Press
Posted on 06 January, 2025
Many in Hong Kong face a long wait. KLF is one of the groups has stepped up to help.
When cancer charity the Karen Leung Foundation (KLF) held a focus group with survivors, carers and spouses to find out what more they could do to support those affected by gynaecological cancers, the idea for Thrive emerged.
A cancer diagnosis is not just about dealing with the physical changes in your body, says Katharina Reimer, KLF’s executive director.
“Emotionally, you will also need to deal with the anxiety of what happens next. And that’s an area where the public health system isn’t really providing any solution.”
Thrive was set up to support the mental health of patients and survivors of gynaecological and HPV-related cancers. These cancers, including cervical and ovarian cancers, consistently rank among the top 10 most common cancers in Hong Kong.
Participants go through 12 short online lessons at their own pace, covering areas such as death anxiety, rebuilding intimacy and addressing relationship challenges.
They can then opt to join peer support groups for frank discussions with other survivors or carers, and listen in to expert panel discussions on topics like living well with cancer. Those who need additional support can have one-to-one counselling.
The programme is online, which allows individuals to remain anonymous if they wish, and to seek help from the comfort of their homes, Reimer says. It is open to carers and partners of patients and survivors, too.
Dealing with the changes brought about by cancer in a “softer” way is crucial, Reimer says. Partners and carers can best support patients by taking time and being patient to listen and understand them.
KLF hopes to expand Thrive’s services, available in Cantonese and English, into other languages to cover more Hong Kong communities.
The programme is free and available for sign-ups at thriveaftercancer.karenleungfoundation.org.
More details here: