For the first time, standards have been developed detailing the best practice treatments for all types of breast cancer to ensure that every New Zealander gets the best possible care.
You now have the opportunity to comment on these standards and BCAC is urging you to do so. Your input could play a part in improving breast cancer care for women yet to be treated.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says the draft Standards for Service Provision for Patients with Breast Cancer in New Zealand are an important step forward in enhancing breast cancer care.
“This is your chance to influence how breast cancer treatment is delivered in New Zealand. If your experience of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has led you to think that things should be changed or done in a certain way, then please provide feedback,” Libby says.
She says women who have had breast cancer may be particularly interested to comment on the standards around:
• timely access to services
• screening
• supportive care, including counselling and psychological help
• lymphoedema treatment
• fertility options
• adopting a multi-disciplinary approach
You have until June 7 to provide your feedback and can use this feedback form. Once all feedback has been received, the working group which developed the draft standards will consider the suggestions made and make changes where necessary.
BCAC’s chair, Libby Burgess, is one of the consumer/patient representatives on the working group for the breast cancer tumour standards and strongly believes that once the standards are implemented they will result in better breast cancer care.
“At BCAC we’re aware that women in different parts of the country get levels of service and treatment when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Once these standards have been adopted, all District Health Boards must use them a benchmark for breast cancer care so that both clinicians and women know what sort of treatment and care is expected.”
The standards will be finalised and adopted by the end of the year.
