1st Group, the parent company behind online healthcare booking platform MyHealth1st, has announced a partnership with Cure Cancer to increase cancer awareness.
In the first phase of the partnership, Cure Cancer will provide MyHealth1st Health Hub users with a library of health-related content including profiles of cancer researchers, information on different forms of cancer, survivor stories and more.
The partnership launch coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness month this October. It is estimated 150,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year alone, with close to 20,000 breast cancer cases.
Mr Klaus Bartosch founded 1st Group whose MyHealth1st platform is now used by around 70% of independent optometry practices across Australia and New Zealand, along with other health practitioners.
The collaboration was a natural fit for Bartosch who has his own cancer story.
“In 2011 I started MyHealth1st and started a cycling team called the Vision Crusaders to raise money for cancer research after having suffered a serious melanoma in 2000,” he said.
“In 2013, a week before I was due in Sydney for my second Conquer Cancer ride [with the Vision Crusaders], the arthritis in my right knee was getting much worse.”
Bartosch’s wife encouraged him to book a GP appointment online through MyHealth1st.
“Subsequent blood tests revealed I had a rare form of leukaemia and was immediately hospitalised. If I hadn’t been diagnosed, I would likely have died on the ride in Sydney,” he said.
“Thanks to Australia’s great cancer researchers and specialists and the ability to book an appointment with my GP when I needed to, I’m now cured and cancer free. That’s why I’m so excited that we are partnering with Cure Cancer.”
He continued: “Improving the health of Australians by helping them get the care they need, when they need it is why we started Myhealth1st.com.au. Raising awareness of cancer, helping people to see their GP for early detection and raising funds that support cancer research is therefore at the core of our purpose.”
Ms Nikki Kinloch CEO of Cure Cancer CEO – which fund early-career cancer researchers – also saw value in the partnership.
“Our partnership with 1st Group will provide us with a fantastic platform to connect and educate consumers on cancer and the importance of funding innovative research, and importantly facilitate them to take action by booking an appointment to see a GP,” she said.
To date, Cure Cancer has raised $69.1 million to support more than 528 research grants.
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