đŁ BCNA's Strategy 2025â2030 Now Available
We are absolutely thrilled to share something truly special with you - Breast Cancer Network Australia's Strategy 2025â2030 is officially available to view and it marks a bold, inspiring new chapter for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This strategy isnât just a document. It's a promise to be louder, braver, and more determined than ever in driving change. Built from the voices, experiences, and hopes of people all across our community, this roadmap sets out the ambitious work ahead - from strengthening advocacy and pushing for equity in care, to elevating lived experience so every voice is heard where it matters most. ⨠It reflects where weâve been. It celebrates where we are. And it charts a powerful path for where weâre going, together. You can read the full strategy here: đ https://www.bcna.org.au/media/l5ua3c3e/bcna-strategy-2025-2030.pdf Weâd love to know: What excites you most? What sparks hope or inspiration? Your insights continue to shape everything we do, and this moment is very much yours. Thank you for being at the heart of our community - your courage, honesty, and support drive the work ahead. Hereâs to five years of impact, connection, and meaningful change. đđŞ
Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - Mar26
â¨A Week of Leadership, Connection and Progress for Our Community This month was an inspiring and deeply meaningful one for BCNA - the kind that reminds us why our work matters and how powerful it is when lived experience, clinical expertise and policy reform all move forward together. đŞStrengthening Early Detection in Brisbane - A National Push for Modernisation We began this month in Brisbane at the BreastScreen Australia Conference, surrounded by leaders in research, screening and diagnostics who are working every day to improve early detection and outcomes for women. It was a privilege to spend time alongside our CEO Kirsten Pilatti, Krysty Sullivan (one of our Consumer Representatives who presented at the conference) and members of our BCNA team on the exhibition floor. Together, we engaged with health professionals about the ongoing importance of early detection and the critical support BCNA provides to people diagnosed with breast cancer. These conversations were a powerful reminder of how lived experience and clinical expertise enrich each other when they come together with openness and respect. Across the conference, we heard from experts and advocates dedicated to ensuring breast screening programs continue to evolve with emerging evidence. Weâre especially grateful to those who champion the voices of people with lived experience - because itâs those voices that ground reform in the realities of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. As the conference concluded, Minister for Health Mark Butler outlined the Commonwealthâs next steps to modernise Australiaâs breast screening program. These commitments include: A national policy framework for riskâbased screening A national strategy to increase participation rates A contemporary quality framework to guide program delivery Stronger collaboration between the Commonwealth, states and territories These are important shifts, and BCNA welcomes them. We look forward to understanding the detail of the upcoming report and what it will mean for the women we support. What remains clear is that every woman, no matter where she lives, deserves access to a modern, evidenceâbased screening program. We will continue advocating for transparency, full implementation of recommendations, and - above all - the inclusion of lived experience at every stage of reform. đ§âđ¤âđ§ Growing the Future of Consumer Leadership Earlier this week, another important milestone event was taking place: one of our most cherished BCNA traditions - our Seat at the Table program. This week, we welcomed 20 new Consumer Representatives, expanding our remarkable network from 44 to 64 advocates nationwide. This growth speaks to the strength of the program and BCNAâs commitment to ensuring lived experience informs everything we do across policy, advocacy, research, service improvement and consumer leadership. Over two-and-a-half intensive days, our new representatives built on their online learning and developed new skills, knowledge and confidence. Throughout the training, participants heard from presenters who brought warmth, expertise and deep insight: Charlotte Tottman, psychoâoncologist, explored the emotional impact of drawing on lived experience and shared practical strategies for recognising triggers and navigating challenging moments with care. Professor Rick Thompson guided the group through the relationship between evidence and lived experience, illustrating how both perspectives are essential when shaping research and policy. Jen Gilchrist discussed advancements in treatment and the increasingly important role consumer voices play in shaping advocacy priorities and research agendas. The training also created space to explore BCNAâs current priorities, workshop key issues facing our community, and identify tangible ways to contribute. Equally important, it fostered connection, allowing new and longâstanding representatives to learn from each other, share wisdom, and build a strong sense of belonging. We were fortunate to have representation from across the country, with lived experience spanning early breast cancer through to metastatic disease. It was particularly special to spend time with our founder and our new BCNA Chair, both of whom continue to inspire and anchor this work. What makes the Seat at the Table program so impactful is that it doesnât simply invite people to share their stories. It invests in them â providing the training, tools and support they need to contribute with clarity, confidence and purpose. It strengthens consumer leadership and ensures that lived experience is not an afterthought, but a powerful driver of change. A heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated team behind the program, including our L&D Consumer Representatives. The scale of what they coordinate, the standard they deliver and the care they pour into every aspect of the training is exceptional. â¤ď¸A Shared Purpose Moving Us Forward This month has made one thing abundantly clear: When expertise, policy, and lived experience come together, we create real and meaningful progress. Whether it was standing on the exhibition floor in Brisbane or sitting in a training room alongside new Consumer Representatives, we received a heartfelt reminder of what we can achieve when we collaborate with purpose, compassion and a commitment to equity. It is work we are proud of, and work we remain deeply committed to.đąWednesday Wellness - 3Mar26-The power of advocating for yourselfđą
This Wednesday, weâre focusing on a part of wellness that is so important but sometimes overlooked while navigating the whirlwind of a breast cancer diagnosis: the power of advocating for yourself. Advocating for yourself doesnât mean having all the answers, being endlessly confident, or navigating everything on your own. It simply means honouring your needs, your values, and your voice - even on the days when speaking up feels hard. Itâs about trusting that you are the expert in your own body and your own lived experience. đ Why selfâadvocacy matters When you advocate for yourself, you help shape a care experience that reflects who you are and what matters to you. This can mean: asking for clearer explanations seeking a second opinion saying when something doesnât feel right requesting extra emotional, cultural, or practical support taking time to make decisions voicing what you need to feel safe and informed These conversations can deepen trust with your treating team and empower you to make choices with greater confidence and clarity. đą Small ways to strengthen your advocacy You donât need to be loud or forceful - advocacy can be gentle and supported: Bring a support person to appointments Write down questions beforehand Ask for information in the format you prefer (written, verbal, print, digital) Let your team know how you make decisions best Take space when you need to â itâs okay to say âI need time to think about thisâ đ Questions to Ask Your Treating Team We've compiled the following lists of questions designed to help you on the path to having your voice heard during appointments with your treating team as you navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. Click the link below: đŞBe your best advocate with your treating team đŹ A gentle reminder Your voice should e an essential part of your health care plan. Give our Helpline team a call on 1800 500 258 if you're feeling stuck and are wanting to explore how you can best advocate for yourself during your breast cancer journey.đŁMarch 3rd - TNBC Awareness Day
Today is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to honouring everyone affected by TNBC, and recognising the unique challenges that come with this diagnosis. TNBC can feel overwhelming. Itâs often fastâgrowing, it has fewer targeted treatment options, and it can bring a heavy emotional load. But today is also about something bigger: awareness, understanding, and strength. A heartfelt thank you to our very own Online Community member Kim, for sharing your story to help share awareness and connection for those living with, and caring for anyone affected by TNBC. ⨠Read Kim's story below ⨠I'm still me but I'm a different version of me. I'm working through what that version is.â Kim was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in 2024. 15 months on, sheâs sharing what she wishes others knew about living with TNBC, along with her broader message for others diagnosed. âSometimes I look in the mirror and think, âWow, how the heck did you get through all that?â and other times I'm like, âWho are you?ââ Are you someone living with TNBC or wanting to learn more? Join our private, welcoming community group here with others who understand the impact of living with TNBC.Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - Feb26
As we continue to move through 2026, thereâs 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 canât wait Eric Topolâs recent article, âWhy All Mammograms Should Incorporate AI,â brings together powerful evidence showing that AI in breast screening is no longer a future idea - itâs 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: đ 29% more cancers detected đ 24% more invasive cancers found đ No increase in false positives or recalls đ 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 ânormalâ 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 todayâs evidence. What BCNA is calling for We are now at a decision point. The question Eric Topol poses - âIf not now, then when?â- 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 wonât 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.đ¸ Friday Update â 20 Feb 26
Hello everyone and welcome to Friday! I'm filling in for the Online Network content today, so I thought weâd wind things back to one of my classic Friday Updates - a gentle wrapâup of whatâs been happening across our BCNA community. đââď¸ Carmanâs Fun Run â What a Day! Last Sundayâs Carmanâs Fun Run was an incredible celebration of strength, spirit and community. Despite the rain, more than 8,000 participants came together in a wave of pink and helped raise over $315,000 for Australians affected by breast cancer. A huge congratulations to all participants, and a massive thank you to our amazing volunteers, fundraisers and partners who made it all possible đ đď¸ Cheering on Kristal Kinsela â Trek4BCNA We also want to highlight Kristal Kinsela, one of BCNAâs ambassadors, who is currently undertaking Trek4BCNA: Kilimanjaro 2026challenge. Kristalâs commitment to raising awareness and funds for BCNA continues to inspire many across our community. đż Whatâs new around BCNA and here in the Online Network Recent posts in our News and events section continue to provide support, connection and valuable information - including: Wednesday Wellness - 18Feb26 - Mindfulness Consumer voice strengthens health education Current Research Exploring the Role of AI in Breast Cancer | BCNA Online Network Lymphoedema Information & Events | BCNA Online Network BCNA's Breast self check | Know Yourself. Feel Yourself. content remains active, helping to promote early detection and greater awareness across our social channels đ Signingâoff Itâs been great to connect with you all, and I hope you continue to find the support and conversations here helpful. A quick reminder that the BCNA Helpline team is available Monday to Friday, 9amâ5pm (AEDT) if you need information, support or guidance toward appropriate services.
đŁď¸ Consumer voice strengthens health education
Recently, BCNA Consumer Representative Kate Keogh Murray took part in two interactive workshops at Monash Universityâs 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: âCo-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, đ click here to find out how you can get involvedđ Global Advocacy Win: Breast Cancer Named in UN Political Declaration đ
Weâre excited to share a major milestone in BCNA's advocacy. Last week, the United Nations formally adopted the Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health - and through the advocacy work of BCNA, breast cancer is explicitly named in the final text đ ⨠Why this matters: Although it might seem confusing for BCNA to focus our advocacy efforts overseas as well as in Australia, the UN declaration helps place critical attention on our own government's ongoing priorities for policy and investment issues that impact people affected by breast cancer. It also enshrines international accountability for supporting people living with breast cancer. đŞ How BCNA made this happen: In July, when breast cancer was missing from the draft UN Declaration, BCNA met with the Australian Ambassador to the UN and the Mission team in New York. We did this because something we know, after 27 years of advocating for people affected by breast cancer, is what is named gets attention, and what is not named is often overlooked. Within 24 hours, we partnered with the Institute of Cancer Policy at Kingâs College London to produce evidence-based recommendations, informed by lived experience and global data. This paper helped shape Australiaâs position, verified by Cancer Australia, DFAT, DoHA, and ministerial offices. In the final negotiations, Australia called for breast cancer to be named. No other country did. But once Australia spoke up, others followed. The result: breast cancer is now in the Declaration and people living with breast cancer in Australia are more empowered to keep speaking up and working towards strengthening our healthcare rights. Thank you to all BCNA staff, partners, and the Australian Government for trusting us to lead this work. Your efforts made this global outcome possible. đ If youâre interested on what this all means from an impact perspective, you can read more: đUN Political Declaration: https://lnkd.in/gm8fV2MY đBCNA & Institute of Cancer Policy paper: https://lnkd.in/gQJcTTSf đBCNA takes your voice to the UN General Assembly: https://www.bcna.org.au/bcna-takes-your-voice-to-the-un-general-assemblyâ How Australia Built Its First National MBC Estimate
Last week, I had the honour of announcing the outcome of BCNA's 3-year project, as the technical report underpinning Australiaâs first national estimate of metastatic breast cancer was released. This milestone was delivered through a national collaboration between AIHW, Cancer Australia, the Department of Health, the Australian Cancer Data Alliance, state and territory cancer registries, data leaders in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, and BCNA. Using ânew innovative methodsâ, the report found that âapproximately 20,800 Australian women and an estimated 150 Australian men were living with metastatic breast cancer in 2024.â This work addresses a long-standing gap, with âAustraliaâs cancer data system currently fragmentedâ and most state and territory cancer registries not reporting stage at diagnosis unable to record whether a cancer has relapsed or recurred to metastatic. đ How the estimate was created. The technical report highlights several key developments: âthe development at AIHW of the national linked cancer and treatment analysis asset (CaT-Link)â âdevelopment of a counting method and estimates for NSW by the CINSW and associated researchersâ âestimated MBC prevalence in Queensland and Victoria by CAQ & CCVâ âcounts for three states⌠which cover a large proportion of the Australian populationâ These inputs enabled AIHW âto estimate national prevalence, as well as indicative estimates for each state and territory.â đ Whatâs next? Phase 2 will ârely on the use of soon to be available linked dataâ through the National Health Data Hub to produce âmore complete and reliable estimates and analyses for specific populations.â This national estimate is the first step in delivering the vision set out in BCNAâs 2023 roadmap delivered to government , Cancer Australiaâs Australian Cancer Plan, and the National Cancer Data Framework. The priority now is to call for deepened jurisdictional and state data. We want researchers, industry, governments and policymakers using this evidence immediately to drive planning, investment and reform. đ I've attached the two important reports for you below. Give them a read and comment below what stood out the most for you đŹ AIHW report : https://lnkd.in/gKMAnqpY BCNA From Invisibility to Influence: Progress on MBC data reforms in Australia: https://lnkd.in/gngYrngy20,950 pledges for 20,950 Australian living with metastatic breast cancer
For the first time, data shows that 20,950 Australians (20,800 women and 150 men) are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This figure is double previous estimates and exposes the scale of need and urgency for health system reform. ⨠Being counted is fundamental to being cared for ⨠The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health & Ageing, says the national estimate marks an important milestone in Australiaâs cancer data reform and visibility for people living with metastatic breast cancer. Whilst we celebrate this extraordinary national milestone, we will not stop here - our work continues. This first national estimate has given Australia long-overdue clarity, but sustained visibility now depends on every state and territory playing its part. With the recent launch of Cancer Australiaâs national data framework, the time is right to strengthen our cancer data systems and ensure they reflect the realities of people living with metastatic disease. đŁ BCNA is calling on all Australians to show their support for people living with metastatic breast cancer by urging state and territory governments to invest in their cancer data registries to ensure this population is counted in our health system. Weâre collecting 20,950 pledges for the 20,950 Australians living with metastatic breast cancer. đVisit bcna.org.au to show your support and sign the Together We Count pledge today.
