General News
18 June, 2023
RNH grant to help fight cancer
Rural Northwest Health has received formal notice of their success in obtaining a grant for $50,000 to improve cancer awareness, detection and support options in Yarriambiack Shire. Rural Northwest Health CEO Jenni Masters said that she was...
Rural Northwest Health has received formal notice of their success in obtaining a grant for $50,000 to improve cancer awareness, detection and support options in Yarriambiack Shire.
Rural Northwest Health CEO Jenni Masters said that she was delighted the Grampians Integrated Cancer Service was able to contribute to raising awareness of the disease in a region where cancer diagnoses are more prevalent compared to other highly populated areas.
“Research has shown that less accessible, under-served communities, with a higher level of older persons and agriculture workers, are factors contributing to the disparity in cancer incidence between rural and metropolitan areas,” she said.
“Further, rural patients have an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with a more advanced stage of the disease than their metropolitan counterparts, leading to reduced treatment options and poorer rates of survival.
The upcoming service improvements aim to increase early detection, and offer a support project that will involve a series of public information sessions across the Yarriambiack Shire with a spotlight on breast, prostate, melanoma and bowel cancers.
“Raising awareness is a key strategy towards improving the degree of screening and early detection,” Ms Masters said.
“This will be a core message of the project.
“Causes of cancer, such as the surge in vaping amongst school age children, will remain as a separate focus of the Health Promotion team at Rural Northwest Health.”
When specifics of the project are confirmed, further information can be obtained from Joe Guta at Rural Northwest Health, on 5396 1200.