BreastWest was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance for women in need, as well as funding for equipment required for improving patient care. In addition to personal support provided to hundreds of women for transport costs to hospital appointments, wig and breast prostheses and mastectomy bras, BreastWest has also supported the purchase of Sentinel Node Biopsy equipment and a portab
le breast ultrasound machine. Statistics show that over 55% of women treated for breast cancer at Western Health are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Current literature has been lacking for these women. Money from BreastWest has been used to translate key information brochures into a wide range of languages, including Turkish, Vietnamese, Croatian, Arabic, Italian, Greek and Cantonese. Patient information forums, supportive care workshops and cancer education forums have also been held both in English and other core language groups as a direct result of funds raised through BreastWest. Such forums help reduce the sense of isolation felt at diagnosis and increase understanding of treatment options and the supports that are available both within the hospital and community.
