On Saturday, 19 May, The Northern Breast Cancer Support Group celebrated its 21st anniversary.
The longest continually running breast cancer support group in Victoria celebrated the milestone with present and past members, volunteers and their families, they were also joined by Breast Cancer Network Australia CEO, Kirsten Pilatti, City of Whittlesea councillor, Cr Emilia Lisa Sterjova, and Northern Health’s Divisional Director of Surgery and Chair of the Northern Health Breast Group, Wanda Stelmach.
The day provided an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and to remember those no longer with us, tied together through a common thread – breast cancer. When the group was established at PANCH in the late 1990s, breast cancer was not openly discussed or recognised in the community. The group connects women and men, providing a safe space to openly talk about personal issues with others that have been through similar experiences. The shared experiences of the group foster a genuine empathy between its members who meet two times each month.
Group meetings don’t always take place in the hospital, as members understandably spend enough time in hospital settings for treatment. This means excursions and day trips are on the cards for the resolutely resilient group.
The group supports those diagnosed with breast cancer to speak with their doctors to create further informed decisions in their care. Receiving a daunting diagnosis such as breast cancer can be challenging, but the compassionate support and understanding of the group really does help in accepting and adjusting to the diagnosis.
If you would like to get in contact with the group please email tnbcsg@gmail.com.
