Hello everyone,
Welcome to our Friday update.
A very warm welcome to all of our new members who have joined the community this month. We hope you are settling in and finding your way around. Don’t forget to check out the Community Info tab which has the Community guidelines and information on how to navigate the online community.
It’s great to see Covid-19 restrictions easing is some states across Australia and not so great to see that South Australia has gone into lockdown. If you have any concerns regarding Covid-19 and your cancer treatment, speak with your medical team or call the BCNA helpline to speak with one of our experienced cancer nurses on 1800 500 258.
Community News
Each week we have so many great posts, here are some that you may have missed…
1. Fear of recurrence commenced by @2MC
2. Sentinel Node Localisation commenced by @Blister
3. Christmas Funnies…..put them up her for a laugh funny post by @arpie
Can you believe its 5 weeks till Christmas!!!
Community Updates
PBS listing of Faslodex (fulvestrant) remains
unlikely
BCNA was very disappointed to learn in September that drug company AstraZeneca had pulled out of discussions with the Australian Department of Health to have Faslodex (fulvestrant) listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Read more
For Survivors and Carers
The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC) has developed information resources and events to help people move from initial treatment to post treatment and beyond, including those receiving maintenance treatments. While they do not provide clinical advice, they connect with a range of providers to enable improved care.
There has been some recent discussion within our online community regarding fear of cancer recurrence. The following factsheet was developed by the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre and has some great information.
Coping with the fear of your cancer coming back
Upcoming Webinar - Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI)
Monday
30 November 2020, 10.30 am AEDT
Some breast cancer treatments have menopausal like side effects, while others, especially chemotherapy, can cause menopause to occur earlier than it would otherwise would. The Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), with support from BCNA, is hosting a free webinar on early menopause associated with breast cancer.
Speakers include:
Associate Professor Amanda Vincent, Endocrinologist
Associate Professor Jacqueline Boyle, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician
Dr Kate Johnston-Ataata, Health Sociologist
BCNA Consumer Representative Tania Cercone
You may find the following BCNA book helpful Breast cancer and sexual wellbeing
Podcasts coming soon….
Breast cancer, genes and family
This podcast addresses hereditary breast cancer. For example, the inherited genetic variants (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations) that can occur in some families which increase the risk of breast cancer; the importance of knowing your risk so that informed decisions can be made; and the significant emotional, physical and social challenges involved for those with a known gene mutation.
Men get breast cancer too
This podcast addresses the common misconception that breast cancer is a disease that only affects women. It explores the importance of early detection, the impact of diagnosis and treatment on men and the support available to them.
Fundraising update
Walk, Run and Have Fun for BCNA
Looking for an activity to get stuck in to pre-Christmas? Look no further! Join our virtual community to Walk, Run and Have Fun while raising money to support Australians impacted by breast cancer.
From 6 to 12 December, take on your own personal challenge to help BCNA. Whether it’s 5km, 10km, a half marathon or even further that you tackle in a day or over the course of a week, set your challenge, have fun and make a difference.
To find out more, sign up here and we’ll keep you updated with all you need to know about the event. And if you needed any more incentive to take part, our good friends over at Carman’s will be sending out hampers to a number of lucky participants in recognition of your activity and fundraising!
I’m planning to set myself a challenge and take part in this event and have posted details in our Walking Challenge online group.
Only 16 days to go till the start of the challenge!
Inspirational quote
‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’
- Nelson Mandela
Have a good weekend everyone,
The mod team,
Giovanna, Laura, Riki, Michelle & Pat
