28/02/2024
People in and around Murray Bridge will have a chance to hear from breast cancer experts and from each other at a free Living Well Information Forum hosted by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) on Wednesday 6 March.
In preparation for the forum, BCNA met with local health professionals two weeks ago to identify the specific issues in relation to access to health care and treatment for people with breast cancer in the Murray Bridge area.
BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services Vicki Durston said local health professionals had reported difficulties accessing information resources and support services in Murray Bridge.
“We heard a big barrier to access is the lack of breast cancer specialist services close to home and people are having to travel long distances at great cost to get the treatment they need,” Ms Durston said.
“And this is not just restricted to Murray Bridge. We know this is a problem across rural and regional Australia where there a simply not enough specialist services – and in many cases no services – close to home.
“Added to this we are concerned about wait times in the public system for breast cancer diagnostic imaging. Then once diagnosed with breast cancer many face paying out-of-pocket costs for treatment in the private system.”
Ms Durston said the free forum in Murray Bridge will be an opportunity to meet and hear from locals and tell them what information and support services are available from BCNA.
Attendees will also hear from a range of experts, including a breast care nurse, a medical oncologist, a clinical psychologist and a lymphologist.
Ms Durston said the forum is a great opportunity for people affected by breast cancer to connect with each other.
Registrations are free and open right up until the start time via the BCNA website.
Key Facts:
Date: Wednesday 6 March
Location: Bridgeport Hotel, 2 Bridge St, Murray Bridge
Time: 9.00 am for 9.30 am start – 3.00 pm
Guest speakers:
Medical oncologist: Rohit Joshi
Clinical Psychologist: Dr Charlotte Tottman
Lymphologist: Professor Neil Piller
Breast Care Nurse: Annie Williams
Plus, more!
About us:
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation. BCNA provides information and support to those diagnosed and their supporters, opportunities to connect with others going through a similar situation and work to influence a stronger healthcare system to ensure all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support.
Contact details:
Carissa McQualter
Communications Specialist
