Media release
10 March 2008
grants available 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.
Community groups, volunteer organisations and health providers with innovative and sustainable 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.
The grants are funded by the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign and administered by National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre.
Ms Caroline Nehill, National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre Program Manager said that women with breast cancer face a range of emotional, psychological and physical issues that arise after their diagnosis.
“Support is essential in a woman’s breast cancer journey. Access to local support services can make it easier to cope with having cancer and can improve a woman’s quality of life throughout her treatment,” Ms Nehill said.
“We encourage local organisations and health care providers to develop practical solutions to support women with breast cancer in their area.”
“The seeding grants will 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:
- An art therapy program, merging art with medicine to provide a medium for women with breast cancer to express their emotions about their experience.
- The development of a local resource library to provide women with breast cancer with the most up-to-date information to help them make informed decisions about their treatment.
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 National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre on 02 9357 9414. Applications close Friday 25 April 2008.
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.
National Breast and Ovarian 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