EMBARGOED until April 1, 2015
Free breast cancer counselling – No fooling!
The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation is today launching a free counselling programme available to women anywhere in New
Zealand.
NZBCF Counselling offers three free one-on-one professional counselling sessions to women at whatever stage of their
breast cancer treatment they most need it. “That might be just after diagnosis, or during treatment, or further down the
track for women living with advanced breast cancer,” said NZBCF chief executive Evangelia (Van) Henderson. “Just as all
breast cancers are different, women’s support needs are different, too.”
While some hospitals do provide access to counselling, it’s not available uniformly around the country. The NZBCF
Counselling will be available face-to-face in most areas, but also over the telephone and via Skype for women who would
struggle to attend a physical appointment.
Women will need to be referred for counselling by their specialist physician, breastcare nurse or GP. Once the referral
is approved, women will have online access to profiles of qualified counsellors in their area, and can book an
appointment with the counsellor of their choice.
“Often it’s helpful to talk things through with someone not connected to your life,” said Van Henderson. She added that
the benefits of counselling have been demonstrated in research studies: a meta-analysis of studies in the US suggested
mortality rates were as much as 25% higher in cancer patients with depressive symptoms and 39% higher in patients who
had been diagnosed with major depression. A small Australian study suggested 71% of oncologists believe that
psychological variables affect cancer progression, as do 85% of patients.
To download a referral form or for more information, visit www.nzbcf.org.nz/FreeCounselling,or call the NZBCF’s advice line 0800 BC NURSE (0800 226 8773) with questions.
NZBCF Counselling is funded entirely by donations. The current 1000 Tees campaign(www.1000women.co.nz) is raising funds for the service. In May, the NZBCF will again be raising funds through its annual Pink Ribbon
Breakfast campaign, fronted by Lorraine Downes(www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz).
About The NZBCF:
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that depends on individual donations,
community fundraising, grants from trusts and foundations and partnerships with business for its work in breast cancer
education and awareness, medical research and training grants, advocacy, and supporting women with breast cancer. The
NZBCF’s programmes are evidence-based, overseen by its medical advisory committee. The pink ribbon symbol is a trademark
of the NZBCF in New Zealand.