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Step by Step
A diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-changing moment for over 2500 New
Zealand women every year. BCAC and the Step By Step support pack are here
to help.
To order a Step by Step support pack, click here
To donate to the Step by Step project, please click here
Our Step by Step Donors
BCAC's Step By Step support pack provides information and resources for women when they receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. BCAC’s members know from personal experience that this is the beginning of a challenging journey, and they have developed this pack specifically for New Zealand women.
The information contained in each pack will help women understand their diagnosis, empower them to ask questions of their medical team and so make informed choices about their treatment options.
Step by Step offers practical tools and advice to help organise and restore some control over lives that have been turned upside-down by a diagnosis of breast cancer. Each pack inspires strength and hope because it has been produced by women who have 'been there too' and shared a similar journey.
Step by Step was designed and compiled by the women of BCAC, based upon the insights we have gained from our own experiences with breast cancer. It contains the information, advice and tips we found most useful, or wish we had been able to access, when we needed them.
The three components of Step by Step are: a comprehensive Diary, an Information Booklet and a Journal.
The Diary can be used to record and organise personal medical and treatment information, note appointment times and write down any questions for the medical team.
Information from support organisations is included in a separate Information Booklet as well as resources for accessing government subsidies and assistance. Well-researched and reliable information about diagnosis and surgery, treatment options such as radiation and chemotherapy, and after care products is provided in a concise and understandable way with practical tips and clear explanations included to make life a little easier.
The pack also contains a Journal where women can record their own thoughts and feelings. The Journal holds messages from women who have experienced breast cancer, shared in the hope that they will bring comfort and guidance to a woman newly diagnosed.
BCAC’s goal is to to offer Step by Step to every New Zealand woman diagnosed with breast cancer – that’s 2500 each year.
In 2009, BCAC conducted a survey of breast cancer groups, medical staff and users of the first edition. This survey revealed it was 'excellent, useable, resourceful, empowering and a true companion'.The positive feedback prompted BCAC to launch a second edition of the support pack, available now.
We need your help to meet our ambitious goal of offering a pack to every New Zealander diagnosed with breast cancer.
Thank you!
For further information about Step by Step, please email BCAC.
To order a Step by Step support pack, click here
To donate to the Step by Step project, please click here
Our Step by Step Donors
Carolyn Ward
Jane Bissell
