The series of web videos, Kiwi Stories of Breast Cancer, recently produced by the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) would not have been possible without the courage and generosity of those who agreed to appear on camera and share some of their personal stories with us.
The web videos feature 15 women and men talking candidly about diagnosis, treatment and recovery from breast cancer. View brief profiles of all those who appear in the web videos here.
BCAC deputy chair, Dr Chris Walsh, says our aim in producing these web videos was to demystify breast cancer and offer those diagnosed hope and reassurance that they are not alone.
“With the help of all the participants we believe we have created a resource that offers support, information and encouragement to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those who walk alongside them.”
“On behalf of the BCAC team and all those who will use the web videos we want to express our thanks and gratitude to all these men and women who have taken time to share their experiences. It is not always easy to openly discuss something as personal as breast cancer and we appreciate the honest insights they have all shared.”
The stars of the series commonly expressed a desire to encourage others to face a breast cancer diagnosis with courage and hope. They all know that when first faced with this news you can feel very isolated. By sharing their stories they want others to feel less alone, particularly when they are newly diagnosed with the disease.
The short videos each focus on a different aspect of the breast cancer experience from diagnosis, to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction. The participants relay their experience of these treatments and provide tips on how they coped and how they adjusted to life after breast cancer.
As well as those diagnosed with the disease, Kiwi Stories of Breast Cancer also features the partners, siblings and children of those diagnosed. Medical professionals also share their expert knowledge and discuss the intricacies of treatment.
To view the profiles of the participants visit the BCAC website at http://www.breastcancer.org.nz/Share-your-story/Web-DVDs/stars
For more information and to view Kiwi Stories of Breast Cancer, visit the BCAC website at http://www.breastcancer.org.nz/Share-your-story/web-videos.
