A new cancer support program which could be rolled out across Australia in the future has been launched in the St George and Sutherland districts.
The Prostate and Breast Cancer Foundation recently launched a cancer support program in the area, which sees cancer sufferers paired up with a support person to help them with day-to-day issues.
This can include helping patients access information and understand the health care system, find the right support at the right time, complete complex medical forms and manage Medicare, keep a medical history that they can take to appointments with different health professionals, and find transport to treatment.
So far, 10 support persons, called navigators, have been trained up to help cancer sufferers.
CanCare Patient Navigation Program manager Sue Baker said if the program was successful locally they hoped to use the same model nationwide.
“The idea is once we get it going successfully in this area we can take it right across Australia.”
CanCare program director Reg Woodleigh said each navigator would be paired up with one cancer sufferer.
“People with cancer often have a diverse range of needs and are often not sure what services are available to help them meet their needs.
“Our volunteer CanCare Patient Navigators have been trained and use their knowledge of the disease process, the health care system and the different services available in the community to support people with cancer during and after their treatment.”
The CanCare Patient Navigation Program is free and available for all cancer sufferers in the area, not only prostate and breast cancer sufferers.
To find out more, or to request a navigator for yourself, a friend or family member, email sue@pbcf.org.au or call 8058 9063.
