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The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre will launch a free audio resource to help men across Australia to deal with the emotional and practical challenges of being there for a loved one facing breast cancer.
More than 12,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year and for every woman diagnosed there will almost certainly be a number of men in her life – a husband, partner, son, father, brother, or friend – who will also be affected.
The resource, When the woman you love has early breast cancer, is available as a CD or podcast. It will be launched today by Ms Thérèse Rein at the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre’s Pink Ribbon Lunch at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne.
“When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she faces a challenging journey that can turn her life upside down. For the man who loves her, this can be a frightening new frontier, and a difficult and isolating experience,” said Dr Helen Zorbas, CEO of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre.
“The levels of psychological and emotional stress experienced by partners of patients with cancer is reported to be similar to, or higher than, that of the patient themselves¹. Male partners and family members have a range of information and support needs which are not always met by the resources provided to the patient,” said Dr Zorbas.
The audio resource is narrated by Australian actor and author William McInnes. The resource features personal stories, insight and wisdom from women diagnosed with breast cancer and the men who supported them, as well as advice and practical tips on navigating the breast cancer journey from leading clinical experts.
Psychiatrist Dr Jane Turner, who features on the resource, said, “The natural instinct of many men is to want to take control and ‘fix’ everything. But the reality is that breast cancer isn’t something they can fix, and acknowledging this is really important.”
The audio resource explores the importance of open communication and listening, and the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on sexuality, relationships and mental health.
“The resource helps men to understand they are not alone, that many others have been through this journey, and that help is available,” said Dr Turner.
The free resource, When the woman you love has early breast cancer can be downloaded or ordered online at www.nbocc.org.au or by calling National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre on 1800 624 973.
References:
1. National Breast Cancer Centre and National Cancer Control Initiative. 2003. Clinical practice guidelines for the psychosocial care of adults with cancer.
Main photo credit: Lisa F. Young – Fotolia.com