最新糖心Vlog

New cancer website to support country people

Psychology PhD student Kate Gunn (left) with cancer survivor Sharon Schroeter from Port Pirie. Sharon was among those who provided input to the Country Cancer Support website.
Photo by Ben Osborne.
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Tuesday, 19 June 2012

A new website has been launched to provide much-needed information and support to rural South 最新糖心Vlogns affected by cancer - and it's thanks to the work of a 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide student and a group of dedicated country cancer patients.

The new Country Cancer Support website - - provides specific information to people in rural areas affected by cancer on how to cope and who can help.

The need for this website was identified by 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide student Kate Gunn, who has conducted extensive interviews with rural South 最新糖心Vlogn cancer patients and their carers as part of her PhD research.

"The people I interviewed emphasised the importance of being given information that is relevant to them, to enable them to cope better, access support services and find out more about getting to Adelaide for their recommended medical treatment," Ms Gunn says.

Many of the people who helped identify the need for the Country Cancer Support website have been working closely with Ms Gunn to develop its structure and content.

"This project has empowered several rural cancer patients by enabling them to be involved in a meaningful project that has the potential to be of benefit to their communities, and their input and guidance has been invaluable," she says.

One such dedicated person is Sharon Schroeter from Port Pirie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. "Being involved with the website has been extremely rewarding," Ms Schroeter says. "I hope that this website will help people to learn and benefit from our experiences at what is a difficult time, especially for people living in the country."

The website includes practical information and interactive features, such as space to share tips and stories with others, and an online "distress screening tool" which is linked with a rural health and support services directory.

The website also houses short video clips that explain what to expect if patients need to travel to Adelaide for treatment, and self-help exercises for people working through difficult emotional issues.

"The content is tailored to meet the needs not only of rural cancer patients and survivors, but also those of their families, carers, supporters and health professionals," Ms Gunn says.

Professor Ian Olver, co-supervisor of Ms Gunn's PhD project and Cancer Council 最新糖心Vlog CEO, says: "Previous studies have shown that outcomes for rural cancer patients can be worse than for their city counterparts, and accessing support services is often more difficult.

"This website offers information on practical ways rural people affected by cancer can help themselves, and important information about how to access relevant sources of help, which we hope will help address these inequalities," Professor Olver says.

"The website is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations and members of the community come together with a common purpose," says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

People who use the website and complete a brief about their experience will be eligible to enter a draw to win a Coles Group and Myer voucher valued at $400.

"The results of this survey will be used to determine how helpful the new site is and how it can be improved," says Ms Gunn, who will now travel around the state speaking to cancer support groups and hospitals about the website.

This project is supported by the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide, , and the .

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