Sunday 24 October 2010
Today more than 4000 women with breast cancer in rural and regional areas welcome the launch of a new service to keep them in touch with loved ones when undergoing radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer away from home.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC)* is pleased to announce the successful roll-out of a new and innovative program, Stay in Touch, connecting rural families separated by treatment for breast cancer.
This year 14,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia and approximately 30 per cent of these women live outside major metropolitan cities.
As well as the usual challenges faced by women with breast cancer, many rural women face additional challenges due to the need to travel to cities or major centres for at least some of their treatment, often requiring prolonged periods of time away from home.
"Studies show that one third of women with breast cancer in rural areas travel more than 100kms for radiotherapy which on average can take 43 days" said Dr Helen Zorbas, CEO NBOCC*.
"This separation from family, particularly children, creates additional stress and anxiety at a time when women are already experiencing great vulnerability."
"The support a woman receives from her family can make an immense difference to her ability to cope with breast cancer. Regular face-to-face communication with loved ones during the treatment process can reduce stress and provide much needed support during this important time," Dr Zorbas continued.
Using online video communication technology via Skype, NBOCC’s* Stay in Touch program provides laptops with access to mobile broadband to connect women face to face with their families when their breast cancer treatment requires them to be away for extended periods of time.
"This helps significantly to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with separation from loved ones and the home environment" said Dr Zorbas.
43-year-old Leah Drabsch from Bundaberg in Queensland participated in Stay in Touch, speaking regularly to her two sons and mother whilst undergoing treatment in Brisbane.
"Breast cancer is scary but having teenage children is even scarier. Being away from my sons was my biggest fear when I had to go to Brisbane for treatment, but being able to see them regularly on Skype provided me with reassurance that my children were fine," said Leah.
Stay in Touch is a project of the Supporting Women in Rural Areas Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Program, funded by the Australian Government and delivered by NBOCC*.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre* is funded by the Australian Government and works with consumers, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve care and cancer control in breast and ovarian cancer.
Media contact:
Erin Sharp 0458 900 777