Each year, around 4,000 Sunshine Coast residents are diagnosed with cancer, and among the local healthcare support providers is Buderim-based Bloomhill, which has seen a 20 per cent increase in demand for its services over the past few years.
Bloomhill Cancer Care and Development general manager Mervat Quirke said the spike in demand was a result of people living longer with cancer, and the ongoing need for support and care for people to live a healthy life post diagnosis and treatment.
“The rising incidence of cancer is a result of better awareness and detection methods, with the most common types of cancer including prostate, breast, blood cancers, and melanoma, followed by colorectal and lung cancers,” she said
“Behind every diagnosis is a journey that continues well beyond treatment, and Bloomhill continues to play its part by delivering over 800 episodes of care each month, including oncology nursing, psychosocial support, exercise physiology, nutrition, lymphoedema management, and complementary therapies.
“Our nurse-led model of care makes sure no one faces cancer alone, but to keep up with the growing need, and as we receive no government funding, we rely on the generosity of community support and partnerships,” she added.
Warana-based custom home builder Dwyer Quality Homes has recently come on board as a major local supporter, helping to fund patient services to ensure care remains accessible to those who need it most.
Dwyer Quality Homes managing director Alex Dwyer said he was proud to support Bloomhill and the life-changing work they do for locals.
“Cancer touches so many families and it’s important to help where you can. I remember my mum volunteering for Bloomhill when I was young, so it’s an organisation that’s very important to our family.”
“As our business marks its 40th birthday milestone, it’s rewarding to know that we can support an important long-term local charity which assists our staff, our clients and our friends in so many ways.
“We are looking forward to forming a strong and ongoing partnership with Bloomhill. Not only are we committed to funding important support services, but we will also encourage and support our team members and suppliers who wish to contribute their time and talents through volunteering initiatives,” Alex said.
