Hello everyone and welcome to Fridays update. Don’t forget that the PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee) will hand down their decision regarding Palbociclib and Ribociclib so keep your eye out tonight for any announcements. I will post as soon as I hear any news! Fingers crossed!
We were thrilled to see the new Beacon magazine first edition for this year come out this week. I hope you have received your copy and are enjoying reading some of the great articles inside the magazine. Don’t forget to let us know if you’d prefer to have your Beacon delivered via email rather than a hard copy. Just contact our Helpline on 1800 500 258.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new online members who have joined the online forum over the last few weeks. We hope you find this forum a welcoming and supportive environment to post and connect with other members going through similar experiences.
Community highlights
Every week we
have so much variety in the posts being shared in the online network.
These can include questions about treatments, updates on how things are
going, and celebrating milestones. Here are some popular conversations you
might have missed:
What’s your favourite photo of yourself and why is that?
What a beautiful thread started by @PatsyN, I have really enjoyed reading your personal stories and this has been a favourite at BCNA.
This thread followed one member who was having investigations for some cysts that were found in her breast. Fortunately the news was good! Our community responded to help support her while waiting for her test results.
Great discussion was had regarding the use of cold caps to prevent hair loss while undergoing chemotherapy.
In the news…
Young Women’s Think Tank Conference
Thanks to our partner Sussan, BCNA is hosting a young women’s conference in Melbourne in mid-October 2018. Leading experts will speak about the unique issues that young women can face when diagnosed with breast cancer. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook for further details. Sussan is also helping us to better support young women by supporting our young women’s think tank, which will discuss key issues for young women. More information is on our website here: https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2018/03/supporting-young-women-with-breast-cancer/
Jean Hailes Annual Women’s Health Survey
Jean Hailes for women’s health have just released their annual women’s health survey and are encouraging as many women as possible to complete the survey. This survey will help them to identify the current issues and needs of women so that they can work towards improving women’s health and their access to healthcare and information.
The Jean Hailes annual Women's Health Survey is one of the country's most revealing insights into the health concerns, fears and needs of women in Australia. Results of the online survey are used in many ways; from identifying gaps in health information, to helping health professionals better understand their patients, to encouraging women to make practical, positive changes to their lives. The survey is online and anonymous. Every response counts. The more women who participate, the more Jean Hailes can create a true snapshot of the state of women's health today. The survey takes just 10 minutes. Please note the survey experience is optimised using the latest version of Google Chrome as your browser.
https://jeanhailes.org.au/news/survey2018
Motherless Daughters Australia
Will you or someone you know be facing Mother's Day without mum? Motherless Daughters Australia warmly invited you to a High Tea. It’s a lovely way to honour the memory of your mum and an opportunity to connect with others. Come and join us.
www.motherlessdaughters.com.au
BCNA free information forums for people living with breast cancer and their supporters, upcoming forums
Sydney Information Forum
Thursday 3 May
Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney.
Ringwood Information Session
Thursday 10 May
Karralyka Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood, Victoria.
To register: https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/events/information-forums/
Pink Bun campaign
After raising an incredible $1.8 million for BCNA last year, Bakers Delight bakeries will yet again come together to host the annual Pink Bun campaign, from Thursday 3 to Wednesday 23 May 2018. The target this year is $2million. During the campaign, 100 percent of the sale of Pink Buns, Pink Lady silhouettes and the Pink Bun carry bag comes directly to BCNA. We would love you to be a regular customer! Marita (Queen of Pink Bun)
2018 Pink Lady Luncheon Brisbane, call for volunteers
This is a call out to our Brisbane members to see if anyone is available to volunteer on Tuesday 22nd May at the Sofitel in Brisbane. Assistance is requested to collate the gift bags for everyone attending the Pink Lady luncheon on Tuesday 23 May. If you are able to assist please contact Chloe on cdouglas@bcna.org.au or by calling 1800 5000 258.
https://www.bcna.org.au/events/2018/2018-pink-lady-luncheon-brisbane/
Online Q & A with Janine Porter-Steele
In case you missed our ‘live’ online Q & A session held on Tuesday 10 April, see link below
Q&A with Janine Porter-Steele Tuesday 10 April 2018 6.30 pm AEST
If you’re not a member of the Let’s talk about vaginas
group, you will need to join to access the thread.
Hoping you all have a good weekend and have the opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy this beautiful autumn weather!
Giovanna
