A new messaging and information system is available for NWT women with cancer.
The NWT Breast Health and Breast Cancer Action Group has partnered with the University of Sydney in Australia to develop a new text messaging program called “Text Me Healthy” to provide information, advice, and support through texts on subjects like mental health, physical activity, and healthy eating and wellbeing.
Rosanna Strong, a board member for the NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group and a cancer survivor herself, stated that she believed that there is a missing element to the cancer treatments available in the North. She states that there is much focus put on the actual treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but little attention given to the emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis, as well as the side effects of the treatments, and the work/life balance of cancer patients.
“The NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group feels that supportive text messages can be one part in filling in that gap for NWT women experiencing cancer, especially in the smaller communities.”
Text Me Healthy is being offered to NWT women over the age of 18 who have finished treatment in the past 10 years for breast, lung, cervical, ovarian and colorectal cancers. Women must have access to a cell phone in order to participate.
This program will be launching during March, and will go through an evaluation after three months.
