Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
Joined 4 years ago
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Re: Anyone moved breast care teams?
yoda Thankyou for starting the conversation. While we wait for others to share their own lived experience, we thought you may find the below article helpful in the meantime: Second opinions about treatment and providers Please feel free to contact BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist further.Re: Radiation cost
Hi boysmum Appreciate your open and honest account of the reality of members who may not be Australian permanent residents - having to navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. For temporary visa patients (no Medicare) there’s no fixed price for breast radiotherapy in Australia; costs vary. Best way to get accurate costs: Contact radiation oncology providers directly (e.g. public hospital radiation units) Ask for an Informed financial consent quote - they’ll give a full cost breakdown before treatment. Other useful Resources: Use the Government Medical Costs Finder for rough fee estimates. Call Cancer Council (13 11 20) for help understanding costs and financial supports you may have access to as a Medicare ineligible patient. They have a helpful website link What will I have to pay for treatment? We are sure you have checked already, however you can investigate if you’re eligible for any support under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement Unfortunately, if you’re not Medicare‑eligible, you’ll usually need to pay the full treatment cost upfront. Have you got a breast care nurse contact that connect you in with a social worker? They may be able to explore financial support options for someone in your situation. We do hope the above information is helpful and you are welcome to contact our Helpline 1800 500 258 (We can organise a free post-surgery recovery bra for after your mastectomy as well 🙂).Re: Who to ask about pathology details?
Hi MintyChicken and welcome. It’s completely okay to want more detail, you haven’t missed anything. The best people to ask are your surgeon or medical oncologist, as they have your full pathology (Your Breast Care Nurse may also have this information on-hand as well). You can ask about stage, grade, hormone status and how fast-growing it may be. It’s really normal to need to prompt these conversations BCNA encourages open communication with your treating team (Read more Communication with your treating team )and it’s okay to ask for a copy of your pathology report or to go through it together. In the meantime, our Breast cancer pathology factsheet can help explain these terms in plain language and make those chats easier. You’re doing all the right things 😊 P.S Based on the information you 'do' know, please check out our private Group: Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC) | BCNA Online NetworkNational Reconciliation Week 2026 (27 May – 3 June)
This week, we recognise National Reconciliation Week and reflect on this year’s theme: “All In” - a powerful call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility that asks each of us as individuals, organisations, and communities - to step away from the sidelines and take meaningful action. It’s about listening, learning, and actively advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This week is an opportunity to pause and reflect: How can we contribute to a more just and respectful society? What actions can we take, big or small, to support reconciliation in our daily lives? BCNA’s First Nations resource is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights, deepen understanding, and support culturally safe breast cancer care. Let’s all go “All In” not just this week, but every day and play our part in building a more inclusive and reconciled Australia.Re: Cold caps
Hi kitkat5 - great question and thankyou for starting the conversation. While we wait for others to share their lived experience with cold caps - we found an older post that had quite alot of chatter: Scalp cooling - should I stop, done 11 chemos and 5 to go | BCNA Online Network Also sharing our website page Scalp cooling to prevent or reduce hair loss Perhaps after you gather all of the insights and information, it could be a good idea to have a conversation with your breast care nurse as well. All the best with the rest of your treatment. Hopefully the cold capping hasn't been too uncomfortable for you so far.Re: 🙋National Volunteers Week ❤️May 18-24
Happy National Volunteers Week! From all of us on the Helpline - thank you for everything you do. We see every day the difference you make (Including our unofficial volunteers of the Online Network😍), and we’re so grateful to have you in the BCNA community 🌻🔔 Update on access to Zoladex treatment
We heard your concerns about AstraZeneca's decision to discontinue Zoladex 3.6mg from 1 November 2026 - and we went to work on your behalf. After coordinating advocacy with clinicians, consumers and key stakeholders, we're pleased to share that options will be available for those affected, including a free access program for eligible patients and work underway on alternative treatment pathways. Supply continues in the meantime and we'll keep you informed every step of the way. Full details available through the link in our bio. If you need support, our Helpline is here for you on 👉 Reach out to the BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 for information and support Read more here: 🔗 https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/update-on-access-to-zoladex-treatmentRe: Length of treatment 1 or 3 wks?
Hi Blackcat1 thankyou for your post -jumping in while we wait for others to share their experience. If you are referring to the shorter 'Hyperfractionated radiotherapy' - you may find our article About radiotherapy treatmenthelpful in outlining the differences. You are welcome to call our Helpline 1800 500 258 if you need further information or support. All the best in the coming weeks.Re: D4 post lumpectomy itching
Applevic Thankyou for starting the conversation. While we wait for others to share their own lived experience, we thought you may find the below resources useful that relates to 'Lumpectomy Recovery': Lumpectomy - breast-conserving surgery You also mentioned preparing for radiotherapy, for this reason you may find the webcast below worthwhile: About radiotherapy treatment if you have ongoing or persistent discomfort that is worsening, please reach out to your treating team. Please feel free to contact BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist further.
Groups
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.LGBTIQ+ & breast cancer
We recognise that the breast cancer experience can be uniquely complex for LGBTIQ+ individuals. From navigating healthcare systems that may not always feel inclusive, to dealing with assumptions about gender, bodies, relationships, and identity—this group exists to honour and support those experiences in a safe, affirming environment.Carers corner
Whether you're caring for a partner, parent, child, or family member, this group offers a safe and understanding place to connect with others in similar roles. Share your experiences, talk through the personal challenges of being a carer, and find support from a community that truly understands the emotional and practical realities of caregiving for a loved one with breast cancer.Young women & breast cancer
This group is for young women affected by breast cancer. In the context of breast cancer treatment, ‘young’ usually refers to women who are pre-menopausal. Here, you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges that come with a diagnosis at a younger age. We talk about things like fertility, pregnancy, early menopause, ovarian suppression, relationships, and the emotional impact of treatment and recovery. Whether you're newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this is a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and support one another. You are not alone during this uncertain and overwhelming time.First Peoples yarning circle
This group is a culturally safe and respectful space for First Peoples affected by breast cancer. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or navigating life after breast cancer, you're welcome to share your story, connect with others, and find strength in community. Think of this space as a virtual yarning circle - where you can speak freely, listen deeply, and feel supported by others who truly understand your journey.
