Sue Dash, Jayne Senior, Jo Holding and Ann Bishop are starting a Cancer Support Group.
Camera IconSue Dash, Jayne Senior, Jo Holding and Ann Bishop are starting a Cancer Support Group. Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves

Helping hand extended

Staff ReporterNorth Coast Times

Founders Sue Dash, Jo Holding, Jayne Senior and Ann Bishop will launch the Yanchep Two Rocks Cancer Support Group on February 15, along with other committee members.

Ms Dash said the four of them received training from the Cancer Council of WA (CCWA) to hold support group meetings for cancer patients in the area.

‘It’s basically a social gathering and support system for people who are wanting to talk about (their cancer),’ she said.

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‘The support group program aims to minimise the impact of a cancer diagnosis on the patient, their families and friends by providing people with information and emotional support to enhance their quality of life.

‘The launch will be a fun day with information available, people to talk to, entertainment to enjoy and food drinks.’

Although its founders also started the Two Rocks Yanchep Assisted Cancer Travel group last year, Ms Dash said the support group would run independently under the CCWA umbrella.

She said they decided to start the group because local residents had no support, other than the services provided at hospitals during their treatment.

‘The closest support group to Yanchep and Two Rocks is Ellenbrook. Once your treatment plan is finished there is nobody to talk to up here, no support system in place,’ she said.

The Two Rocks resident said volunteers would facilitate the monthly meetings, but hoped to find out this weekend what days would suit future clients.

‘We are going to ask clients or their carers when they feel they can meet,’ she said.

Ms Dash said there would be information about activities, services and advice on nutrition and other topics at the launch.

Butler MLA John Quigley, Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts and north ward councillor Linda Aitken will speak. Cr Aitken will talk about her parents’ cancer diagnoses and offer a clinical perspective from her experience as a nurse.

‘The biggest friend of cancer is fear and ignoring regular tests for early diagnosis and prevention,’ Cr Aitken said.

‘The biggest enemy of cancer is a lack of fear and regular checks.’