INDIGENOUS people are being encouraged to share their stories about how cancer has impacted their lives and their families’ lives to promote the importance of early detection.
The stories will be shared during an Aboriginal family fun day on 26 October, an event aimed at spreading the message that seeking medical attention early can save lives.
Dr Coralie Wales from Armidale Community Health said the family fun day is part of HNE Health’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
“Many people delay seeing a doctor for health concerns, which can delay cancer diagnosis and treatment,” Dr Wales said.
“Detecting cancer early is very important because it means treatment can begin sooner giving the person the best chance of recovery.
“We hope that these stories raise awareness of the need to seek medical attention early and help address this silent problem within the Aboriginal community,” Dr Wales said.
The stories will be pre-recorded over coming weeks and collated into a film to be shown at the family fun day. The stories will also be provided on disc for those who want to watch it at home.
The family fun day is being held in partnership with Armidale Dumaresq Council and New England Medicare Local.
Aboriginal people who want to share their story about cancer are encouraged to contact Aboriginal Health Education Officer Mandy Cutmore on (02) 6776 9650.
The family fun day will take place on Saturday 26 October 2013 at Doody Park, Canambe St Armidale.
