Calls are growing for South Australia to join the rest of the nation in providing a subsidy scheme for vital compression garments for breast cancer survivors.
The garments, some costing up to $2000 are used by up to 30 per cent of breast cancer sufferers to help prevent the spread of the disease and ease pain.
But SA is the only state not to provide financial support, forcing many patients to cover the cost themselves.
The issue will be discussed this weekend at Breast Cancer Network Australia's survivorship conference in Adelaide.
"Many South Australian breast cancer survivors cannot afford the expensive garments, costing up to $2000 and requiring regular replacement," BCNA said ahead of the conference.
"This leads to a worsening of the condition and deterioration of their quality of life."
About 1500 South Australians are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, making it the most comment cancer in women in SA.
BCNA chief executive Kirsten Pilatti said the conference was also an opportunity for people living with breast cancer to learn more about new developments in treatment and meet other people going through a similar experience.
"We continue to see new developments and it's important that women and men with breast cancer have access to the most up-to-date information possible about treatment, research and living well after a diagnosis," she said.
Australian Associated Press
