Men diagnosed with breast cancer

Hi everyone

I want to thank our members who provide valuable feedback about our organisation, it helps us strive to become better at what we do and that is to support you. The Pink Lady has been our logo for 23 years, it is synonymous with BCNA. I acknowledge that some feel this imagery is no longer an accurate representation of our network and would like it changed to be more inclusive of all genders, I don’t disagree. Rebranding an organisation is complex and costly and whilst it can be worthwhile it would require a diversion of funds from our services. What we look like is important, what we deliver is even more so and I along with our executive team have made a conscious decision at this time to make this a priority.

Our programs and resources have evolved and are frequently reviewed and adapted to ensure they remain relevant and reflect our community’s growing gender and cultural diversity. Our Policy and Advocacy team develop programs with critical input from key advisory and consumer groups to meet demand and align with community expectations. For more than two decades the network has embraced and supported men with breast cancer and includes them across public campaigns to raise greater awareness and give them a voice. Our iconic Field of Women events always include ‘blue men’, resources specific to male breast cancer are available and in August 2021 BCNA will host its first Blokes and Breast Cancer – digital forum. Male breast cancer survivors have been part of Pink Bun campaigns and the BCNA podcast series Upfront, Male Breast Cancer Day in October is given high priority and our organisation makes every effort to create a platform for those willing to share their story. We are grateful to the men diagnosed with breast cancer who work with BCNA to help others, we wish there were more men that felt comfortable to do so.  

 The Pink Lady Match, Melbourne V Hawthorn, on Saturday 17th July at the MCG is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our amazing network and become visible to those who have been diagnosed. Whilst we can’t gather on the field in ponchos as in previous years we can still unite and stand virtually to fill the Pink Lady.  As people buy their places you will see animated pink, blue, white and yellow figures come onto the field, what you will feel is support and that is what BCNA stands for. I hope you will stand with me because we are stronger when we stand together.

Kirsten