October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Our job at Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is to help people understand how to get the best breast cancer care, treatment and support. We want people with breast cancer to know about their treatment and care options.
The Australian health system is complex. In the past few years, things have been even more difficult.
At BCNA, we know that getting the right care can be difficult. But we also believe that everyone deserves the best care.
In October, we share information about what 'optimal care' is. We talk about 5 important things that everyone's care should include.
For people with breast cancer, optimal care means:
- a healthcare team who works together to create a treatment plan
- support and specialist care during and after treatment
- shorter timeframes for appointments
- information about the costs of treatment options
- information about clinical trials.
Everyone has different needs. Everyone's care looks different, but optimal care is the best care.
Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) are a guide for health professionals and patients to understand what optimal care is. This information will help people in Australia get better cancer care. You can read the Optimal Care Pathway for people with breast cancer by clicking this link. You can also call BCNA's Helpline to ask for a copy.
BCNA has information and support to help people learn about their care options. They can ask the right questions to make sure they get the best care.
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