It is predicted that in 2023 over 53,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in NSW alone. But we found in a recent study that a significant number of people affected by cancer feel that they're not getting the information and support they need.
We're working hard to change the story for cancer patients, survivors, their carers and families in NSW through raising awareness of our 13 11 20 Information and Support Services. Read on to learn more about why this is so important.
Helping Terry through his cancer journey
After a trip to the dentist to have a tooth removed, Terry Malone was shocked to learn that the pain he was feeling was due to having bone cancer in his jaw. Terry was overwhelmed with not only this cancer diagnosis, but how he was going to be able to get to Newcastle, a seven-hour drive from his home, for his surgery to remove the cancer.
When someone told him about Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support line, he wasn't aware of the support he was eligible for.
"After some procrastination, having no knowledge of what they could do to help me, I made the call."
After speaking with a 13 11 20 healthcare professional, Terry was connected to the closest Cancer Council NSW local office who listened to his story and began to make arrangements for his surgery transport. It was decided a Cancer Council NSW Transport to Treatment volunteer driver, would take him to the airport to fly to Newcastle and there would be another Transport to Treatment volunteer waiting to pick him up and help with any transport needs he may have during his stay.
We're proud to say that our free transport service took away a lot of the financial and logistical stress Terry had been facing. But more than this, it enabled him to focus on getting through treatment.
"As time progressed, everything started to fall into place and I felt like all the fears I had were no longer present." He explains.
"That took an incredible amount of pressure off me and left me with the responsibility of being a good patient and recovering as quickly as possible."
Unfortunately, Terry isn't alone
In a recent study we conducted, we found that as much as 70% of people in NSW are unaware of the free information and support services available to them if they become affected by cancer.
We're on a mission to change this. We want to raise awareness of our 13 11 20 Information and Support line, which is the gateway to many other services, such as Transport to Treatment.
As Kashka Bochnyska, the Manager of Direct Cancer Support at Cancer Council NSW, puts it: "Cancer can be a lonely journey. When anyone needs to talk about cancer we want them to know 13 11 20 is here for them."
"We receive around 730 calls and emails to 13 11 20 a month, but we know there are many more people in our community who have been impacted by cancer and might need us."
The services available to people affected by cancer
Our 13 11 20 healthcare professionals can connect people with many services including:
- Emotional and practical support such as counselling or transport to treatment.
- Information about prevention, risk factors, screening, early detection and diagnosis.
- General information about cancer treatment, side effects management, including relevant publications.
- Information about palliative care and survivorship.
These services are not only available to those who are diagnosed with cancer but also their carers, families and anyone with any questions about cancer.
