News

Pink Ribbon Day

13th October, 2011

October is Breast Cancer awareness month so in recognition of this the Ararat Breast Cancer Support Group is hosting their annual morning tea in support of Pink Ribbon Day.   The morning tea event will be held at the Ararat Bowling Club on Monday 24th October commencing at 10 am. All community members are welcome to come along, enjoy morning tea and find out important information concerning their breast health.

East Grampians Health Service Breast Care Nurse Sarah Carter said "I will be available for Breast Care information and will be providing a presentation on breast awareness.  Sarah's role as Breast Care Nurse is to act as a resource and provide information, referrals, support and care coordination for current or past breast cancer patients, and their families."

Mrs Carter commented that "1 in every 9 Australian women is diagnosed with breast cancer and 6% of women under the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer. These are alarming statistics, with 9 out of every 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history which is a concern."

The Information on mammograms is provided by Breastscreen and Ballarat Health Services Radiology who also mentioned that women aged 40 and over are eligible for FREE 2 yearly mammograms with Breastscreen. There is NO upper age limit and 50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are aged between 50 - 69 years.

Mrs Carter said that "there is a free Breastscreen Bus is going to Ballarat which leaves from Willaura and Ararat on Thursday 20th October. This free bus /mammogram service is provided by Breastscreen and organised by East Grampians Health Service, If you would like more information or would like to register for the 20th October (or the next bus) please ring the Community Centre on 53 529 327."    

Also, a reminder that on Tuesday 8th November East Grampians Health Service will be hosting the Look Good, Feel Better program. This free workshop runs a couple of times per year and is for any woman recently diagnosed with cancer, undergoing or about to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment for cancer. Experienced volunteers from the Cosmetic and Beauty Industry are available to show women how to care for their skin and apply make-up to minimise the appearance related side effects of treatment.  Please ring the Community Centre on 53 529 327 and speak with Marg Hall or Sarah Carter for further information or to register.  

The Ararat Breast Cancer Support Group, co -ordinated by Bev Walker and Kaye Fox, offer support to women with breast cancer and their families by providing regular meetings, telephone support, social occasions and practical assistance. Mrs Walker said "new members are always welcome to join the group, which meets once per month."

For more information please phone Bev on 5352 1604 or Breast Care Nurse - Sarah Carter on 53 529 327.