A diagnosis of cancer can produce enormous emotion and high levels of stress, not only for the person diagnosed, but also for their partner, family, colleagues and friends.
It can be life-altering: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, social and material changes can occur, often within a short time frame, which can leave people feeling overwhelmed and distraught.
Cancer makes no distinction according to age, wealth, social standing or beauty, and is a sadness that may, unfortunately, touch many of our lives in some way. One in four Australians will contract cancer at some point in their life.
With research, early detection mechanisms, public awareness, advances in treatments and supportive medication, a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily considered an acute illness with a short ending, but rather one that will require monitoring: regular medical checkups, perhaps treatment at intervals, but with the aim of restoring health, happiness and quality to the lives of individuals and their loved ones.
Oncology services are available at Epworth Richmond, Epworth Eastern and Epworth Freemasons. Please click on a campus for more information.