CANCER SURVIVORSHIP FOR THE CENTRAL WEST
In 2021, there are around 4,500 people in the Central West NSW region receiving cancer treatment and active follow up by their treating specialist. Currently, there is no dedicated organisation anywhere in the Central West that cancer survivors, and their support persons can go to for specialist cancer survivorship and wellness care - this is where Vitality Central West will make a difference.
Cancer Survivorship
A person who lives with, through and beyond cancer is called a cancer survivor.
In 2021 there are over 1.1 million Australians living with a cancer diagnosis. Over recent years there has been a significant improvement in the early detection and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Life expectancy for people with cancer is improving, however, this is not the whole picture. Recent international research shows that cancer survivorship care is just as important to help cancer survivors cope with life beyond their initial diagnosis.
Cancer Survivorship is now universally recognised as an essential part of care for people and their support persons who are facing the many challenges of cancer.
Cancer survivorship focuses on the health and well-being of a person with cancer from the time of diagnosis. Cancer survivors often experience long-term negative consequences of their cancer and cancer treatment. There is an increasing understanding that for many people, cancer is a chronic disease that requires a more structured and holistic approach to its treatment.
Vitality Central West
In the Central West Region, in 2021, there are around 4,500 people receiving cancer treatment and active follow up by their treating specialist. This figure does not include the large number of cancer survivors, who no longer see a specialist, and who are now managed by their GP.
International research has shown that access to high quality cancer survivorship care reduces many of the unpleasant side effects of treatment. This care also protects physical, mental and emotional health, increases life expectancy during and after treatment, reduces the chances of the same cancer reoccurring, and generally improves the quality of an individual’s life.
Currently, there is no dedicated organisation anywhere in the Central West that cancer survivors and their support persons can go for specialist cancer survivorship and wellness care - this is where Vitality Central West will make a difference.
Our Mission
Vitality Central West mission is to enhance the quality of life for the people of the Central West throughout their cancer journey. To do this we are working to establish a dedicated space that will allow cancer survivors, and their support persons, access to a range of professionals and services under one roof.
Read more about what the centre will offer.
CANCER
