Jan Mumford - Cancer survivor and consumer reviewer

About 18 years ago I was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour on my pancreas. I had a lot of questions that I needed answers to, and there still isn’t a lot known about this sort of cancer.

I got involved with Cancer Council NSW because they could help with many of the questions. I took courses at Cancer Council NSW and started a cancer support group. I took part in the DVD and contributed to the booklet Cancer Council NSW made about pancreatic cancer. 

I did anything I could to improve my understanding about cancer.

The Consumer Review Panel is a wonderful opportunity to have a voice and contribute to the future of cancer research. I think all the consumers agree that it is important for research to cut across different cancer types – to look at those rarer cancers as well as the more common ones. It is also important to ensure we’re funding research which will benefit all types of cancers, all patients and in all communities around NSW.

A highlight for me is seeing the big changes and advances in technology which are now driving cancer research. We are now using amazing, genetically-based technologies and I just think “wow”.

Cancer Council NSW supports cancer research, and importantly, they involve the community in the research process. Cancer Council NSW is a leader and sets the standard for other organisations.