Initiative: Sue Bowles at Geelong’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre.
KIM WATERS
A GEELONG-first program for cancer patients and their families will provide free information and support sessions, according to an organiser.
Facilitator Sue Bowles said the Barwon Health and Cancer Council offered coping strategies for “life-altering” diagnoses.
Ms Bowles said the four-week Living with Cancer program had generated “a fantastic response”.
“We’ll discuss treatments, symptoms and side affects. There will also be guest speakers including an oncologist, a dietician, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist.”
“It’s designed to be fairly intimate so people don’t feel uncomfortable asking questions.
“It can be overwhelming when you’re first diagnosed or receiving treatments, so this is a chance to ask questions get support and speak to a range of professionals all in one place.”
Ms Bowles said the program would run two or three times a year if the first was successful.
Barwon Health cancer information and support services director Amanda Hordern said the program covered emotional and practical information.
