Media release
23 October 2007
applications open for scholarships to improve local breast cancer care
Nurses and community health workers in regional Australia are encouraged to apply for scholarships to expand their skills in caring for local women with breast cancer. The scholarships are funded by the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign and administered by the National Breast Cancer Centre.
Thirty per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia live in rural and regional areas. General Manager of the National Breast Cancer Centre Dr Karen Luxford said nurses and community health workers in regional areas play a vital role in coordinating a woman’s care when she is undergoing breast cancer treatment.
“Often limited funds for travel, conferences and courses mean rural and regional nurses find it difficult to access further education and training programs,” said Dr Luxford.
“The scholarships enable nurses to participate in a range of activities to improve their capacity to provide support and care for women with breast cancer in their communities.”
The scholarships cover expenses such as course or conference registration fees, textbooks, travel and accommodation.
All nurses and community health workers based in Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT are eligible to apply for the scholarships. In other states, only nurses and community health workers employed in areas other than capital cities or major metropolitan centres are eligible to apply.
Nurses and community health workers interested in applying for a scholarship should visit www.breasthealth.com.au/pinkpony or contact the National Breast Cancer Centre on
02 9036 3350.
Applications close Friday 23 November 2007.
The Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign is an international initiative which aims to assist women with breast cancer in medically underserved communities.
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.