Friday Update - 8th December 2023

Mez_BCNA
Mez_BCNA Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 1,144
edited December 2023 in Community news and events
Welcome to December members,

This may be a good time to remind ourselves and those around us that the holiday season can look different for everyone. If you’re struggling to feel those ‘festive’ feelings, please be kind to yourself. Here are some strategies from the Cancer Council to help make Christmas easier if you’re affected by cancer:

6 ways to cope with cancer this holiday season

Hope you enjoy the update.


Community Highlights

November Activity

In November the Online Network had 112 new discussions; 641 new comments and 26,216 visits to the community 


Popular Forum Discussions 

If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the last few weeks, you can check them out via the links below:


Posts by 'Category Name' November 2023



Community News

BCNA News - New Board Members 16 Nov 2023

At BCNA's Annual General Meeting today, Surgical Oncologist Professor Bruce Mann retired from the Board after 9 years' service. We are so grateful to Bruce for his commitment and passion for BCNA and our purpose. We know he will continue to remain a friend of BCNA. CLICK HERE to read further.


BCNA News - Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer – A Way Forward 29 Nov 2023


Finding a way to have people living with metastatic breast cancer consistently counted on our cancer registries is a step closer to reality.
The Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer – A Way Forward report outlines a roadmap to collecting and reporting cancer stage and recurrence data.

Read more via the link  Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer - A Way Forward 


BCNA News – Vale Peta Murphy MP

It is with much sadness that Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) acknowledges the death of Peta Murphy MP. Please read the discussion https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/26093/vale-peta-murphy-mp#latest  You are welcome to leave your own comments / reflections. 


Mary Lloyd – The sneaky breast cancer I almost missed and how other can look out for it

Mary Lloyd from the ABC’s Specialist reporting Team tells her personal story of a breast cancer experience and how lobular breast cancer (lobular carcinoma in situ – LCIS) is harder to detect.

Her story looks at how is lobular cancer different to other types of breast cancer, and why lobular breast cancer is harder to detect on medical images.

BCNA promotes breast awareness, and we encourage women to be familiar with their breasts so they can pick up changes early.

If you notice a change that is unusual for you, it is important you see your doctor as soon as possible.

Watch and read the full story HERE

Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) Celebrates 25 years!


BCNA is proud to share a big birthday with Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA).

Like us, DAA turned 25 this year. And, like us, DAA promotes the benefits of exercise – especially after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Dragon boating is a great opportunity for those living with and beyond breast cancer to get back into exercise – pick up a paddle, have fun, and connect with others in a friendly and supportive environment.

Interested in learning more? To join a dragon boating club or get involved in events, visit DAA’s website

Click here to learn more about the benefits of exercise post-treatment on BCNA’s newly refreshed website.


Shop BCNA Charity Christmas Cards - Hello Sunday

Each year @hellosundaystore produce a beautiful range of Christmas cards just for BCNA. Designed by Australian and international artists, the cards are available in packs of 10 and are presented in a premium wallet featuring your chosen design.


Hello Sunday donate 10 per cent of the wholesale price to BCNA. To buy your 10-pack of Christmas cards visit the link in bio. T&Cs apply
https://hellosunday.com/collections/bcna-charity-christmas-cards


BCNA Forums/Webcasts


Upcoming Webcast!

Stay tuned for the upcoming webcast related to "Persistent pain after treatment" on the 7th of February 2024 (Registration link will be posted in events through the Online Network soon)

Upcoming Information Forum!

Stay tuned for the upcoming BCNA Information forum to be held in Murray Bridge SA  on the 6th of March 2024 (Registration link will be posted in events through the Online Network soon)

Coffs Harbour Information Forum Recording now available! CLICK HERE  to access recording

The forum had both early breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer streams, and speakers for this forum included:

·       Dr. Michelle White, Medical Oncologist

·       Dr. Carrie Lethborg, Oncology Social Worker

·       Hugh Campbell, Exercise Physiologist (Masters in Oncology Exercise)

·       Lee Millard-Newton, lymphoedema accredited therapist (ALA), Registered Nurse

·       Jane Kelly, local Breast Care Nurse

·       Rob Brangwin, local Social Worker


Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries

This week I thought it was timely to include several resources that Peta Murphy was happy for BCNA to continue to share. Thankyou Peta for your voice.

Upfront About Breast Cancer Ep#27 - Vulnerability and strength - Peta Murphy on breast cancer

Dear Peta - a personal story


https://youtu.be/-Hku5PtYzbk?si=yTZYA9IXYrTvfsKL

Take care everyone and if you have any questions or feedback please message one of our Online Network moderators below:

@Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA , @Risha_BCNA@Denise_BCNA@Daina-BCNA , @Georgie_BCNA


If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au