Free breast cancer counselling – No fooling!

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.

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