RFDS and cancer programs
In any given year RFDS sees over 145,000 patients at regular clinics across rural and remote Australia and transports over 35,000 patients. A proportion of these patients will have a diagnosis of cancer.
RFDS medical practitioners are involved in the diagnosis, treatment and referral of people affected by cancer in their general clinic work as well as in the transportation of patients requiring specialist care.
More specific health promotion programs are directed to the prevention of cancer and promotion of behaviour to maintain good health.
RFDS role in the management of cancer can be summarised as follows:
- promoting healthy behaviour and focusing on prevention of cancer
- supporting patients affected by cancer at initial referral when cancer is suspected
- cancer screening, diagnosis and referral to specialists
- follow up of cancer patients after tests and post operatively
- management of psychological and emotional needs associated with cancer
- liaison with breast care nurses, mobile women’s health nurses, specialists, etc.
- liaison with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
- arranging travel and accommodation for patients to stay when receiving treatment in regional/ metropolitan centres
- managing patient’s pain
- managing any co-morbid presentations
- supporting patients post treatment and during the recovery phase or alternatively during the palliative care phase
- supporting family members and carers
RFDS cancer prevention programs