Let’s Talk Cancer Hui aimed at patients
The Northland DHB is hosting a hui in Rawene today, 9am3pm, aimed at “building bridges” and engaging with the community around cancer care and what a patient’s “journey” currently looks like in Northland.
The Let’s Talk Cancer Hui has been collectively organised by the DHB, the Cancer Society Northern Region, North Haven Hospice, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, and Hauora Hokianga. It is open to the public and health professionals, the agenda including available treatment options and public misconceptions and concerns.
Clinical nurse educator Courtney Morgan said a range of knowledge would be offered, to inform the community about the signs of cancer and early diagnosis.
“We are aiming to reduce inequity for our people in Northland. That is why we are going to the places that need us the most,” she said.
“There will be a big focus on how to live well, with lots of brochures and people there to talk to, with different tips and advice on how to do this. We will also have different cancer and medical support group representatives for people to talk to and ask questions of, and make connections in the Hokianga.”
Consultant haematologist Dr Sarah Poplar said health professionals would be there to listen to people’s wishes and put forward treatment options for discussion and advice, so the right decisions could be made based on the latest evidence and individual priorities.
“Our training and the treatments we offer are evidence-based, but we recognise patients sometimes choose alternatives, and we respect that,” she said, adding that her goal was to ensure local access to treatments that might be available in the major centres, where it was feasible and safe to do so.
“We work closely with colleagues in Auckland to deliver equitable access to treatments not available in the region, and support patients through the practical difficulties of our unique geography, where possible,” she said.
Health psychologist Bryony Parkes would be speaking about the emotional impacts of cancer, and the signs of depression and anxiety, which she said would help patients and their families know what to look for and when to ask for help.
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a big shock, and it is normal to go through stages of increased anxiety, stress and low mood. I hope that discussing this helps people to know their reaction is normal, and that they are not alone,” she said.
Dr George Laking would also be speaking about his three-month sabbatical at East Cape, where he looked at developing a model of cancer care that combined the Ma¯ori world view on health, while kauma¯tua Hone Taimona would talk about rongoa¯/traditional methods of healing.