FOCUS ON REGIONAL BARRIERS
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Liz, from Longreach Queensland
Heathmont Jets
Wenona School
E veryone should have access to the best care, treatment and support no matter who they are or where they live. We know that when people living in rural and regional areas are diagnosed with breast cancer, they are often more likely to experience challenges accessing the treatment and care they need. Some people must travel hundreds of kilometres for appointments, tests and treatment which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs. Many people in rural and regional areas experience lack of access to surgeons, which reduces treatment options unless people travel. Some people have never seen a breast care nurse or had access to supportive care services. For those who do travel long distances, it means being away from home, family, community, and a familiar support network. In the heart of outback Queensland, nestled off the mighty Thompson River, lies the small, quiet, historic town of Longreach. It’s a place that Liz, Brian and their two children happily call home. It’s also 600km from the nearest city.
Usually, Liz embraces this remoteness. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, it added extra challenges to accessing treatment. ‘Two plane flights, 15 telehealth appointments, three hospitals and 12,000 km travelled. That was a bit tough, having to leave my family for weeks at a time.’ Liz’s experience isn’t a one-off. In fact, there are many people in rural and regional Australia who can’t get the support they need close to home. Donations to BCNA’s Tax Appeal will help us continue to advocate for: • increased subsidies available under state and territory Patient Assisted Transport Schemes (PATS) to help reduce the financial burden of travelling long distances for treatment • further investment in telehealth appointments to give those living in rural and regional areas better access to follow-up and supportive care
• greater implementation of ‘tele-trials’ to improve access to clinical trials for people living regionally • improved access to breast reconstruction, and transparency around options and waiting lists • improved equity of access to tests and treatment, from diagnostic imaging through to breast reconstruction. • increased supportive care We’d appreciate your support so that we can continue to advocate for equal access to treatment and care for everyone diagnosed with breast cancer, no matter who they are or where they live. For more information or to donate before 30 June, visit BCNA’s Tax Appeal website . services, including mental health support that is often difficult to access for those living in rural and regional areas.
De La Salle Football Club
Belvedere Breakers
Throughout the month of May, BCNA invites sporting organisations across the country to PLAY4BCNA and show support for Australians affected by breast cancer. Here are just a few of the highlights from over 400 events and more than 1000 clubs that participated . To all of our Pink Sports Day hosts THANK YOU!
Hockey Victoria
Harmersley Carine Amateur Football Club – raised over $7,000. Janine and Alexis Lindsay shaving and dying their hair PINK
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Did you know you can also support BCNA through your employer? Many organisations offer their employees a workplace giving program, where you can make regular contributions through your salary to BCNA. You can give as much or as little as you like, and because your donations are pre-tax, you will receive the tax benefit immediately, rather than having to wait until the end of the financial year. Your employer may even choose to match your donation, meaning your impact will be doubled.
Morwell Football Netball Club
Nunawading Netball Association
BCNA Foundation Partner
BCNA Major Partners
To learn more, visit bcna.org.au/donate/workplace-giving-program
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June 2023 | Issue 95
Breast Cancer Network Australia
bcna.org.au
Issue 95 | June 2023
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