Around 80 people enjoyed a warming cuppa and the variety of tasty treats on offer during Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea hosted today in the Warracknabeal PAG room.
Organised by Cancer Resource Nurse Karen Miller, the event raised vital funds for the Cancer Council and spread awareness about local treatment options and supports, not being afraid to ask your GP for further investigation if something doesn’t feel “right” and busting commonly accepted myths around causes of cancer.
Guest speaker Carmel O’Kane, a Cancer Nurse Practitioner with the Wimmera Cancer Centre, spoke on the importance of keeping cancer patients as close to home as possible (where safe to do so) and how ensuring that our overall physical and mental health is good can better help our body to accept, and subsequently fight, cancer should one be diagnosed.
“If your entire body is well, it will be better able to tolerate treatment,” she said.
Advising that the WCC is looking to trial telehealth soon, Carmel also discussed some of the supports available for cancer patients and their families, including counselling, accommodation and fuel cost assistance.
Getting guests involved, Carmel also dispelled some of the myths surrounding causes of cancer; namely that roll on deodorant, electric blankets, fluoride in tap water, and microwaves do not cause cancer.
Interestingly, Carmel also said that with cancer sometimes taking 10-20 years to develop, the research around whether mobile phones and powerlines can cause cancer was unclear and researchers simply don’t know yet.
As many may be aware, rural areas often have higher rates of lung and colorectal cancers due to the higher volume of chemicals and incorrect (or no) use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
And, of course, smoking, passive smoking and high and regular volumes of alcohol consumption can contribute to cancer.
Gifting Carmel a plant, Karen thanked Carmel for her time and also thanked everyone who attended, donated food and/or helped out in the lead up to and on the day.
All guests were automatically entered into a raffle upon entry, with Paula Noble, Melva Symes, Janet Coghill, Amber O’Connor, Stacey Krahe, and Bev Peart each winning a cookie and YarriYak Cafe coffee voucher.