Media release
30 November 2007
Cancer - how are you travelling?
The National Breast Cancer Centre has developed a new resource to help people diagnosed with all types of cancer through the social, emotional and practical aspects of their journey.
Titled Cancer – how are you travelling? the free booklet de-stigmatises the emotional and practical impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a person’s life, their relationships and their overall wellbeing.
Breast cancer survivor and Breast Cancer Network Australia advocate Suzanne Mullen* said nothing could prepare her for the feeling of being thrust into what felt like a parallel universe when she was diagnosed five years ago.
“You really do feel like you have crossed into another dimension. On one hand you are having to deal with all the shock, fear and anxiety associated with your diagnosis, while on the other hand trying to continue with work and reassure yourself and those around you that everything will be OK,” said Ms Mullen.
“Too often, I believe many people with cancer blame themselves and are reluctant to ask for help if they are finding it difficult to cope with the roller coaster of emotions they may experience.
“The great thing about Cancer – how are you travelling? is that it signposts many of the common emotional ‘potholes, detours and bumps’ that challenge us on this journey and guides us to those – ‘our pit crew’ – who may be able to help.”
The National Breast Cancer Centre’s booklet covers:
- The different emotional, practical and social challenges faced by people with cancer
- The way a person’s cancer diagnosis may affect the people around them
- Times when people may be likely to experience higher levels of anxiety
- Reasons why some people may find the cancer journey more difficult than others
- The role of different health professionals throughout the cancer journey
- Types of support and treatment available
- How to ask for help.
Psychiatrist Dr Jane Turner, who led the working group that developed the resource, said a person’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical wellbeing throughout the cancer journey.
“By raising the issues many people with cancer face, the booklet lets patient and carers know ‘it’s OK to feel like this’. It also empowers them with an expectation that emotional and practical support should be a routine part of their care,” said Dr Turner.
“Importantly, the booklet provides strategies for bringing up emotional or social issues with the treatment team and details of specific therapies and treatments that can help people to get through the challenges they may be facing.”
The resource is based on the world-first Clinical practice guidelines for the psychosocial care of adults with cancer developed by the National Breast Cancer Centre and the National Cancer Control Initiative. Cancer – how are you travelling? may be ordered or downloaded online or ordered by calling 1800 624 973.
*Suzanne Mullen was a consumer representative on the working group that developed Cancer – how are you travelling?
The National Breast Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with consumers, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve health outcomes in breast and ovarian cancer.