When Kathleen Wilkins’ husband Peter was diagnosed with throat cancer four years ago, she was overwhelmed, shocked and filled with questions – but unsure what to ask.
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Four years on, Peter is a cancer survivor and Kathleen is determined to use their experience to help others in the same situation.
“You know what to do when someone has a heart attack, but you don’t know what to do when someone has cancer,” Mrs Wilkins said.
“It comes with anxiety and you can really be in shock.
“I hope I can help make it easier when someone is diagnosed so they don’t feel alone.”
Mrs Wilkins is one of Hume Regional Integrated Cancer Service’s new community ambassadors, who will be volunteering in a peer-to-peer education program.
Facilitator Cara Ross said the program was aimed at increasing community awareness of support services and help build people’s confidence dealing with cancer and the health environment.
“People want to hear from those with lived experience not just health professionals,” Ms Ross said.
“It’s good to talk to ordinary people who know first hand what they are dealing with.
“Emotional and practical support is just as important as the medical treatment. You need support, and to get the support, you need to know what is out there and how to access it.”
Ms Ross said volunteers like Mrs Wilkins would speak to the general public through various community groups and organisations, with sessions to begin later this year.
“The program aims to assist people feel more confident in dealing with cancer by building health literacy, motivating people to take an active role in regards to their health and informing them of reputable supports available when dealing with cancer and how to access them,” she said.
Mrs Wilkins said when someone you love is diagnosed with cancer it can be very overwhelming and difficult to understand what supports are around.
“To tell you the truth we possibly didn’t see out what was around until after Peter finished treatment,” she said.
“We were so overwhelmed and maybe a bit naive, I just didn’t know what to ask.”
Ms Ross said the Wilkins were not alone, and she hoped the program would provide people with more familiarity of the supports available so if something does happen they are more prepared.
Mrs Wilkins said she hopes sharing her experience will help others and that people will feel comfortable asking her questions they might be too embarrassed to ask medical professionals.
Those interested in the program can contact Cara Ross at the Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre for information.
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