A book the authors hope you’ll never have to read

A book the authors hope you’ll never have to read

A national charity solely dedicated to helping Kiwis with incurable breast cancer has today released New Zealand’s most comprehensive guide to living with incurable breast cancer. It is a book that the authors hope many kiwis will never have to read.

Philippa Reed, CEO of SWEET LOUISE, says; “The book is titled ‘A GUIDE TO LIFE WITH SECONDARY BREAST CANCER’ and is in response to feedback from our 600 members throughout New Zealand ranging in age from 30 through to 90 years. It is filled with useful information to help members navigate through the plethora of treatment and support options available to them in New Zealand. It is also full of relatable member thoughts and stories and represents a real labour of love by our team over the last 12 months.”

Up to 20% of people who have had primary breast cancer will go on to develop incurable breast cancer which means the primary cancer has metastasised or spread to other parts of the body, usually the liver, spine or brain.

Twelve years ago, when SWEET LOUISE was founded they had 120 members who once diagnosed with incurable/secondary breast cancer, had an average life expectancy of just two to three years. A decade on, the life expectancy statistics have only improved marginally, despite advances in treatment and medication.

Reed says, “It is heart-breaking that the life expectancy stats have not really improved as you would expect. It is also alarming to see the growing number of younger members, many of them with young families, joining SWEET LOUISE. Imagine trying to explain to your children that you may not be around for them in two years’ time. We can’t change the outcome but we can walk alongside our members and offer support.”

‘A GUIDE TO LIVING WITH SECONDARY BREAST CANCER is available in printed format, free from Sweet Louise.

Sweet Louise receives no government funding and relies totally on the generosity and support of New Zealanders like you. For more information please visit www.sweetlouise.co.nz.

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