The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition’s (BCAC) Step by Step support pack for those newly diagnosed with breast cancer is bigger and better than ever following an extensive review to enhance the resource.
Around 5,000 copies of the third edition of Step by Step have just been published and this year BCAC welcomes the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) as principal funder for the much-loved support pack, which features an information book, a diary to record medical procedures and a journal.
The NZBCF has contributed $65,000 including GST to the cost of reviewing, writing, publishing and distributing the third edition of BCAC’s Step by Step, which now includes new sections to help women cope with diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.
New elements in the latest edition include:
· dealing with the emotional fallout of a breast cancer diagnosis
· fertility issues for younger women
· sexuality and intimacy after breast cancer treatment
· men with breast cancer
· looking after yourself following treatment.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says BCAC is enormously pleased to have the NZBCF on board to assist with funding for Step by Step, which has been described by some users as a ‘godsend’.
“We know that women who receive Step by Step find it incredibly useful and reassuring and we’re thrilled that the NZBCF is joining forces with us to support New Zealand women with breast cancer.
“Undertaking a review and re-print of 5000 copies of Step by Step was a huge project and has been made so much easier because of the generous support of the NZBCF. The women of BCAC and New Zealand women with breast cancer are truly grateful for their support.”
NZBCF Chief Executive, Van Henderson, says: ‘’We are delighted to assist in the funding of such a worthwhile resource for women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand. We have also been distributing the pack within our own networks for many years and know first-hand the positive benefit to women across the country.’’
Libby says BCAC was keen to extend the remit of Step by Step and recognised the need for new elements to help women deal with the vast array of issues that breast cancer treatment can entail.
“We’re really pleased to be able include extra information in these new books to help women deal with some of the more difficult emotional elements that may accompany breast cancer treatment, such as depression or dealing with sexuality and intimacy,” Libby says.
BCAC also recognised that many women wanted more information on how they can best look after themselves following treatment for breast cancer.
“We know many women are concerned about what they can do to limit the risk of breast cancer recurring so we’ve included details about follow-up care, nutrition and exercise, and medications to help reduce that risk. We hope women will be empowered by this information to take great care of themselves after treatment,” says Libby.
All of the content in the latest edition of Step by Step has been reviewed by a range of medical professionals, including breast surgeon Dr Erica Whineray-Kelly; medical oncologists Dr Marion Kuper, Dr David Porter and Dr Richard Isaacs; radiation oncologist Dr Maria Pearse; and specialist breast care nurse Janice Wood, of the NZBCF.
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer you can order your free copy of Step by Step via our website, www.breastcancer.org.nz or email us directly on bcac@breastcancer.org.nz. Please include your name and address.
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