The cost of undergoing chemotherapy will be high on the agenda at a forum in Dubbo this week that will lobby for a better deal for cancer patients from rural and regional NSW.
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The issue will be discussed at the Cancer Council's Saving Life 2015: Vision for Change campaign at the Dubbo RSL on Wednesday from 12pm to 2pm.
NSW and the ACT were the only Australian state and territory where cancer patients might have to contribute to the cost of their chemotherapy treatment in public hospitals, through a co-payment of up to $180 for their first round of chemotherapy and more if the drugs were later changed, according to the Cancer Council NSW.
In the lead-up to the 2015 NSW election, Cancer Council NSW has called on the next state government to take action on that and four other issues to help reduce the number of people diagnosed with cancer and improve the quality of life of those living with the disease.
Other moves include improving cancer services for Aboriginal people, increasing palliative care services, addressing the selling of tobacco, and access to care co-ordination.
Renowned former palliative care specialist and now active palliative care campaigner Dr Yvonne McMaster would also share her views on what the next NSW government needs to do to address the shortfall in this crucial community service.
"An ageing population means we face a future where more people will be diagnosed with cancer, and it is up to the next government to make decisions now to ensure cancer patients and their families will get the help they need," Cancer Council NSW Western Region community programs co-ordinator Camilla Barlow said.
"Vision for Change addresses problems that we know the community, cancer patients and their families face. For each problem we've outlined practical solutions that the next state government has the power to deliver, and that we know would make a difference to many people in NSW."
Community members are invited to Wednesday's free public event to hear how each of the five issues had personally affected people from Dubbo and what Cancer Council NSW planned to do about it ahead of the state election.
The master of ceremonies for the event will be passionate local health advocate Brian Semmler.
Those who wished to attend should contact Ms Barlow on 6392 0800 to reserve a place.
