A TEAM of researchers have banded together in hope of making a difference to the lives of those fighting cancer with the creation of a series of online videos called “Rural Cancer Stories”.
Clinical psychologist and University of South Australia research fellow Dr Kate Fennell and oncologist Professor Ian Olver have spoken to a group of rural people who have shared their cancer stories in the hope of making other people feel more informed, less distressed and isolated and more inclined to leave home to access optimal treatment.
The project, funded by the auDA Foundation with support from the Sansom Institute for Health Research and Cancer Council SA, is a series of two to five minute YouTube videos featuring cancer patients, survivors and carers that will provide online peer support to those who cannot access face to face cancer support groups.
Dr Fennell said too often unique challenges rural people face are overlooked.
“We found the need for more online, video-based, rural-specific information and support resources when we evaluated the Country Cancer Support website that I developed with a group of rural cancer patients, during my PhD in 2012,” she said.
“This new resource provides tips and support, from the hearts of rural people who have had a variety of cancer-related experiences that we hope other country people who are faced with cancer will be able to relate to.”
The project has been modelled on a highly successful United Kingdom digital channel, but will be the first of its kind focused on people in regional and rural contexts.
Visit www.bit.ly/ruralcancerstories or search “rural cancer stories” on YouTube to view the videos.
