Our Aims and Objectives
The constitution of the Breast and Prostate Cancer Association of Queensland Inc espouses the following aims and objectives:
Objects: The objects for which the Association is established are: by itself or in concert with others, to advocate, establish, contribute to, endow, promote and maintain initiatives in whole or in part designed or intended to:
(a) provide care and support services directly for persons suffering from breast/prostate cancer;
(b) improve care and treatment services provided for persons suffering from breast/prostate cancer;
(c) provide counselling and support services for the families of persons suffering from breast/prostate cancer;
(d) collect and raise funds by any means (including the carrying on of any lawful activity) solicit donations, gifts, bequests or subscriptions from members and from the public and attract and encourage bequests, legacies and all forms of a deferred gifts for the promotion of the objects of the Foundation;
(e) preserve and protect the health of the public by education the community in the causes and prevention of breast/prostate cancer; and
(f) do all such things as are conducive or incidental to the attainment of all or any objects of the foundation, including the encouragement and promotion of research into the causes, treatment, prevention and cure of breast/prostate cancer.
What we Offer
Coping with cancer and dealing with the challenging treatment paths can be an exhausting and emotional journey for the bravest of patients, and can be even more challenging for those living outside of a major city where services and support are not always available. The mission of the Breast & Prostate Cancer Assoc. of Qld Inc is to deliver essential services to patients across rural and regional Queensland.
Patient assistance grants - for patients living in rural and regional Queensland we provide financial help with the cost of emergency general expenses, travel and treatment to ease the burden of having to travel large distances and be away from family. All applications are assessed by the local breast/prostate or cancer care nurse and is for emergency financial relief. The nurses provide support and information about a range of services available to the patient.
Breast & Prostate Care Nurses - we have established a Breast & Prostate Cancer Care nurse in the Goondiwindi district with funds provided from the Weengallon Ladies Day Committee and supporters in the Goondiwindi district will be funding a 3 year program. We have previously established nurses in the following districts: Emerald, St George, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Charleville, Mitchell, Longreach and Weengallon.
Nurse further education - we offer scholarships to nurses wishing to specialize in this area, plus provide funding for special conferences and seminars
Research - we completed funding a PhD study to improve support mechanisms for breast care nurses in a rural setting, being conducted by Pammie Ellem (2000 nurse of the year). This project has provided much needed professional support for many breast care nurses working in isolated towns across Queensland.
Information - we provide a Services and Resources Directory that lists all the support groups, breast care nurses, breast screen clinics and other services specific for breast cancer throughout Queensland. Please email our office for an up to date electronic copy.
Volunteer Sub-committees and support groups – Blackbutt, Chinchilla, Miles, Toowoomba, St George, Emerald, Mitchell, Goondiwindi, Rockhampton, Central West – Westn Breast Support Group and Augathella, provide support and conduct fundraisers to encourage community awareness. Committees might host an annual event or organize raffles, morning tea etc to help raise awareness in the community and donations recieved fund services for their district, further strengthening communities.
BPCAQ is an important organisation because:
- through funding specialist nurses, we are able to provide support and education in many isolated areas.
- through research we can improve outcomes for people suffering from breast and prostate cancer.
- through information we can encourage early screening and detection.
- through patient financial assistance grants we can directly help patients with the costs associated with travel and treatment at a ground roots level.
- through sub-committees and support groups we can encourage community support for patients.
We appreciate your support and donations that will assist us in the delivery of these essential services.