Media Release 05 Oct 2007

Cancer Services Ball – Friday November 2 – Cancer Services: The high cost of cancer

It’s well recognised that a diagnosis of cancer is life changing. What is not as well-known is the financial impact of cancer on patients and their families.

Cancer affects one in two men and one in three women in NSW and money worries can weigh heavily at a time when patients should be able to focus on treatment and recovery.

A 35 year old woman with breast cancer could face costs in lost productivity and out of pocket expenses of $57,000. A working age man with lung cancer might find himself with expenses closer to $270,000.

Families struggle to pay for accommodation, transport, food and utilities.

To help defray the cost of cancer for financially vulnerable patients, Royal North Shore Hospital is holding the first ever Cancer Services Ball.

The Ball will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the ocean-front Manly Pacific Hotel on Friday 2 November 2007 from 7 pm.

The proceeds of this great evening will help patients and families manage cancer- associated costs including:
• child care expenses
• wigs, prostheses, walking aids/equipment
• dietary requirements
• specialised therapeutic goods
• the uncertainty of future re-employment and the effect of months off work, a return to only part-time work or the inability to work again

Radio announcer Graeme Lyndon will host the night and guests will enjoy great music by the Bourbon Brothers and a sumptuous three course meal.

Tickets: $130 per person (tables for 10) from RNSH Fundraising
9926 7060

Information: Alisha Chapman
Fundraising Coordinator
Tel: 9926 7207
FAX: 9926 8563
Email. amchapman@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

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