Blush Cancer Care provides education and support services that positively impact the wellbeing of patients and community members who have been affected by breast cancer in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Region. The nurses have contact with approximately 200 + newly diagnosed patients each year. Just as importantly, they maintain contact with those who have completed their acute treatment. The importance of a Blush Nurse is invaluable, being able to provide expert and compassionate care to each breast cancer patient. The nurses help their patients navigate towards healthier lifestyles via education, practical and emotional support. FIGHT BACK WITH FITNESS
In conjunction with The Fit Lab Health & Fitness and Queensland X-Ray, Blush co-funds breast cancer patients in a 10 week exercise program to enhance their recovery and reduce recurrence of breast cancer! They attend three times a week for an hour under the care of trained exercise physiologists with a special interest in exercise post cancer. We are hoping to facilitate over 100 women through the program over the next two years. Designed for women diagnosed with breast cancer, regular exercise during and following treatment has shown to improve both physical and emotional health, the overall quality of life, and reduce recurrence of breast cancer. PATIENT FORUMS (educational /information)
The forums, which have run four years in a row, have local and visiting speakers and trade displays. The local breast cancer support personnel are also available throughout the day for access by current patients. The main focus of the forum is wellness in going forward post breast cancer diagnosis and what you can do to change your outcome. In previous years, we were proud to partner with the Prostate Foundation as the health and wellness aspects align with those of Blush Cancer Care. We have been able, due to the generosity of speakers and sponsors, been able to present this to our patients free of charge! BLUSH CARE PACKAGES
All patients, as soon as they begin treatment, receive a complimentary Blush care package. This package includes a variety of helpful items for the patient as they go through treatment. In 2015 Blush was the beneficiary of the Heritage Bank annual golf day (a charity fundraising event) and was given $10,000. This was a significant contribution to the continuing Care Package project! APPOINTMENT DIARY
The diaries help patients keep track of the many ongoing medical treatments and resulting appointments during their treatment. This is an invaluable resource for all patients, and their medical practitioners, as they make their way through the treatment phases. This is provided to patients at no cost and is generously supported by St Andrew’s Hospital inToowoomba.
