📣 BreastScreen progress has flatlined. BCNA’s response to AIHW data.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is calling on the Federal Government to immediately action recommended reforms to the national BreastScreen program. The newly released BreastScreen Australia Monitoring Report 2025 reveals a disappointing 2% increase in participation between 2021–22 and 2023–24. “Yes, more women are being screened — but that’s because there are more women, not because the program is performing better.” Says Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director or Policy, Advocacy and Support Services BCNA is calling for urgent reform: ✅ Risk-based screening ✅ Breast density reporting ✅ AI & innovation investment ✅ National consistency ✅ Equity for Indigenous women BCNA says women and families cannot wait any longer for an effective, modern breast screening program and is calling for urgent action. Read BCNA’s full response at https://www.bcna.org.au/media-releases/breastscreen-progress-has-flatlined-bcna-responds-to-aihw-data/📢BCNA gets the seal of approval from Mark Butler MP
This week BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston, will speak at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, to amplify the voices of those affected by breast cancer. Why does this matter ❓ Breast cancer wasn’t mentioned in the UN’s global health draft declaration until BCNA advocated to change that. What happens in these global discussions impacts your care, research funding, and access to treatments here in Australia. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, and rates are rising. Your voices are powerful, BCNA’s network and lived experience have made a real difference on the world stage, influencing governments and health policies. Breast cancer isn’t done yet and neither are we. Together, we’ll continue advocating for improved outcomes for those affected by breast cancer. 💪💗 🔗Read more about BCNA’s advocacy at https://www.bcna.org.au/bcna-takes-your-voice-to-the-un-general-assembly/Finally counted: A milestone for Victorians living with metastatic breast cancer
For the first time, Victoria has counted everyone living with metastatic breast cancer in the state, marking a major step forward for visibility, recognition, and support. New data released by the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) estimates that 4,461 Victorians are living with metastatic breast cancer, making them visible in the health system and ensuring their needs can are not overlooked. This achievement is the result of decades of consumer-led advocacy by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), collaboration with the Victorian Cancer Registry and Cancer Council Victoria, and the determination of women living with metastatic breast cancer who have long called for change. Read more via the link Finally counted: A milestone for Victorians living with metastatic breast cancer📣 20,950 Australians.
After 27 years of BCNA advocacy, we've reached a milestone moment: For the first time, Australia has a national figure for people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). That number is 20,950 Australians. These are people with unique, long-term needs who, until now, have been invisible in our health data and largely overlooked in health system planning. On 27 November, we officially announced this landmark data alongside our report; 👉 From invisibility to influence: progress on MBC data reforms in Australia. Together, we can ensure this data translates into meaningful change. People with MBC deserve a health system that sees them, plans for them, and supports them to live longer and live well. This data gives us the foundation to make that happen - but only if we maintain the momentum. What can you do? Sign BCNA's pledge calling for investment in ongoing MBC data collection in all states and territories. 👉 Sign the pledge today 📞 For further support or questions about this announcement, call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm AEDT
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 us who have experienced breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some of the things you may be feeling at the moment include: - Feelings of doubt, fear, or shame in managing your own breast cancer experience. - A fear of recurrence or progression, which might lead you to question your evidence-based treatment plans. - Being at risk of ‘emotion-based’ decision making when it comes to treatment pathways or second-guessing any of your evidence-based treatment protocols. We are aware that some people may need support at the moment, and we wanted to take the opportunity to reach out. Our priority at BCNA will always be to ensure you feel empowered, informed, and secure in the choices you make with your own treating team following a breast cancer diagnosis. Clinical Psychologist, Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA CEO, Kirsten Pilatti filmed a member-focused discussion around recognising, managing and dealing with emotions or triggers that may have been raised by this recent coverage. It includes qualified advice and strategies on how to manage what you may be feeling. The intention is not to provoke unwanted emotions, but to provide information which may assist your wellbeing at this time. Proceed only if you are comfortable with potentially sensitive topics around breast cancer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb6hKrI1rhs Accessing quality, evidence-based information to guide treatment decisions is crucial when dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. At BCNA, we ensure that individuals diagnosed with breast cancer receive information that is grounded in the best available clinical evidence. In addition to the Online Network, BCNA can help you to cut through the noise by providing access to reliable information and resources at bcna.org.au, as well as support via our free Helpline on 1800 500 258.🎉A Landmark Win: Australia Bans Genetic Discrimination in Life Insurance!
Declared today - what a start to the month! After ten years of sustained advocacy, Australia has passed legislation banning genetic discrimination in life insurance. This is a historic moment for fairness, medicine, and genomic health. 🧬The bill has now passed the Senate and will become enforceable in October 2026, giving insurers time to update their systems. Once active, Australians will finally be able to access genetic testing without worrying about how their results might affect life insurance 🎉 💙 This reform follows years of work from advocates including our very own Vicki Durston, and Monash University’s Dr Jane Tiller who described the outcome as extraordinary and vital for protecting everyday Australians. It also creates new opportunities for preventive genomic screening through programs like DNA Screen, which has already provided life‑saving information to participants. 🌺 Stories like that of 22‑year‑old Mia Hodder, who carries a BRCA2 variant, show the real impact of this shift. She shared that genetic testing empowered her to take preventive action and expressed relief that others will now be protected from discrimination when making similar choices. 🎊This legislation marks a major step forward for public health, early detection, and equitable access to genetic information. A huge victory for medicine, for genomics, and for fairness. More updates will follow as the implementation date approaches, if you're interested in learning more, you can read the Monash University media release here.
Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - Feb26
As we continue to move through 2026, there’s a real sense of progress building across breast cancer outcomes - both here at home and internationally. I want to share two important moments that highlight how evidence, leadership, and advocacy are shaping a better future for those affected by breast cancer. ✨ Why AI in mammography can’t wait Eric Topol’s recent article, “Why All Mammograms Should Incorporate AI,” brings together powerful evidence showing that AI in breast screening is no longer a future idea - it’s part of modern, effective care today. One of the strongest examples is the large MASAI trial from Sweden, involving more than 105,000 women. When radiologists used AI as support, the outcomes were remarkable: 👉 29% more cancers detected 👉 24% more invasive cancers found 👉 No increase in false positives or recalls 👉 44% reduction in radiologist workload Two-year follow-up findings were equally compelling: fewer interval cancers, fewer invasive cancers, and fewer aggressive types such as triple negative and HER2-positive cancers. What international evidence now shows International evidence is telling a very consistent story. Large trials and real-world evaluations show that AI-supported mammography can safely increase cancer detection while reducing radiologist workload, without increasing false positives or unnecessary recalls. This matters in a system already under pressure. AI is also changing how we think about risk. New image-based risk models can analyse a mammogram that appears “normal” to the human eye and still identify women at higher risk of developing breast cancer in the next few years. This opens the door to more personalised, risk-stratified screening, rather than the one-size-fits-all model we rely on today. Here in Australia, BreastScreen is a highly respected program, but it was designed more than 30 years ago. While Victoria and NSW are now piloting AI within their services, we still lack a coordinated national approach for integrating AI into breast screening that reflects today’s evidence. What BCNA is calling for We are now at a decision point. The question Eric Topol poses - “If not now, then when?”- is the same challenge facing Australia. For BCNA, this is not about chasing technology for its own sake. We are calling for AI to be treated as a core part of the evolution of breast screening, not an optional add-on. That means: Embedding AI research, evaluation and implementation within BreastScreen Ongoing, in-program national investment in screening research and quality improvement Ensuring that the benefits of new technology are delivered equitably, so no woman is left behind because of where she lives or her background If we get this right, AI won’t replace the program Australians trust - it will strengthen it, helping detect cancers earlier, supporting an overstretched workforce, and moving us closer to truly personalised, risk-stratified screening.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 Macpherson's right to share her experience and acknowledges that every breast cancer experience is unique. All individual breast cancer diagnoses and experiences are different. BCNA recognises Elle Macpherson's right to discuss her own breast cancer experience through her own lens and support her right to make the choices she feels are best for her circumstances. It’s important to recognise that everyone’s diagnosis and every treatment path is unique and shaped around their individual diagnosis. When public figures discuss their health experiences, it brings valuable attention to important issues. However, BCNA believes it's crucial that these discussions do not lead to doubt or fear among others facing similar diagnoses. Our priority is to ensure that people feel empowered and informed in the choices they make following a breast cancer diagnosis. BCNA advocates for the importance of accessing trusted, evidence-based information to guide treatment decisions. While a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, plays a role in cancer care, we emphasise the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and relying on the expertise of your treatment team to make informed decisions for you. BCNA's role is to cut through the noise and help people navigate what is a very stressful time in their lives. We provide free information and resources to those with a breast cancer diagnosis at a time they need it most, along with support via our free Helpline. For more information or support, please visit our Information and Resources Hub or call our Helpline at 1800 268 002.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 (BCNA) consumer representatives living with metastatic breast cancer told us they feel invisible. They wanted to be made visible by being counted properly on all our cancer registries across Australia. Currently this data is not consistently collected across all states and territories. Last November BCNA launched the roadmap to address the lack of national cancer data for those living with MBC at Parliament House, Canberra. The roadmap was the result of a roundtable that saw experts from across the sector work towards recommendations to improve Australia’s cancer data, which aligns with one of the priorities of the first Australian Cancer Plan, launched last year. BCNA Director Policy Advocacy & Support Services, Vicki Durston acknowledged everyone who had come together to make this roadmap a reality, including the late Peta Murphy MP who stood with BCNA for many years to have people with MBC made visible through national data collection. “She would have been so incredibly proud that we are now closer to ensuring that the many thousands of invisible Australians with metastatic breast cancer will no longer be hidden in plain sight,” Ms Durston said. “We know that cancer sectors in other countries around the world are watching Australia, this is our chance to build on progress being made and to become a world leader in health data.” This $1.5 million funding to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare will ensure the formation of an Australian Cancer Data Alliance, which will see state and territory cancer registries supported to work towards routinely collecting cancer stage and recurrence data. “This Federal Government funding will help the sector pioneer the collection of this important data to inform and drive policy, innovation, planning, treatment and care,” Ms Durston said. “How can we possibly support this population living with metastatic disease and meet their needs when we don’t know how many people in Australia are living with metastatic breast cancer? “Today we can begin consolidating a way forward for better quality data not just for breast cancer, but for all metastatic cancers.” BCNA has been calling for improvements to Australia’s cancer data since 1998 and will today mark this key milestone alongside all those with a lived experience of cancer and their advocates. Read BCNA’s report Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer – A Way Forward🗣️ Consumer voice strengthens health education
Recently, BCNA Consumer Representative Kate Keogh Murray took part in two interactive workshops at Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, where she spoke with medical, radiology and social work students about her breast cancer experience. By bringing lived experience into the classroom, these sessions help future health professionals better understand the impact of empathy, communication and collaboration on patient-centered care. The response from students highlighted just how powerful consumer experience and insight can be in shaping more respectful, compassionate healthcare for the future. Workshop coordinator Associate Professor Caroline Wright says: “Co-delivering this workshop with people who have lived experience gives health professional students authentic insight into how communication and teamwork directly influences a patient's understanding, confidence and overall care experience. This memorable experience, highlights the need for students to reflect on the importance of respect, empathy, collaboration, and humility which all contribute to the delivering of true patient centered care" If like Kate, you want to use your experience to make a difference, 👉 click here to find out how you can get involved
