Friday update 2nd December 2022
Hello members,
Welcome to December! I look forward to sharing some of the activity at BCNA and also important news about some upcoming changes to the online network.
Given we are heading into the holiday season very soon, it is a good idea to remind everyone that this time of year can be difficult for many people. Our Helpline will be closed for a short period (23 December to 3 January 2022), however the unique part of the online network is that it keeps ticking over no matter the time of the year. I encourage you to seek support for yourself and connect with others over the closure period. Moderators will be on a reduced roster over the closure period, though they will still monitor the discussions/activity.
Community highlights
November Online Network activity
In
November the online network had 14,096 visits to the community; 72 new
discussions and 362 new comments.
Popular forum discussions
Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active in November:
2. Airport X-ray machines and a prosthesis
3. Hair loss
4. When can I start eating salads, soft cheese and the like?
5. Update on Doxorubicin/Caelyx
Posts by ‘Category’ Name’ November 2022
Community News
Online network – exciting changes
Launched in 2010, BCNA's online network is an online peer to peer support community, providing people affected by breast cancer with a safe space to connect with others, share stories or ask for advice. Twelve years later BCNA’s Online Network is getting a much-needed new look, making it modern, inviting and user-friendly.
On the 15th of December 2022 when you login you will notice an updated template to the online network. The platform provider remains the same, therefore the key functions you are familiar with remain. We will have new category icons for quick access to breast cancer topics and discussions; BCNA announcements and peer-to-peer discussions will be separated; and the search function will have a much-improved upgrade (These are just some of the new features).
I have shared some screenshots below of the staging (draft) site to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind we are still refining some aspects, including the category icons.
SCREENSHOT 1 - HOMEPAGE BANNER AND CATEGORIES CAROSEL
SCREENSHOT 2 - HOMEPAGE DISUCCSION LAYOUT AND HELPLINE INFORMATION
SCREENSHOT 3 - SEARCH FUNCTION
There will be a transition period where the ‘Navigating the online community’ information has to be updated; however, this has to wait until the new upgrade goes live. If you need any assistance, you can always message the moderators or contact the Helpline 1800 500 258.
Thankyou for all the feedback you have provided since I took on the online network management role in August 2021. Several of the key updates are a direct result of the feedback by our valued members. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new look when it goes live!
Issue 93, December 2022 – The Beacon
The final edition for 2022 has been emailed to your inbox and can be found via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-93-december-2022/
There are so many great articles this month:
· Genetics and the risk of breast cancer
· Breast cancer inspired lifestyle changes
· Regional breast care nurse in regional Australia
· Issues paper: Making metastatic breast cancer count
· Transitioning back to work after breast cancer
· A young mum’s breast cancer experience
In the September edition we had over 8,000 views which is a wonderful result and we hope December is just as strong.
Rockhampton Information Forum – watch on demand
BCNA hosted an Information Forum in Rockhampton for people living with breast cancer and their supporters. The Information Forum covered a range of topics including the latest in breast cancer treatment, managing your emotional wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis, and how you can live well during treatment and beyond.
You can now watch the on-demand videos of each presentation please click here.
My personal favourite part of the forum recordings is the ‘Lived experience panel’ you can view below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-hJ5Z-tCJ8&list=PLpvVCfUeAqMBD-xVnHuRqaVk0GF3AizLn&index=1
12 Gifts of Christmas
If you are looking for gifts this Christmas and also would like to support people affected by breast cancer, head to BCNA’s 12 Gifts of Christmas website page where you will find wonderful organisations involved in the campaign.
My Journey - COVID-19 Information
If you or someone you know has breast cancer it's important you continue to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19.
Some states and territories are entering a new wave of COVID-19.
Choose to stay safe by wearing a mask in indoor settings, getting together with others in well ventilated spaces and staying up to date with vaccinations.
Check your state or territory’s Department of Health website for more information on how to stay safe.
BCNA has continued to update a suite of content about COVID-19 and breast cancer on MyJourney - see link: https://myjourney.org.au/article/3154
Breast cancer protein helps identify ways to target cells resistant to chemotherapy
Interesting article highlighted by the Policy & Advocacy team in relation to new ways to target cells that resist chemotherapy. CLICK HERE to read full article at the Newcastle Herald.
Webcasts/Podcasts
Did you miss the webcast: Food and Movement When Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Although those who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer don’t require a specific diet, a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a sense of physical and mental wellbeing and can improve your quality of life. You will hear from exercise physiologist Dr Eva Zopf, dietitian Erynn Sotirelis, BCNA member Laura Yammouni and BCNA Consumer Representative Lisa Tobin.
Watch on-demand via the link: https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/f0bdf1.html
Books / TV Shows / Movies/ Documentaries
A little gem of a documentary series on Netflix right now is Season 2 of Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Where he takes his exploration of healthy, sustainable ways to live to Australia
I admit I can sometimes be sceptical of actor types embarking on these projects, however I was pleasantly surprised.
Take care and if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators -
@Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA
If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au
Take care,
The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, & Pat
“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then return home”. – Australian Aboriginal Proverb
