More than 80 women packed the Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture to attend an information day on breast cancer.
Delivered entirely in Greece, the forum was designed especially for those affected by breast cancer from Greek-speaking backgrounds and included expert presentations by one Australia’s leading oncologists, Sydney based Professor John Boyages and Greek speaking social worker Voula Kallianis from Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital.
While the program informed many women of new medical breakthroughs and up-to-date information, there was a focus on addressing some of the common emotional, social and physical issues associated with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) cultural diversity manager Mikayla Rose said women from culturally diverse backgrounds were missing out on vital information because of a lack of language specific resources.
“Culturally and linguistically diverse communities have previously not been able to access information about breast cancer treatment and care in their own language,” she says.
“We’re thrilled to have been able to provide these women and their families with vital information and support.”
The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to meet and share with other Greek-speaking women who had been through a similar experience.
Breast cancer survivor Marie Pandeloglou said she relished the opportunity to connect with other Greek speaking women who had also been through a breast cancer diagnosis.
“It really made me feel like I was not alone in my breast cancer journey,” she said.
For more information about BCNA’s cultural and linguistically diverse program visit www.bcna.org.au