Our nurse advice line is open and available for support over Christmas

Every year, our team of breast cancer nurse  specialists answer around 10,000 phone calls from New Zealanders in need. Kelly who works on our advice line says: 

“At first, you can hear the fear in their voice. By the time the call ends, they feel relieved. Their journey feels more doable and they’re just so grateful and happy to have someone they can contact.”

Unlike with doctors or specialists, there are no time constraints, and no topic off-limit - signs and symptoms, grief and anxiety, conversations with children, treatment plans, exercise, wigs, complementary therapies, life after cancer, and so much more.

“We can trouble-shoot all their problems and worries,” says Kelly. “It’s a real
community of support, to ensure they can get through those weeks, months and
years. If this service stopped, it would take away a huge support network. Because until
you’re that person, sitting in that chair, I guess you don’t realise the impact a breast
cancer diagnosis can have.”

You’re probably aware of how much pressure our health system is under, and how busy our hospitals are. While resources are stretched to provide follow-up care to ever-growing patient numbers, many people are discharged to GP care where appointments can be short, expensive and with significant time delays. These delays can stretch out further over the Christmas period when many clinics close down.

Please make a kind donation today to keep this vital service open.