My story

I suppose amongst some people there still is that stigma of seeing a counsellor. When I was seeing the local counsellor, I wasn’t concerned with who saw me seeing her, because I thought you can’t hide that away, because if I did hideaway and scurry around and make out … “Oh God I don’t want anyone to see me seeing a counsellor”, then that’s a bad example to set to other people. Because you don’t want them to think then that it’s something to be ashamed of because, you know, it’s just one of those things.

- Mary, 50, Ovarian Cancer, Eyre Peninsula

Related websites

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Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan is a UK based initiative that provides cancer support and information resources to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
Health Insite
This Commonwealth Government website provides access to a wide range of up-to-date and quality assessed information on important health topics. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
Medicare
Medicare is part of the Department of Human Services and looks after the health of Australians through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register and the Australian Organ Donor Register. To find out more (e.g. about what is covered), click the heading above to visit their website.
Somazone
This Australian website provides a safe space for young people to ask questions, share stories and get help for mental health issues, sexual health, relationships, abuse, body image, and drug use. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Breast Cancer Network Australia is a national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer. Their website provides information and opportunities to access peer support online. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
Cancer Council SA
Cancer Council SA is an independent non government organisation. Their website contains information about the support services they offer and useful fact sheets on a range of cancer-related issues. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
PATS
The South Australian Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) helps country patients with travel and accommodation costs when they are travelling more than 100 kilometers (each way) to receive specialist medical treatment. The website contains relevant forms, information and a travel calculator. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
SA Health
Links to information from health providers, government agencies as well as peak health organisations, educational and research institutions. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
My Biopsy
MyBiopsy is an American site that provides information on cancer diagnoses. There are a range of topics and cancers to choose from. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.
Livestrong
A US based initiative that looks at the experiences of the cancer community, find problems and develop solutions. Livestrong then works to roll them out to help others. To find out more and to visit their website, click the heading above.