7 January, 2008

Cancer is a disease which threatens to change your life forever but with a few simple lifestyle changes it’s less likely you, a family member or a friend will ever have to deal with the debilitating disease.

That’s the message Gunnedah Health Service staff are hoping Curlewis, Carroll and Gunnedah residents will take on board during the week of World Cancer Day ( 4 February).

Primary Health Care Registered Nurse Susan Helps, Aboriginal Primary Health Educator Gail Koeford and Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Meredith Harper from Gunnedah Community Health will be visiting the communities tomorrow (Friday, 8 February) to promote awareness about cancer, healthy changes to help avoid the disease and cancer support services offered by Hunter New England Health.

The staff will first and foremost be educating people that prevention of cancer is better than battling the disease later.

“It’s important to understand that there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer,” Susan said.

“This might include eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, regular physical activity, not smoking and drinking the only recommended amount of alcohol with two to three alcohol-free days a week.

“Other kinds of preventative actions include being 'sun safe' and always wearing 30+ sunscreen, broad brimmed hats, long-sleeved and collared shirts and sunglasses. You should also stay out of the sun in the middle of the day when it’s hottest,” Susan said.

The nurses are also urging people to be proactive about their health by consulting a doctor and having regular cancer check-ups.

“Early detection of cancer is vital and increases a person’s chance of beating the disease,” Susan said.

“Men and women should undergo routine cancer screenings such as the prostate cancer blood test, pap smears and breast checks.

“The check-ups for cancer, particularly the initial test for prostate cancer, have come a long way in recent years, so we are hoping for a strong turn out of locals seeking help and information,” said Susan.

Also on hand will be information about palliative care services and grief counselling Hunter New England Health provides for people going through the pain of losing a loved one.

The nurses will be available tomorrow (Friday, 8 February) at Curlewis General Store between 9am and 10am, the Carroll general store between 10.30am to 11.30am and at Gunnedah in front of Music Mania in Conadilly St between 12 noon and 2pm.

If residents are unable to attend the meeting points on the day they are welcome to call Primary Health Care Registered Nurse Susan Helps, Aboriginal Primary Health Educator Gail Koeford or Palliative Care Clinican Nurse Consultant Meredith Harper from Gunnedah Community Health during business hours on 6741 8000 for cancer information.

People can also call the Cancer Council for more information about cancer prevention or services. Go to www.cancercouncil.com.au or call 13 11 20.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767