Breast Cancer Awareness – McGrath Foundation and Qlicksmart
All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. Risk factors for breast cancer can include family history and genetic factors, reproductive and hormonal factors, lifestyle and environmental factors, medical history, and medications. These factors can affect men too, with approximately 164 men being diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every year. Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop cancer, so regular screening is recommended.
Nurses working night shifts have been reported to be susceptible to breast cancer. A study on the relationship between night shift work and breast cancer found that nurses who work night shifts are at greater risk of developing breast cancer than their day-time counterparts.
Breast cancer can have overwhelming consequences. From diagnosis to treatment, there are obstacles for patients and their loved ones. For many, a diagnosis of breast cancer can mean financial hardship. Privately-insured patients in Australia have reported to be spending thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for treatment. These costs would only increase if factors such as loss of income were taken into account.
According to the Australian Cancer Council, the type of treatment you are offered will depend on your situation and the type of breast cancer you have, how far it has spread, your general health, and personal preferences. Although nearly all treatments have side-effects, most can be effectively managed. There are three mainstream breast cancer treatments:
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone Treatment (usually used in addition to surgery, radiation therapy, or chemo therapy)
Mental health of patients may also become vulnerable. Like with many medical conditions, anxiety and depression are known consequences of a positive diagnosis. Christie, a victim of breast cancer describes: “The instability of not knowing [what the disease will do next] is probably the biggest thing which then leads to the anxiety and stress.”
Beyond medical treatment, patients and their family need attention, care, and professional support to help them through this difficult time.
The McGrath Foundation places McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia, as well as increasing breast cancer awareness among young people. McGrath Breast Care Nurses help individuals and their families affected by breast cancer by providing invaluable physical, psychological, and emotional support, from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. Because of their personable nature, McGrath Breast Care Nurses often become the most trusted source of information, advice and reassurance, guiding patients through a time that is fraught with fear and uncertainty.
The demand for McGrath Breast Care Nurses is increasing and the Foundation aims to make sure support is there for families when it is needed the most, for no extra cost.
As support for breast cancer improves, so does the recovery rate of victims. According to the McGrath Foundation, 90% of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer are alive 5 years after diagnosis.
This October, Qlicksmart will be “Pinking Up” to support those living with breast cancer. We will be donating $2 from every pink SnapIT Lite sold in October to the McGrath Foundation, supporting victims and their families through treatment and hardship.
Qlicksmart is proud to be taking this opportunity to collaborate with eNurse to raise funds for this worthy cause. Australian customers can visit eNurse -here– to get their very own pink SnapIT.
If you would like to make a kind donation to the McGrath Foundation, click here.
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