Friday update 24 September 2021

Friday update 24 September 2021

Hello members,

Well, we have had an interesting week here in Victoria with an earthquake that was felt across the State and by some of our neighbours in New South Wales, Canberra, Adelaide and Launceston – Did you feel it? 

It is also a public holiday here today in Victoria therefore the BCNA office is closed, however there is still time for a Friday update. For those of you who follow the AFL and/or one of the grand final teams, I hope you enjoy the game on the weekend.

New groups

PALB2 gene support– This is a private group for individuals and family members affected by the PALB2 gene to come together for support and help spread the word about this gene mutation. The very brave Kerr Family spoke up about this largely unknown gene that has greatly affected their family and the main reason behind the Online Network's new PALB2 group.  CLICK HERE to access the article.

Popular forum discussions

Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments:

1. More cancer

2. New fees for radiation therapy as of 1-7-21

3. How did you find out about BCNA

4. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum

credit @arpie

BCNA NEWS 16 Sept 2021 - Removal of Herceptin from PBS

From October 2021, there will be some changes to Herceptin, one of the drug therapies that is available for people with HER-2 positive breast cancer – Access the full article via link below:

https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2021/09/removal-of-herceptin-from-pbs/

BCNA NEWS 23 Sept 2021 – Breast Reconstruction Report

The Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report details the findings from BCNA’s survey, which received 3,350 responses from women across every state and territory, from metropolitan, regional and rural areas, and from ages 18 to over 80 - Access the full report via link below:

Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report | Breast Cancer Network Australia (bcna.org.au)

The Pink Bra Project (Launching 26th September)

The Pink Bra Project is an initiative created by Berlei and Breast Cancer Network Australia to support those close to our heart who have been affected by breast cancer. Berlei have created a special pink bra collection where $10 from the sale of each bra will be donated to BCNA in support of those affected by breast cancer. The collection includes a post-surgery bra, two t-shirt bras and a wirefree bra, and will be available to purchase online and instore from 26th September – Check full details of project via below link

https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-pink-bra-project/

Webcasts and conferences you have have missed

Managing the cost of beast cancer: tips and resources

There were 1,157 registrations and it was very interactive and informative one hour session. A few frequently asked/mentioned topics from the night were:

·        Access to long service, annual and sick leave

·        Out of pocket costs

·        Accessing death insurance before you pass

·        TPD insurance

·        Help available for self-employed/small business owners

·        Accessing superannuation early

·        Added costs for rural and regional members to access metro health care systems

·        Employment issues

If you missed the webcast, you can still register via the link above and watch on demand.

Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast

If you haven’t already, subscribe to BCNA's Fortnightly Podcasts . Podcast 35 coming up in the last week of September will be in relation to ‘Young Women & Sexuality’. We will also provide details very soon of an upcoming mini-series with clinical psychologist Dr. Charlotte Tottman.

That’s it from me for another Friday update and I hope you enjoy the read as you head into the weekend.  In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators -

@Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_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 (We will be back on deck Monday).

Take care,

The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle