News

Breast cancer group makes times for blokes

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 06:34:00

A support group for men whose partners have a breast cancer diagnosis is increasing the support and information it provides for members.

It’s seven months since the Mallee Men’s Support Group was established and, in that time, it’s helped dozens of men who are supporting women through diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.
Mildura Base Hospital McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse Louise James said the group, hosted at Sunraysia Cancer Resources, was keen to expand its activities and establish more independence.
“It’s been a fantastic initiative. We have a core group of around six men who attend regularly and for whom it’s had a real impact on how they get through a very challenging time in their life,” Ms James said.
“Having a partner diagnosed with breast cancer has a huge impact on relationships and the family unit.  From a man’s perspective, they face quite different emotions and challenges than the woman does, and they want to ask different questions,” she said.
“It’s often difficult for men to find the right time to ask the questions they’re wondering about, or it feels inappropriate or awkward – and that’s where the group’s been able to be really helpful.”
Two members are about to undergo facilitator training, which will mean the group can drive more of its own activities and discussions.  The group is also introducing guest speakers to its monthly meetings.
“Our first guest speaker was Julie Abdelrahman Social Worker at Mildura Base Hospital, who’s going to be talking about Powers of Attorney – why they’re important and then getting those arrangements in place,” Ms James said.
“The following month (May 7th), Bonnie Dietrich, from Carers Victoria will talk about men being carers.”
Ms James said one of the biggest challenges was getting the message out to men that it is okay to think about their own experiences and to come along to the group.
“Most of the blokes are anxious at first, but once they get there they realise there are other men in similar situations and that they’re able to talk, ask a few questions and just share some of the load,” she said.
“Breast cancer is an emotional experience for a man as well but they tend not to talk about it much with their wives or their mates, so the group has been great in that way.  There have also been some new friendships formed along the way not only between the blokes, but also, in a few cases, their wives.”
The Mallee Men’s Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Sunraysia Cancer Resources.  Further information is available from McGrath Breast Care Nurse Louise James at Mildura Base Hospital.

Pictured are: Louise James and Rob Murphy, who is undertaking facilitator training for the group