Breast Cancer Care, the UK's leading provider of breast cancer information
and support has today launched 'Your Guide to Breast Cancer Services 2005'. The
guide, listing the range of breast cancer services available nationwide, will
enable anyone affected by breast cancer to make informed choices about their
treatment and support.
Anna Wood, Policy and Campaigns Manager, Breast Cancer Care said:
'It is really important for people who are diagnosed with breast cancer to
receive as much information and support as possible. That's why Breast Cancer
Care is dedicated to ensuring that everyone diagnosed with breast cancer or
undergoing treatment has access to the best services and treatment options for
them.'
'Your Guide to Breast Cancer Services 2005' is aimed at anyone who has been
referred to a breast cancer clinic or who has been diagnosed with breast cancer
and undergoing treatment. The guide also includes a brief overview of breast
cancer and highlights what services are available from Breast Cancer Care.
Melanie Johnson, Public Health Minister, said:
'Patient choice is a cornerstone of the Government's health strategy and we
welcome the launch of Breast Cancer Care's new guide. It is an excellent
resource for people diagnosed with breast cancer as it gives them more choice
about how, when and where they receive their treatment.
The guide, whose data was provided by Dr Foster, is the UK's first edition.
Sponsored by Novartis Oncology, it will be updated and published annually. 'Your
Guide to Breast Cancer Services 2005' will be supplied free to every breast
cancer unit and clinic in the UK so that people affected by breast cancer can
access it easily.
All the information available in 'Your Guide to Breast Cancer Services 2005' can
be also found on Breast Cancer Care's website at www.breastcancercare.org.uk/yourguide2005
Hilary Blackburn, who diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, said:
'I wish there was a guide like this when I was diagnosed with breast cancer that
included all this information in one place. Everyone affected by the disease
should be involved in their own treatment so they feel they are receiving the
best standards of care. I hope that others affected by breast cancer will find
it invaluable and that it guides them through the services they might need along
the way.'
- Ends -
Notes to Editor
* Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to make a difference in
the lives of people affected by breast cancer. We provide accurate, easy to
understand information as well as practical and emotional support. We are the
only charity working across the UK to provide these services. Every year we
receive almost two million requests for support and information through our
services including our helpline, website, publications, person to person support
and health promoting activities, all of which are offered free.
We are committed to campaigning for better treatment and support for people with
breast cancer and their families.
Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential
support and information from the Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000
(open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm) or by visiting
www.breastcancercare.org.uk.
* Ian Smith, Professor of Cancer Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, said:
'This guide will contribute to improved communications between people affected
by breast cancer and the health professionals responsible for delivering their
care. Hospitals can be overwhelming places, particularly when one is feeling
fearful or vulnerable. Having this information accessible and in one place will
help people affected by the disease to regain some control.'
* The breast symptomatic clinic pages within the guide are based on data
provided by breast clinics in October 2004 and were collated by Dr Foster.
* Dr Foster is an independent organisation that provides information about the
quality and availability of health services.
* Photos of Your Guide to Breast Cancer Services 2005 are available on request
* Available for interview at Breast Cancer Care:
o Diana Jupp - Director of Clinical & Information Services, Breast Cancer Care
o Anna Wood - Policy and Campaigns Manager, Breast Cancer Care
o Emma Pennery - Nurse Consultant, Breast Cancer Care
o Hilary Blackburn - Breast Cancer Care volunteer affected by breast cancer in
2002
* For further media enquiries:
Breast Cancer Care press office
020 7384 4691/07956 226661
louisab@breastcancercare.org.uk
1 A quote is also available from Ian Smith, Professor of Cancer Medicine, The
Royal Marsden Hospital - please see Notes to Editor
Source :
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/News/Statementsandreleases/1107951134