Free breast-cancer counselling service launched

Kiri Kepa, a breast-cancer survivor, is urging those with the disease to use a free counselling service.

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) has launched a free counselling programme and Kiri Kepa, a Rotorua survivor of the disease, is encouraging people affected by it to take advantage of the service.

Foundation chief executive Evangelia Henderson said the NZBCF was offering three free one-on-one professional counselling sessions to people at whatever stage of their breast-cancer treatment.

"That might be just after diagnosis, or during treatment, or further down the track for women living with advanced breast cancer," Mrs Henderson said.

"Just as all breast cancers are different, women's support needs are different, too."

Ms Kepa said although she had the support of friends, they didn't really understand what she was going through.

"This is a great idea and I think it would have really helped me at the beginning of my journey. Even though I had heaps of support from my friends, they weren't walking through what I was," she said.

While some hospitals do provide access to counselling, it's not available uniformly around the country. The counselling service will be available face-to-face in most areas, but also over the telephone and via Skype for women who would struggle to attend a physical appointment.

Women need to be referred for counselling by their specialist physician, breastcare nurse or GP. Once the referral is approved, women will have online access to profiles of qualified counsellors in their area and can book an appointment with the counsellor of their choice.

"Often it's helpful to talk things through with someone not connected to your life," Mrs Henderson said.

"We also continue to support programmes that help to improve rehabilitation and quality of life for women with the disease, including women with secondary breast cancer."

NZBCF counselling is funded entirely by donations. To download a referral form or for more information, visit www.nzbcf.org.nz or call 0800 BC NURSE (0800 226 8773).