Friday Update - 8th March 2024
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Mez_BCNA
Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 876 ✭
Hello existing members and our 'newbies' who have joined the Online Network community recently. If you are a new member, you may like to use the search function to type 'Friday Update' and read previous editions. We try to include Online Network activity; BCNA news/resources and external organisation resources.
BCNA have been busy this week at the Murray Bridge SA Information forum and we cannot wait to share online recordings with you in the coming weeks. Out next Information Forum will be held in Tasmania on the 30th April 2024 (Registrations open soon).
Please enjoy the update!
Community Highlights
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' 21 Feb - 08 March 2024
Community News
Breast Cancer cannot wait: Open letter regarding inadequate access to diagnostic imaging in Tasmania for breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) remains deeply concerned about the lack of access to diagnostic imaging in the public system in the south of Tasmania and calls on all candidates contesting the 2024 state election to make commitments to fix this issue and restore basic rights to healthcare for Tasmanian women. Read
the open letter
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Day - 3rd March 2024
In September 2023 Keytruda was added to the PBS for those with metastatic TNBC and in December it was added for those with early TNBC.
Around 3000 Australians are diagnosed with TNBC each year, it is an aggressive and fast-growing form of breast cancer with fewer treatment options.
Having this crucial drug on the PBS means more equitable access while also reducing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.
We thank all the BCNA consumers who joined us in our successful advocacy to get this drug listed.
Don't forgot here through the Online Network if have a private group Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Lymphoedema Awareness Week
Lymphoedema Awareness Week is a chance to celebrate work being done to develop an online tool for people with – or at risk of – lymphoedema as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis.
The tool is being led by Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute’s (FHMRI) Cancer researcher Professor Bogda Koczwara AM in partnership with BCNA.
Lymphoedema is the build-up of fluid in patients’ arms, resulting from damage or removal of lymph nodes during breast cancer treatment. The condition can develop soon after surgery or many years later.
Prof. Koczwara says breast cancer survivors living in rural and remote locations are particularly at risk because of limited health support and will benefit most from an online self-management tool. Read more via the link Helping
cancer survivors manage lymphoedema
Also check out Lymphologist Pro Neil Piller speak at our Warrnambool Information Forum last year Warrnambool Information Forum: Prof Neil Piller- lymphatic system and lymphoedema (youtube.com)
In 2022 BCNA held an 'Ask the Expert' webcast Living
well with lymphoedema - In this Ask the Expert event, we heard from lymphoedema physiotherapist Maree O’Connor and BCNA Consumer Monique Bareham. Maree is lymphoedema physiotherapist with over 30 years experience in the management of lymphoedema for people affected by breast cancer and Monique was recently announced as South Australia’s 2022 Local Hero for her advocacy for compression garments for lymphoedema after her own personal experience of lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment.
BCNA 2024 Impact Report
We are thrilled to deliver our 2024 Impact Report.
It highlights the many ways in which your generosity has helped BCNA support Australians affected by breast cancer in the past year.
Hear about our key achievements, including our continued policy and advocacy work, delivering our newly refreshed website, and the 10,000-strong crowd who stood on the MCG at Field of Women.
Read our impact report via link 2024 Impact Report (bcna.org.au)
Centre for Genetics Education - Breast cancer and inherited susceptibility
BCNA's Helpline team have noticed an increase in the number of people seeking information about genetics and the risk of breast cancer. The Centre for Genetics Education have a great page on the topic Breast
cancer and inherited susceptibility (genetics.edu.au)
BCNA Forums/Webcasts
Persistent pain after breast cancer - Recording available !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGWv6HhHn3QIn Persistent pain after breast cancer – addressing quality of life we explored pain from both a clinical and personal perspective. This webcast addressed persistent pain associated with early breast cancer treatments, strategies to help manage pain and resources and support that may be available.
We heard from Naveena Nekkalapudi, BCNA Consumer Representative; Professor Paul Glare, Pain Medicine Specialist and Dr Charlotte Tottman, Clinical Psychologist.
Welcome Georgie to BCNA's Helpline team
Last year we had the pleasure of welcoming Georgie into the Helpline team and we wanted to share her introduction. Georgie has hit the ground running and has been a wonderful addition to the team with her empathy and guidance:
My Name is Georgie; I have been with BCNA since August 2023, and I love being a part of the Helpline team.
I have been in the health sector for over 8 years now, and love being able to help others. I have a fur baby who I love taking on plenty of walks and adventures.
Take care and if you have any feedback please feel free to comment below or send a private message.
The Mod Team - @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Daina-BCNA @Kate_BCNA @Denise_BCNA @Risha_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
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." - James Matthew Barrie
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