-
Friday Update 20th December 2024 (BCNA Christmas Closure Details)
Hello members! As we find ourselves in the last month of the year, we reflect on the activities BCNA have undertaken in 2024 (Highlights shared in the update), while acknowledging the work still ahead. This December, we are filled with gratitude for the strength, resilience, and hope that defines the breast cancer…
-
Prioritising access to risk reducing surgery
We know that the knowledge of your risk of breast cancer can be empowering but it becomes a feeling of being powerless when forced to spend years on public wait lists for risk reducing surgery. It’s a constant state of fear compounded by lack of transparency regarding timelines and the reality is some will receive a breast…
-
Prioritisation of prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy for people at high risk of breast cancer
BCNA Callout for your Help Under current national and state/territory guidelines for elective surgeries delivered through the public health system, a prophylactic mastectomy is treated as a Category 3 surgery holding a 365-day waiting period. BCNA is advocating for change because people at high risk of breast cancer…
-
Incurable breast cancer numbers almost triple previous estimates. World first data
After 25 years of advocacy by BCNA, people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have finally been counted — at least in New South Wales. In a data breakthrough that far surpasses previous estimates, the Cancer Institute NSW has identified there are 7900 (7850 women and 50 men) living with MBC in NSW alone. This world-first…
-
BCNA statement about Elle Macpherson's treatment decisions
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) would like to address recent media coverage regarding Elle Macpherson's statements about her personal approach to breast cancer treatment. Elle Macpherson's choices highlight the deeply personal nature of treatment decisions following a breast cancer diagnosis. BCNA respects Elle…
-
Enhertu for people living with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer
We have some amazing news to share with our network today, following an announcement this morning from the Australian Government. People living with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer will, from 1 September 2024, have access to the life-prolonging drug Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) through the Pharmaceutical Benefits…
-
Supporting you through the current media coverage
Good morning all, As we’ve seen unfold in discussions over the past week in the online network, many of you have been impacted by the media surrounding a celebrity’s choices during their own cancer treatment. This is not the first time, nor the last, that a high-profile person will make statements that can affect those of…
-
Friday Update - 6th September 2024
Hello members,
we’re pleased to bring you the latest Friday Update from our forum. Dive in to
catch up on what’s been happening around Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
and see what your fellow members have been chatting about. As I was
looking into Spring news and tips, I came across interesting insight from…
-
Friday Update (On Tuesday!) - 13th August 2024
Hello everyone, We’re excited to bring you the latest updates, tips, and highlights from our community. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our forum, we hope you find this update both informative and engaging. Thank you for being a part of our community. Community Highlights July Activity July saw 113 new members;…
-
Friday Update - 12th July 2024
Welcome to the latest Friday Update! This week is NAIDOC week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Therefore we will again highlight BCNA's information and support for our First Peoples. Last month…
-
BCNA Leads First National Roadmap to Collecting Metastatic Breast Cancer Data
A roadmap to finally count the number of people diagnosed with incurable and life limiting metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a step closer thanks to the $1.5 million announced over the weekend by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to fund a cancer data alliance. Almost two years ago a group of Breast Cancer Network Australia…
-
Friday Update (On Tuesday!) - 18th June 2024
Hello members new, old and in between :) Well, it has been some time since I crammed in an update for you all (apologies) and Tuesday is just as good a day as any right? During the month of May BCNA had another very successful Pink Bun campaign and our webcast 'Let's cut through all the hype! Why exercise?' was a hit! As…