Dot’s Place: specialised cancer support centre opened in Mandurah

CANCER diagnosis could rise to one in two people as the population ages, with lifestyles causing about half those diagnoses.

But many lifestyles can be changed and new Cancer Council president Professor George Yeoh urged cancer victims to convince their families they could alter their lifestyles and help prevent such alarming figures.

Prof Yeoh was officially opening Peel Cancer Support Centre Dot’s Place in Greenfields.

He said Cancer Council staff and volunteers had worked hard to establish the centre.

“Patients and carers need support as a cancer diagnosis affects the whole family,’’ he said.

“This centre is a standout facility offering peace, security and a range of services and one cannot underestimate the value of passionate volunteers.

“Dot’s Place is a great example of the community giving back to the community.”

Prof Yeoh also paid tribute to the generosity of Alan and Dorothy Smith (after whom the centre is named) who bought the spacious home and donated it to the Cancer Council.

“It’s not what you earn or the house you live in but the legacy you leave,’’ he said.

“The Smiths will leave a long-lasting legacy.”

The big gathering of guests heard from breast cancer victim and mother of two Vanessa Elyward who said her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer last year was a “complete game changer”.

“I had no idea what I was in for and was not in a good place but one of the centre staff visited me at home,’’ she said.

After surgery, she was welcomed at the centre where she had the run of a range of services and transport by volunteers to hospital appointments.

Dot’s Place includes offices, a therapy room, a wig room, activities room and a spacious reception area.

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