4 Corners on ABC had an interesting program on cancer in young adults (under 50) called “Generation Cancer”. Not specific to breast cancer, but breast cancer was mentioned quite a bit.
Should be available to watch on iView.
HiSuki I saw the 4 Corners program, thanks so much for sharing it with the network. It was very thought provoking and an important call to action for our public health system and policy makers.
The impacts for diagnosis at an earlier age and stage in life do need focus - agree with youSuki and JacJac
I was struck by the generosity of the individual people who agreed to share their experiences. Scientific and medical practice changes are vital but I hope we can accelerate insight more at a public policy level. I appreciate the complexity, given the disease and treatment variables, but it feels like society has the tools to crunch the data and model the social and economic impacts so better help is made available asap.
What happens when people in their 30-40s are depleted, what as a society, do we lose in energy, innovation and creativity.
I was in my 60s and experienced shock and disruption but I reflected on how I would have had more complexity to contend with had I received a diagnosis in my early 50s let alone 30s and 40s. I feel this cohorts needs are different and worthy of very considered investigation.
Hi all, my amazing mate , Patrice featured in this program. She’s the author of the book Fk with Cancer.
I was first diagnosed at 38 and now am 44 with Stage IV.
I was wondering if the BCNA was advocating for any changes to the cancer plan (which fails to address 30-45 cancer) or government support including Superannuation rules.
The assumption that cancer is an over 55, homeowner, retiree disease is causing housing instability, financial distress and making life harder for this age group & younger.
I’m a renter and I fear I’ll work til I die due to the DSP being so low and Super Insurance being impossible to navigate. I consider myself lucky as I know two young women (23 and 26 respectively) who are on JobSeeker during treatment because they have no sick leave left and had to stop work.
I have written to MPs about this with Ministers sending back template letter recommending the aged pension (I’m 44) or even refinancing (I’m a renter).
Our first challenge is to be counted but then to be recognised.
Happy to help in anyway I can to get this to the right people.
Hi JacJac - thanks for sharing your story - you have highlighted so many of the issues we advocate for (just for context I am the CEO of BCNA). That feels weird to write!
Patrice was wonderful on the program and really delivered the lived experience in such a powerful way - the reality of it all was there for the whole country to see.
You are so right about all the assumptions that exist (still today in breast cancer) it drives me mad! We are also up against many people believing that breast cancer is done and that we need to focus on others - well that is not going to happen on my watch!
We are always wanting to connect with people who are happy to share their experience to help us advocate strongly for change. Here are our Policy Priorities would encourage everyone to read them. If you are keen to talk more and help us advocate then https://www.bcna.org.au/get-in-touch/ is the best way and the right person will be able to connect with you.
Sadly your experience is not the only one. We wont stop until everyone has the best treatment, CARE and SUPPORT.
Really hope we can connect
KP
My apologies - I didn’t mean for my post to be triggering 🙏
As a fit, active, healthy person diagnosed with breast cancer at 47 with no family history, I felt the program raised many of the questions I had/have. I am pleased that the issue is being highlighted and hopefully the outcome will be further research and support.
I particularly welcomed the segment on financial issues for younger people - taking time off for treatment, lack of super, cost of scans etc. I definitely feel more can be done in that space.
Suki, I thought the program was well presented & didn't personally feel triggered .... as Knowledge is POWER!
I actually think it would encourage people to get checked out if they identify any of the issues raised, specially younger people.
Like you, I was 'fit & healthy' before my diagnosis and the only one in my immediate family who's been diagnosed with any cancer. Not so, afterwards, specially the side effects of AIs! I have my final Onc appointment in 2 weeks ..... and have already weaned myself off the AIs over recent months, so I didn't have to go 'cold turkey'. It has worked for me - as I didn't want my recent big WA adventure to be stuffed, due to ongoing AI aches & pain issues!
It seems logical to me, that the younger age groups (with cancers currently being identified more recently) might be due to increases in the use of pesticides and genetic modification in plants/animals over the last 30-40 years ....
JacJac wishing you all the best with your ongoing treatment. It is UNBELIEVABLE that those with Stage 4 haven't been 'counted' til now (and still not counted in some states/territories) ... well done on your buddy Patrice helping to highlight the issue xx
Take care ladies
I agree Suki so many topics and issues covered that it will help with many conversations including finance, work, partners, kids, diet exercise, friends, music, screening ages, the environment - it covered a lot of ground
Hi everyone and thank you Suki for highlighting the story. I know there was quite a reaction to many of the topics that were explored.
We know that any media on cancer with lived experiencing may impact our Network so I hope anyone who found it difficult to watch reaches out to us today for support.
For me watching last night, I saw so many of the reasons why we developed the Podcast What you don't know until you do with Dr Charlotte Tottman. The emotions that are so difficult to understand for yourself until you connect with others - who just know!
Series 1:
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/podcasts/what-you-dont-know-until-you-do/
Series 2:
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/podcasts/what-you-dont-know-until-you-do-unlimited/
Last night also highlighted that we have so many unanswered questions in cancer and why research is so very important. When we have unanswered questions - we know it can bring about uncertainty - and I don't know about anyone else but uncertainty can make me a bit wobbly!
I also found some of the questions that were asked angered me - but this is not the first time and it sure wont be the last that a media story raises my temperature!
I have found chatting with our Network to help process some of my thoughts, feelings and reactions to last night - so if you need us we are here.
KP
