I’m incredibly proud to have represented BCNA at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Breast Cancer Congress this year.
One of the most significant moments for BCNA at the Congress was presenting Australia’s first national estimate of people living with metastatic breast cancer. For the first time, we now have a clearer understanding that around 20,950 Australians are living with metastatic disease. This is a significant milestone and one that has been a long time coming.
For many years, people living with metastatic breast cancer have not been counted and have been under represented in our systems. This has made it incredibly difficult for governments, researchers and healthcare providers to fully understand the scale of need, and to plan services, support and care appropriately. It has also meant that many people in our community have not felt fully seen or recognised.
That is why this work matters so deeply. By using linked health data, BCNA has helped shine a light on people with metastatic breast cancer that have too often been invisible in the data.
📊 Sharing our approach at ESMO sparked strong interest from international audiences, with many recognising the importance of not just counting diagnoses, but recognising people living with ongoing disease.
It was incredibly encouraging to see Australia acknowledged as a leader in this space. More importantly, it reinforced that our advocacy here at home is helping shape global conversations about how we better understand and support people living with metastatic breast cancer 🌍
But for me, this is about much more than data. It is about people. It is about ensuring that every person living with metastatic breast cancer is acknowledged within our health system, that their experiences are understood, and that their needs are not overlooked. It is about dignity, visibility, and making sure no one feels forgotten 🤝
Being able to carry your stories and your experiences into a global forum was something I did with great pride and responsibility. Moments like this show what is possible when we come together as a community and advocate for change.
The discussions at ESMO reinforced how rapidly breast cancer treatment is evolving globally, particularly in precision medicine, biomarkers and targeted therapies. But they also highlighted the growing gap between what science can offer and what patients can actually access through health systems.
For Australians living with breast cancer, these conversations matter. International forums like ESMO help shape advocacy here at home- supporting efforts to improve access to new treatments, ensure equitable care regardless of postcode, and better recognise and support the growing number of people living longer with metastatic breast cancer.
👉 You can see a glimpse of my time at the conference here: https://www.instagram.com/bcnapinklady/reel/DYRW8tJiFcf/
💊Impacts of the 2026–27 Federal Budget
While I was proud to represent our community internationally, I have also been reflecting closely on the 2026 to 2027 Federal Budget and what it means for people living with breast cancer here in Australia.
There are positive elements, including continued investment in precision oncology and medical research. Advances in targeted therapies, genomics and personalised medicine are changing what is possible for people with breast cancer, and Australia must continue to invest in innovation and research. But innovation only matters if people can actually access it.
One of BCNA's key concerns remains timely and affordable access to medicines, particularly the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Too often, Australians face delays in accessing new and potentially life-extending treatments that are already available in comparable countries. These are not abstract delays. They are real and they impact on people's lives and the precious time they have with their families and loved ones.
Without meaningful reform and sustained investment, there is a real risk that Australia will fall behind internationally and that a two-tiered system will continue to emerge - where access to treatment depends on someone’s financial capacity rather than their clinical need. That is not acceptable.
Access to the best available care should never be determined by postcode, income or circumstance. This is why BCNA continues to advocate so strongly in this space, including current work to improve access to treatments like tucatinib and Zoladex 💊 We will keep advocating for a system that is fair, responsive, and centred on people.
I want you to know that this work is ongoing and that your voices are at the heart of it. Every story, every shared experience, and every conversation helps us strengthen our advocacy and drive change.
At home and on the global stage, this is about one thing: making sure you are seen, heard and supported. BCNA will keep showing up, speaking out, and pushing for a system that delivers the care you deserve💪
Published 4 months ago
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