper, the chief executive of Cancer Council Victoria said if it weren’t for Olivia’s determination, research would not be where it is today.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia was a pioneer in the cancer field and her work provided inspiration for many,” he said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her advocacy enabled the work of dedicated scientists advancing scientific discoveries and offered hope to many affected by a cancer diagnosis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She led the focus on wellness and the importance of physical, emotional and spiritual support not only for the person going through a cancer diagnosis but their carers, families and friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia’s impact can’t be overstated, and her legacy will continue in the work of world-leading research, treatment and care.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The ONJ centre first opened in June 2012 and is currently involved with about 200 clinical trials for a variety of cancers, including brain, bowel, breast, melanoma, gastrointestinal, head and neck, pancreatic, prostate and lung cancer</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAntToP_D0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAntToP_D0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Olivia Newton-John (@therealonj)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The news of Olivia’s passing was announced by her husband on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research:</p> <p dir="ltr">“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

What a wonderful tribute: Goldie Hawn's incredible Olivia moment

<p dir="ltr">The devastating death of Dame Olivia Newton-John has rocked the world as many sent their condolences to her family.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Grease </em>star “passed away peacefully” at the age of 73 at her Ranch in Southern California surrounded by family.</p> <p dir="ltr">While Olivia’s family has been awash in an outpouring of love, support and shared grief, few tributes produced full-body goosebumps quite like the one shared by the normally highly private and reticent Goldie Hawn.</p> <p dir="ltr">Goldie took to Instagram to share a beautiful musical line-up that featured Olivia, Lily Tomlin, Cher, Bette Midler, Meryl Streep and of course, herself.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A light landed on this planet 73 years ago,” Goldie’s caption read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her voice brought us to such joyous heights, nothing held her back, nothing. Her mind was strong and heroic.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia’s light will continue to shine and will never flicker. Never.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Rest sweetheart. Rest peacefully, you are Love.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChBOOyzpCRq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChBOOyzpCRq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The clip from 1990 shows the women gathered on stage taking turns to sing verses from Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World.</p> <p dir="ltr">A young Olivia appears in a stunning red dress and gold locks as she smashes her verse to a rapturous crowd.</p> <p dir="ltr">This beautiful dedication to Olivia is not the only one that has emerged, with an interview from just two years prior in 2020 re-surfacing to great delight.</p> <p dir="ltr">Olivia was being interviewed on The Project by Lisa Wilkinson about her journey with breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I have to ask on behalf of everyone in Australia who loves and adores you and has done for decades, how is your health?” Lisa asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">A jubilant Olivia smiled at the audience, put her hands up in the air and said “Fantastic!”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Olivia Newton-John joined us on The Project in 2020 alongside her daughter Chloe Rose Lattanzi.<br />⁰<br />She told us all about the big thing she believed in that kept her going throughout her cancer battle.<br />⁰<br />Everyone should remember this. <a href="https://t.co/0zndiMerbr">pic.twitter.com/0zndiMerbr</a></p> <p>— The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1556779992369053701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I’m doing really well, thank you, and thank you for all your love and support, I really appreciate it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I believe your belief system is part of the healing. All I can know is that my last MRI, things are shrinking, going away or staying the same, and I’m living with it and feeling great.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fellow Australian Kylie Minogue also offered a heartfelt tribute to the singer and actress by sharing a throwback photo of the pair in 1988.</p> <p dir="ltr">The photo was a black and white image of Kylie and Olivia standing together at the Royal Bicentennial Concert.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture @nfsaonline),” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER @therealonj.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChA8Yvltrdd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChA8Yvltrdd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Delta Goodrem also offered her condolences to her “friend and mentor” with a beautiful photo of the pair hugging.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and kind. my mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who always guided me…she was always there for me. Family to me.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t have all the words I would like to say today but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace…</p> <p dir="ltr">“I love you forever.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChA2VU4P0mF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChA2VU4P0mF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Delta Goodrem AM (@deltagoodrem)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Olivia’s husband <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced the awful news</a> on Instagram via his late wife’s account asking for privacy as they mourn her death.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Olivia's final photo is a burst of pure joy

<p>News of Olivia Newton-John’s death has saddened adoring fans around the world.</p> <p>The great British-born Aussie music icon passed away at 73 years of age after an intense battle with breast cancer. After spending 25 years in remission, she confirmed her cancer had returned for the third time in September 2018.</p> <p>As her health declined in recent years, Newton-John largely steered away from the public eye and was seen only a handful of times over the past year.</p> <p>The last time fans saw her speaking on camera was when she posted a Christmas message to her Instagram followers on Christmas Day, 2021.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CX3kzVZFJ8y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CX3kzVZFJ8y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Olivia Newton-John (@therealonj)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I want to thank you all for all of your support over the years and I wish you all the best and send you love and light.”</p> <p>Her last TV appearance came a few months before that, in October of 2021, when she made a guest appearance on Dancing With The Stars for the show’s Grease-themed night.</p> <p>As contestants paid tribute to the cult-classic staring herself and John Travolta, Newton appeared via a video message to wish them well.</p> <p>“I’m so thrilled and honoured that you’re celebrating Grease tonight! I know your couples have been working really hard and I can’t wait to see their performances!” she said.</p> <p>Her personal Instagram account was, in recent years, mostly dedicated to flashback posts from throughout her career and competitions to keep fans engaged with her work.</p> <p>However, just last April 18, 2022 she delighted fans with a rare, candid photo of herself and the last picture fans will have of her.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccd4aK-vVKv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccd4aK-vVKv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Olivia Newton-John (@therealonj)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Olivia has been hailed as "<a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/olivia-s-final-photo-is-a-burst-of-pure-joy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Symbol of triumphs and hope</a>" or over 30 years for sharing her journey with breast cancer and will be dearly missed.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

No words: Emotional images from Olivia Newton-John's daughter

<p dir="ltr">Dame Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi shared a heartwarming snap of the pair together just three days before her death. </p> <p dir="ltr">The mother and daughter appeared in an open field smiling widely at the camera. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I worship this woman. My mother. My best friend. @therealonj” Chloe captioned the image. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 39-year-old then shared a series of other images of her mother who "passed away peacefully" in southern California surrounded by family and friends on Monday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Following the heartbreaking news, Chloe then shared a series of photos of her and her mother as they grew up together. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Grease star’s husband John Easterling shared the devastating news asking for privacy as they mourn her death. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg4fYNNLvPF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg4fYNNLvPF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” the post read. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">“In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

From cancer diagnosis to a shoulder to lean on: One volunteer shares her story

<p dir="ltr">Sharon Dreise was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 58, when she finally got a mammogram following years of putting off breast screens.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having been successfully treated, Sharon now volunteers with the Cancer Council’s <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/support-groups/cancer-connect" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cancer Connect</a> program - an anonymous, confidential telephone peer support service for people diagnosed with localised cancer and those experiencing survivorship issues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I first heard of Cancer Connect, I thought it sounded like a fabulous service, now it is one of the most rewarding things I do with Cancer Council,” Sharon says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is a great way for people to share their own personal experiences with someone who understands. It gives people the freedom to react how they want to react with no judgement.”</p> <p dir="ltr">With her own experiences with cancer, Sharon speaks to people from when they are first diagnosed to their last days of treatment and helps them learn what to expect.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When you are told you have cancer, your whole world changes, so to be able to provide comfort and understanding to people is so rewarding,” she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I first speak to someone at the beginning of their cancer experience, they are so worried and concerned. There is a big difference to our last call when they seem so happy and thankful, it gives you the warm and fuzzies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Diagnosis of cancer can be a lonely experience, but Sharon says that volunteering with Cancer Council in programs like Cancer Connect can help provide support for those who need it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If I can help them, even just to listen to them, which is often the case, they often say they feel so much better,” she says.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>If you or anyone you know is affected by cancer and in need of support, call Cancer Council’s Information and Support Service on 13 11 20.</em></p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-7f4afc5f-7fff-c8b2-f12a-af1bcc827744"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Caring

Saliva test could detect breast cancer

<p dir="ltr">A saliva test could soon be used to help identify if women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to a study. </p> <p dir="ltr">The study was led by Professor Gareth Evans from Manchester University who sampled the saliva of 2,500 women. </p> <p dir="ltr">A decade later, the women were presented again and the research showed that 644 were diagnosed with breast cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If all these women took drugs to prevent breast cancer, that could prevent a quarter of breast cancer cases and potentially save the lives of 2,000 women a year,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If young women at high risk were offered annual mammograms, that could save hundreds more a year.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is particularly important for women under 50, who make up one in five cases of breast cancer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue and occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way.</p> <p dir="ltr">It can develop at any age and is more common in women but also affects a small number of men each year. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Breast cancer can be an incredibly difficult and personal journey for women,” Professor Evans said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We know that genetics plays a major role in determining whether women are at higher or lower risk of the disease, alongside more ‘traditional’ risk factors.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

Body and mind: Metastatic breast cancer impacts mental health too

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A diagnosis of breast cancer can be a difficult pill to swallow not just for those who receive the diagnosis, with friends, family and others in their support network also needing to come to terms with it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to Dr Lisa Beatty, a clinical psychologist and senior research fellow at Cancer Council South Australia, everyone will react to their diagnosis differently.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We do know that the distress rates are roughly four in ten women will have what we call clinically significant distress and that is where it is actually getting to the point where it might be causing a real impact in how they’re able to function in their life,” she </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/blog/psychological-impact-breast-cancer" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stage IV breast cancer, also called metastatic, advanced or secondary cancer, can be even harder to cope with, as the diagnosis comes with a lower five-year survival rate and the knowledge that cancer cells have spread from the breast to the bones, liver, brain, or lungs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Nicholas Zdenkowski, a breast cancer researcher and member of the Breast Cancer Trials Scientific Advisory Committee, tells </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">OverSixty</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that metastatic cancer is diagnosed at two time points: as an initial diagnosis or as a recurrence months or years after diagnosis and treatment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7847044/nick.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9e95419ba42d4c5caa6a500d9169ac70" /></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Nick Zdenkowski says work is continuing into individualising diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Image: Supplied</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Breast cancer is most likely to be diagnosed around age 60, however it affects women and men across a broad range of ages (younger and older),” he says.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the Breast Cancer Trials, it is estimated that between five and ten percent of those diagnosed with breast cancer each year will have metastatic breast cancer.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, it is estimated that 20-30 percent of people diagnosed with early breast cancer will go on to develop metastatic cancer.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although the likelihood of developing metastatic breast cancer is well-understood on a population level, Dr Zdenkowsi says identifying exact individuals “is a major challenge”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have greatly refined our understanding over the years, but it is still a work in progress,” he explains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Enormous effort is being put into individualising the level of risk of breast cancer so that further research into screening, prevention and early treatment can reduce the likelihood of metastatic recurrence.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With psychological symptoms of breast cancer diagnoses including anxiety, depression, shock, and issues surrounding body image and intimacy, there have been </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://jons-online.com/issues/2021/november-2021-vol-12-no-11/4165-information-and-support-needs-of-people-with-newly-diagnosed-metastatic-breast-cancer" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">appeals</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from organisations such as Living Beyond Breast Cancer to improve the availability of information for those diagnosed about metastatic breast cancer, mental health, and talking to family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those looking to support a loved one with breast cancer, </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/patient-support/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cancer Council</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bcna.org.au/metastatic-breast-cancer/coping-with-metastatic-breast-cancer/where-to-find-support/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Breast Cancer Network Australia</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/blog/online-support-breast-cancer" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Breast Cancer Trials</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have further resources that can help you figure out what to say to your loved ones, and how to support them through treatment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Beatty will also be appearing at a free Q&A panel on metastatic breast cancer hosted by journalist Annabel Crabb and organised by Breast Cancer Trials.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Taking place on Monday, February 7 between 5-6.30pm, the </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/qa-events" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Q&A</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> panellists will discuss the latest research in metastatic breast cancer and the impacts of the disease on mental health and will be open to questions from registered attendees.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Mind

Olivia Newton-John shares cancer update

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olivia Newton-John has shared her experience as she battles cancer once again.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The singer spoke about life with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in an interview with Hoda Kotb of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today US</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, saying she’s “feeling pretty good” these days.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m winning over it well and that’s how I see it,” the 73-year-old star </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/olivia-newton-john-cancer-update-i-have-my-pains/51d8c978-ccc6-4ffe-b141-36e9d047bcd7" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on Wednesday’s episode.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t think about it a lot, to be honest. Denial is a really good thing and I’m getting stronger and better all the time. I’m doing well.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Newton-John also revealed that she is managing her pain with medical marijuana.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have my days, I have my pains,” Newton-John said. “But the cannabis that my husband grows for me has been such a huge part of my healing, and so I’m a really lucky person.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grease</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star was first diagnosed with breast cancer and received treatment for it nearly 30 years ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, it returned in 2012 for a second time, and in 2018 she was diagnosed for a third time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After Kotb shared that she is also a cancer survivor, Newton-John and the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> co-host had an emotional moment together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’re sisters,” Newton-John said. “Anyone that has gone on this journey with cancer, it’s unknown destinations and surprises and turns.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Newton-John </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/olivia-newtonjohn-is-doing-well-amid-stage-4-breast-cancer-battle/news-story/18b3ee0731fd077934a4b3b9bf0172da"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> she didn’t know Kotb had cancer and asked how she was doing, with Kotb saying: “Yes, I’m doing good.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“By the way, I’m just going to pause for a second,” Kotb added. “Another wonderful thing about you is what you just did there. Thank you. Thank you for asking.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Newton-John was also recently interviewed by </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fox News</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in celebration of the 40th anniversary of her hit song ‘Physical’. The singer shared that she thought the lyrics may have been unintentionally “raunchy” when the song was first released.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNCQxQrLYT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUNCQxQrLYT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Olivia Newton-John (@therealonj)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I wasn’t doing it on purpose. It just was the song that I was attracted to and the album,” she said. “But I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to record it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I felt a little embarrassed to be banned,” she admitted. “But looking back now I go, ‘That was great.’ It got attention. And also compared to what I’m listening to on the radio now, it’s more like a lullaby.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @therealonj / Instagram</span></em></p>

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