Initiative to close cancer care gap

Bowel cancer patients have been asking for access to specialist nurses, so Bowel Cancer Australia and Icon Cancer Centre have joined forces to make that happen.

Research has shown more than eight in 10 bowel cancer patients have identified having access to a specialist nurse – either in person, or over the phone – as one of the most important aspects of coordinating their care.

Icon is Australia's largest dedicated provider of cancer care, with 38 centres across the country.

The group's Australia and New Zealand CEO, Paul Fenton, said it was important to offer greater support for patients with bowel cancer and help to close the care gap.

"We know that patients can become overwhelmed when it comes to navigating the health system following a cancer diagnosis, they may struggle to manage side-effects during treatment or feel worried about the challenges of life after cancer," he said.

"We're proud to partner with Bowel Cancer Australia to provide our patients with additional support to help them navigate this difficult time in their lives."

Recruitment of the specialist Bowel Care Nurses began in February, and the partnership was announced in the lead-up to World Cancer Day 2024.

Bowel Cancer Australia CEO Julien Wiggins said despite bowel cancer being the third most diagnosed and second deadliest cancer in Australia, bowel cancer patients did not receive the same level of support as those with other common cancers.

"Bowel Cancer Australia began providing telehealth support to bowel cancer patients across Australia more than 12 years ago, in response to patient support preference and long before it became common practice," he said.

"This new collaboration between Bowel Cancer Australia and Icon Cancer Centre will help to further #CloseTheCareGap with an expansion of our in-person specialist Bowel Care Nurse Pilot in select Icon Cancer Centres across Australia."

The registered nurses have specialist knowledge and experience caring for people with bowel cancer, serving as their main point of contact during and beyond treatment.

Fiona, a Bowel Care Nurse at Bowel Cancer Australia, said the new nurses would help provide patients with the care they deserved, as close to home as possible.

"Bowel cancer patients are often faced with unique challenges and their journey can vary greatly from other cancers," she said.

"Bowel Care Nurses provide care coordination, direct patient care, emotional support as well as assist patients in navigating a sometimes-complex health system, enabling them to take a more active role in their treatment and care."

Read more: You won't beat cancer sitting on your bum

Read more: 'New hope' for cancer patients

Next On The Ground:
4/3/2024 Helping kids to understand parents' strokes

Previous On The Ground:
6/2/2024 Tumour ordeal inspires life-saving mission