CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 18, 24 September 1985, Page 18

CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

The two cancer awareness days held in Ohakune and Raetihi pharmacies last week gave the public a chance to learn about the cancer support group which operates in the Waimarino and how women should check for cancer. The days were run by the support group along with the executive officer of the cancer society, Robin Brassington, from Palmerston North. A short film on checking for breast cancer was shown and Mr Brassington and other members of the support group answered questions. "We have been talking to people about their concerns in a low key personal way and letting people know that there is a cancer support group in the area," said Mr Brassington. There are 25 local members of the Cancer Support Group. "They are people who have either had cancer or have nursed a person in a terminal situa^ion, so they know very well what care is all about," he said. The Cancer Support Group will help those who are nursing a person with cancer, "well come in and help the person who is going to be left, after all they've got their life to lead afterwards." But Mr Brassington says they do not go in to help people unless they are invited. Usually doctors, nurses and ministers of the church recommend that a person needs help, and sometimes they receive, direct approaches.