THE first step has been taken for a new cancer support group for the region.
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Last week, the inaugural meeting of the Warrnambool and South West Blood Cancer Support Group was held.
The meeting was overseen by South West Healthcare cancer link nurse Sharna Purcell and blood cancer support coordinator Linda Saunders from the Leukemia Foundation.
The meeting was held at the South West Regional Cancer Centre.
The meeting attracted eight members of the public with Ms Purcell expecting that number to increase.
“It is a good start and we think it will continue to gain momentum,” she said.
“There is a real need there for the group, it will provide a connection and peer support for people with blood cancer.
“It is not just for people being treated here in Warrnambool, we want it to be a hub for whoever needs it.”
Ms Saunders said membership of the group is opened to not only those with blood cancer but also their families and other support people.
It is a good start and we think it will continue to gain momentum.
- Sharna Purcell
She said the function of the group would be largely dictated by its members.
“The aim of these early meetings is to get a sense of what people want the group to be,” Ms Saunders said.
“Obviously the peer support part of it will be prominent but we will also see if the members want an educational component to it.”
The Cancer Council lists the three main blood cancers as Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.
In Australia, blood cancer accounts for around 10 per cent of all cancers diagnosed annually. Currently, 60,000 Australians are living with blood cancer with 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Ms Saunders said the new support group could play a positive role in the treatment and recovery processes.
“One of the big issues faced by people in regional areas is that sense of isolation,” she said.
“By having support groups in place takes away that isolation and helps build resilience and coping skills to deal with adversity.
“Some people think support groups are depressive but I think they have the opposite effect.
“They can be engaging and uplifting through bringing people together.”
*For more information on the blood cancer support group call 55644186.