Vicki Durston: Advocating for timely access to Prophylactic Mastectomy to reduce Breast Cancer
Vicki Durston, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services at the Breast Cancer Network Australia, reshared a post on LinkedIn by Breast Cancer Network Australia, adding:
“A few weeks ago, Linda joined us at Parliament House to share her experience of waiting three years for a prophylactic mastectomy due to her high inherited risk of breast cancer.
Her story highlights the urgent need for healthcare improvements, so others won’t face similar delays in accessing risk-reducing surgery.
Tragically, many women develop breast cancer while waiting for this vital intervention. That’s why, alongside the Society of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Breast Cancer Network Australia, we are advocating for timely access to prophylactic mastectomy, which can reduce breast cancer risk by up to 95%.
Thank you, Linda, for sharing your experience and driving change for future generations.
If you want to learn more about our position statement you can find it here.”
Quoting Breast Cancer Network Australia’s post:
“After waiting three years for a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer, Linda shares her hope for how the healthcare system can better support the future generation, especially her daughters.
For many, the decision to have a risk reducing prophylactic mastectomy can be confusing and complex. The uncertainty around wait times, coupled with the anxiety of getting a cancer diagnosis, can be very overwhelming.
The sector is united in advocating for improved access to risk reducing interventions, ensuring individuals at high risk of breast cancer are fully informed and supported in accessing timely and affordable risk reducing options.”
Video attached to the post.
Vicki Durston is the Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services at the Breast Cancer Network Australia. Additionally, she is also the President of the General Assembly and a Member at ABC Global Alliance. She earned her Master of Education degree in Leadership, Policy & Change from Monash University.
More posts featuring Vicki Durston.
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023