Breast cancer costs Australian women and the wider community billions in lost work hours and wages
A new first-of-its-kind study has revealed that of the estimated 10,732 working-age Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, they will collectively lose a projected AU$1.4 billion in wage earnings over the 10-year period post diagnosis, Read the full article HereThe Beacon article - Transitioning back to work after breast cancer treatment
Hello group members, The most recent issue of The Beacon features an article on the topic of work and breast cancer (attached). You can view the full issue of The Beacon via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-93-december-2022/Work and breast cancer - Resources
Hi Everyone, Please find the most current resources for those navigating work and breast cancer: · Podcast episode: Work after breast cancer: Tackling the difficult conversations: https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/bcna-resources/podcasts/episode-44-work-after-breast-cancer-tackling-the-difficult-conversations/ · My Journey - Communicating your diagnosis at work if you are self-employed: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2749 · My Journey - Looking for a new job: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2425 · My Journey - Information if you are an employee and have breast cancer: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2388 · My Journey - Your employment rights and responsibilities following a diagnosis: https://myjourney.org.au/article/2422
Managing the cost of breast cancer webcast: tips and resources
Hi everyone, BCNA are holding a webcast on Thursday 16 September, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm AEST on managing the cost of breast cancer: tips and resources. For many people with breast cancer, the financial costs associated with treatment and care can be substantial. General day-to-day expenses continue, while you may also have to pay for specialist appointments, tests and scans, medicines and other treatments, counselling, travel and so on. If you're unable to continue in paid work, the loss of income can also contribute to financial pressure on you and your family. Even when treatment is finished, you may still struggle financially, or you may face the longer-term impacts of ongoing care. For some people, getting by financially is no easy task, even at the best of times. Money worries can have a big impact on how you and your family cope. Informed financial consent requires people to have information about costs and support to make informed decisions about their care. We will hear from Financial Counsellor at Cancer Council Victoria, Antony Mitchell who has a community focus and experience with working with a number of not for profits, and BCNA Consumer Representative Jodie Lydeker who was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer 3 years ago, and detected again in 2021. Jodie will share insight into her lived experience of the financial stress associated with the disease. In this webcast we will explore managing the costs of breast cancer including informed financial consent, public vs private healthcare, hidden and common out-of-pocket costs, questions to ask your healthcare provider, financial wellbeing, career impacts, issues for those who live in rural and remote areas and the resources and support available to you. To register, please follow this link, https://www.bcna.org.au/webcasts-new/managing-the-cost-of-breast-cancer-webcast-tips-and-resources/ Event Details When: Thursday, 16 September 2021 What Time: 07:00 PM AEST - 08:00 PM AEST Local Times: - WA: 5:00 PM - NT, SA: 6:30 PM - QLD, ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 7:00 PM
I'm a workaholic - if I don't, who will?
Oft described as a workaholic, it is both a blessing and a curse to have an excellent work ethic. I have a pretty big job because of it and I manage to finance our lives because as a solo parent I have to. A big job means people rely on me to be effective. Diagnosed just yesterday, all the scary stuff ahead, and out pops from my mouth... what about my work? Give it some context... I am a solo parent with 2 boys age 12 and 15. I have a partner in life for the last 3 years, who lives 2.5 hours away so our time together is weekends as we concentrate on our own children. (He is amazing btw). Their dad (my ex) continues his struggle with alcoholism, depression and living in another state on welfare so he's no help and hasn't been for a very long time. It is not that I am in love with working so much, it is that by working hard I can support my children and give them a reasonably normal life. I have been responsible for the raising of my children financially and emotionally (the ride hasn't been that great) for quite a while now and I have an overwhelming sense of responsibility. I've read and will re-read the information on working, however I can't seem to get out of my brain chatter... If I can't work to support them, who will? Am I truly gone mad? It's only day one I know... thanks for listening :)
Working well with cancer - consumer event held 22 October 2020
Hello every one, See below the links to the 'Working well with cancer' consumer event for your perusal. 1 - Introduction to the Event https://youtu.be/D9vFA23xHGg 2. Dr Catherine Field, Occupational Physician, IMMEX https://youtu.be/XqFXe0Oc1go 3. Robyn Batson, Group People & Community, Partnerships Manager, The Sussan Group https://youtu.be/zsQ-0sNxj38 4. Jo Lewis, Occupational Therapist, University of Sydney https://youtu.be/eF8COpWrHBo 5. Dr Liz Dylke, Physiotherapist, University of Sydney https://youtu.be/40Q7l-OP6s4 6. Dr Jasmine Yee, Exercise Oncology, Researcher, University of Sydney https://youtu.be/wxxxpGOVfFk 7. Question and Answer session https://youtu.be/EtDww_UeKso This link will give the whole playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGUorf0Mi4H89NAFtTdX0Qe9-ICtGWoK5 Regards Giovanna
Too vulnerable
I am frustrated with myself. If things don’t go the way I want, I struggle not to burst into tears. This really is not good when I work in a toxic workplace. Sigh. Where is the person who used to jump in and fight? Every work morning I struggle with the thought of what lies ahead for the day. Mindfulness just doesn’t cut it when you are always getting unfairly blamed for stuff. I do appreciate my weekends a lot more though! Suck it up and keep going. One day it will improve. It was easier when I could get out and about and focus on other people. Soon.
Tips on working and treatment
Hi all, I will be starting Chemo soon which will be followed up with more surgery and then radiation. I know l will have moments where l will be tired/sick and anything else that goes with it. I joined this group in the hope of getting tips/advice from anyone that worked through out treatment when possible.Work and breast cancer - resources
This year in Australia more than 18,000 women and 148 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down and has a ripple effect not only on family and friends but also employers and work colleagues. Alongside medical treatment, returning to work follow a diagnosis is a key factor contributing to overall quality of life in breast cancer survivorship. Link to BCNA resources https://www.bcna.org.au/work-and-breast-cancer/
Applying for jobs & disclosing treatment
Hi, After a year of treatment for metastatic IBC, I need to urgently return to work. There is no way I could spend another year without an income. my question is; How do I disclose that I have metastatic cancer and need to attend monthly appointments, without it affecting my chances of getting a job. Also, my doctor has put limitations on what I can and cannot do, but I am only qualified to do the ‘cannot’ stuff. Should I just bite the bullet and start at the bottom of the career ladder again or lie to continue my career path knowing I could damage my bones. I feel embarrassed that I am in this position and cannot provide for my family. Our quality of life is at the lowest we have ever experienced. How do I make memories for my children if I can barely afford to feed them. Thank you
Group Content
PUBLIC GROUP - This is a space to connect around the challenges and questions that come with managing work and breast cancer. Whether you're navigating time off, returning to work, dealing with workplace conversations, or exploring your rights and options, you're welcome here. This group is open to the public (not just members of our online network) to help broaden access to important information, practical advice, and peer support.
Open Group