Media release
6 March 2007
Grants announced to boost community-based breast cancer support
Applications are now invited for seeding grants of up to $10,000 to improve community-based support for women with breast cancer in areas where access to treatment and support services can be difficult.
The grants are funded by the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign and administered by the National Breast Cancer Centre.
Community groups, volunteer organisations and health providers with innovative ideas to improve access to health and support services for women with breast cancer are encouraged to apply for the grants to boost local support services.
Acting Deputy Director of the National Breast Cancer Centre Dr Alison Evans said the provision of local support for women with breast cancer can make an immense difference to their ability to cope with the disease.
“In addition to the physical impact of their disease, women with breast cancer are dealing with emotional, psychological and practical day-to-day issues,” said Dr Evans.
“The aim of the seeding grants is to help launch community-based initiatives to provide women with ongoing access to information, support or services in their local area.”
Examples of past projects funded by the seeding grants include:
- The establishment of a local telephone support group designed to allow young women with breast cancer to talk openly about the issues they face through treatment.
- An art therapy support group for culturally and linguistically diverse women with breast cancer aimed at reducing the stigma attached to the word ‘cancer’ that exists in many multicultural communities.
More information about the seeding grants and the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign is available at www.breasthealth.com.au/pinkpony or by calling the National Breast Cancer Centre on 02 9036 3350. Applications close Friday 13 April.
About 13,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year. The Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign is an international initiative which aims to address the disparities in care for women with breast cancer.
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.
Media contact: Bree Stevens 0438 209 833