|
||
 |
|
BreaCan - Gynaecological and Breast Cancer Support BreaCan is an information and support service for people affected by gynaecological cancers or breast cancer, their families and friends. BreaCan offers a range of services and programs including a library, fortnightly information sessions, a ‘Feel Good’ gentle exercise program and services specific to the needs of women with advanced cancer.
About BreaCanBreaCan:
Women’s Health Victoria, the Breast Cancer Action Group and Women’s Health Services throughout Victoria were instrumental in the establishment of the BreaCan Breast Cancer Support and Information Service. The project was the result of strong collaboration and partnership between several organisations. The Department of Human Services, through BreastCare Victoria, originally funded the service for three years as a statewide pilot project. On May 1 2007, BreaCan opened its doors to women with gynaecological cancers, providing access to up-to-date information and support. BreaCan takes an holistic approach to supporting people that responds to their practical, social and emotional needs. During the pilot phase, the BreaCan service developed, trialled and evaluated new ways of supporting people affected by breast cancer. In its first three years of operation, BreaCan provided free, confidential information and support to more than 2,000 people affected by breast cancer. BreaCan works closely with a range of service providers. The work complements clinical cancer services through consultation and collaboration with hospitals, other cancer services, consumer groups, and women's health and rural service sectors, and contributes to building the sector's overall capacity to provide optimum health outcomes. Together with these other services, BreaCan is improving the care and treatment of people affected by a gynaecological or breast cancer. The project has now secured ongoing funding, allowing planning for future development and finding new ways of responding to the needs of women with a gynaecological or breast cancer. BreaCan is a service of Women's Health Victoria. 
The establishment of the BreaCan service as a pilot project three years ago filled an obvious need. Since its inception the service has flourished and is consistently providing an extremely high standard of information and support to those affected by the experience of a gynaecological or breast cancer. The success of the service saw it outgrow its original accommodation with Women's Health Victoria and BreaCan moved to larger premises at the Queen Victoria Women's Centre in April 2006. Opening times: 10am-2pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
BreaCan Resource CentreThe BreaCan Resource Centre is open to the public. It provides a safe, welcoming place for women, their partners, family and friends outside the medical setting. Women, their partners, family and friends are welcome to visit during opening hours to browse information, seek support from a volunteer or simply have a cup of coffee or tea and a chat. All of the volunteers have either directly experienced breast cancer or cared for someone who has. The Resource Centre has a library, a free Internet service, and people can borrow books and videos. Volunteers also assist people to find out about other support services such as counselling, practical support, local services and support groups. Each month there is a range of interesting activities that are regularly advertised in the What’s On at BreaCan section. You can contact the Resource Centre in person, by phone, or via email. Opening times: 10am-2pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday More information about the range of resources at BreaCan is available here.
What's On BreaCan's fantastic What's On series of information sessions are always well attended and offer a wide range of topics and events to support and inform people with a gynaecological or breast cancer, their families and their friends. Various aspects of issues facing those facing a diagnosis - such as lymphoedema, chemotherapy, relaxation and meditation, relationships, surgery, what to do when treatment ends - have been topics dealt with by leading health professional in the field. The sessions are informative, enlightening, and even entertaining; and contact with others sharing similar experiences is invaluable. Go to the What’s On at BreaCan section of the site for details.  Making Connections - for women with advanced cancer In 2004, BreaCan received funding to develop and trial a model of support for women living with advanced breast cancer. The impetus for this initiative was the lack of available services dedicated to addressing the supportive care needs of women with advanced breast cancer and their subsequent feelings of isolation. The pilot project commenced in December 2004 and a part-time project officer was appointed to drive the project and provide individual support to women alongside volunteers. The feedback from consumers and health professionals involved in the project was extremely positive. The women who took part in the new service all commented on how much the regular events and information sessions helped them in coping with and managing their different health needs. The Making Connections program has received funding to continue its important work, also expanding to included women living with an advanced gynaecological cancer. One of the activities offered is the 'Here and Now' group to connect women with advanced cancer in a mutually supportive environment. Here are some comments from women who have taken part: "In participating in the Here and Now group I have gained:
Joining the group using teleconference was a great experience. I was a bit unsure about how I would feel joining a support group but doing it via teleconference took away some of the fear by providing some anonymity in the early phases which helped me feel more comfortable. Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate and I hope the program continues with success as it is a wonderful thing to be able to offer those with advanced breast cancer. I feel very lucky to have been a part of it and it has benefited me greatly." Teleconference participant "In coming to the Here and Now group I have gained an insight into some inner turmoil. I have addressed some issues which have been weighing me down. I have shared my concerns and listened to other concerns from other members. I have been heard, acknowledged and supported. I have made new friends but not just friends - friends that can understand where I am at and share something that cannot be shared with others who have not experienced advanced breast cancer. I don't feel so alone; I can share my fears and concerns and not be judged." Face-to-face participant The Making Connections program provides information sessions covering topics such as treatment options, palliative care, pain management, financial planning, and even art therapy. Go to the What’s On at BreaCan section of the site for more details. Information on obtaining resources for women with advanced cancer is available on the BreaCan Resources page. Contact BreaCan for details by phone on 1300 781 500 or email.
Here and Now ‘Here and Now’ is an 8-week program for women with advanced cancer. The weekly sessions are co-facilitated by two experienced professional group leaders. Depending on the participants, the sessions are conducted either face-to-face or via phone participation (teleconferenced so that women can participate from the comfort of their own home). The program offers an opportunity to discuss a range of issues including grief and loss, intimacy and sexuality, death and dying, talking with family and friends. Contact BreaCan for details by phone on 1300 781 500 or email.
Volunteers are vital to the work of BreaCan, and we are fortunate to have a group of motivated and committed women who continually inspire and inform us. We draw on the personal breast cancer experience and skills of our volunteers who are central to the service we provide. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them many skills and qualities. They range in age as well as in their personal experience of breast cancer. This means volunteers can provide peer support to others affected by breast cancer. The volunteers can also provide a unique listening ear to those women, friends and family affected by a gynaecological cancer. BreaCan encourages the participation of volunteers in the development and operation of the service. Undertaking an intensive training program, volunteers are provided with the skills and knowledge needed to work out in the resource centre. Sharing experiences can be very helpful to those dealing with the practical and emotional issues surrounding a gynaecological or breast cancer diagnosis. For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact BreaCan by phone on 1300 781 500 or email. Year in ReviewThe BreaCan Year in Review for 2007 - 2008 is available here to download. The report covers the following sections and highlights the work of BreaCan over the last financial year. If you would like a hard copy of the report please call or send us an email.
|
| Return to the top of this page |
| Contact Us | Feedback | Home | Search | Site Map | Site Policies |
|
© 2007 Women's
Health Victoria Content Publication Date: 11 November 2002 |
Web site credits |
