Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) will highlight South Australia’s lack of a compression garment subsidy scheme at its survivorship conference in Adelaide this weekend.
South Australia continues to remain the only state without a compression garment subsidy scheme, forcing sufferers to cover the cost of the expensive items.
Compression is the main treatment for the incurable condition. Experts estimate it will affect between 20-30 per cent of all breast cancer survivors.
Many South Australian breast cancer survivors cannot afford the expensive garments, costing up to $2000 and requiring regular replacement. This leads to a worsening of the condition and deterioration of their quality of life.
BCNA has been working closely with the Lymphoedema Support Group of SA to bring the state into line with the rest of the nation.
More than 1,500 South Australians are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, making it the most common cause of cancer in women in the state.
Around 500 South Australians will attend the conference, entitled “Together Towards Tomorrow”.
The program will feature information and advice from breast cancer specialists and other health professionals, inspiration from Olympian and breast cancer survivor Raelene Boyle and opportunities for survivors to meet others going through a similar experience.
The conference will also include a separate program for people living with metastatic breast cancer. This session will look at advances in metastatic breast cancer treatment and care, and discuss strategies to cope with the emotional impact of living with a terminal condition.
BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti said the Adelaide conference represented an opportunity for people living with breast cancer to
