Breaking Barriers: Global Insights and Local Voices on Metastatic Breast Cancer

Hope S. Rugo, MD FASCO, is a medical oncologist and haematologist specialising in breast cancer research and treatment. A Professor of Medicine, Dr. Rugo joined the Breast Care Centre in 1999 after a decade of experience at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in malignant hematology and bone marrow transplantation for a variety of diseases, including breast cancer. She entered the field of breast cancer to incorporate novel therapies based on an understanding of the biology of cancer with excellent quality of care into the treatment of women with breast cancer.

Laura is a titled Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapist with experience in musculoskeletal and sports conditions. As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist Laura can help women who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction such as pelvic pain, urinary and bowel symptoms, sexual dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse.

In 2020 Laura was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. As a result of treatment Laura experienced symptoms of fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance, reduced mobility, menopause and pelvic floor dysfunction. Laura has managed and treated her symptoms through exercise and manual therapy and is now committed to help women like her to manage and resolve their treatment side effects so that they can thrive post diagnosis.

When not working Laura loves spending time with her kids and husband, and baking in the kitchen, lately she has become a sourdough convert and loves to make bread from scratch. Memberships: Australian Physiotherapy Association, Sports Physiotherapy Australia, Australian College of Physiotherapists (MACP), Women's, Men's and Pelvic Health Australia.