BCNA responds to GP breast density guidelines.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomes today’s release of national clinical guidance to support GPs in managing and advising women with high breast density. 🩺 This new GP guidance accompanies the national move toward breast density notification, and BCNA strongly supports all BreastScreen programs informing women of their breast density as a minimum standard. Women have a right to this information, and today’s guidance provides GPs with clear, evidence-based pathways to support decision-making, risk assessment and referral to appropriate imaging where clinically indicated. ✨ Breast density is one element of breast cancer risk and must be considered alongside family history, genetics, previous breast conditions, lifestyle factors, and overall personal risk. This comprehensive guideline gives GPs the tools they need to confidently assess risk and discuss supplemental screening options with women who may require further imaging. 🫶 BCNA also welcomes the collaborative approach taken by BreastScreen Australia and acknowledges the inclusion of lived experience in shaping these guidelines. Ensuring consumer voices were part of the development process strengthens the guidance and ensures it reflects the real needs and concerns of women. 📣 We now call for strong promotion, education and dissemination of this guidance — particularly in rural and regional communities — to ensure equity of access to information and screening options for all women, regardless of where they live. BCNA will continue to advocate for clear communication, consistent national practice, and equitable access to screening and follow-up imaging for every Australian affected by breast cancer 🗨️ Quote from Vicki Durston, Director, Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, BCNA: “We welcome these guidelines which give GPs clear direction on managing breast density and associated risk. We commend BreastScreen Australia for this comprehensive work and for embedding consumer perspectives. We now need strong national promotion so GPs can easily access this guidance, and we urge states that have not prioritised breast density notification to act to prevent widening inequities.” 🗨️ Quote from BCNA Consumer Representative, Krysty Sullivan: “My cancer was hidden by dense breast tissue, and I know how dangerous that can be. Mammograms are essential for all women over 40, but women with dense breasts may need additional screening. These new GP guidelines are a significant step to help women understand their risks and access extra screening that could save their lives. I’m proud to have been one of the BCNA Consumer Representatives working alongside experts to help shape them, but cost and access will still hold too many women back. Early detection shouldn’t depend on where you live or what you can afford. My cancer was found late; these guidelines can help ensure other women find theirs sooner. We urgently need the states and territories that are not yet reporting breast density to start.”🚌 Have you seen our latest awareness campaign bringing a bright splash of colour to the streets of Melbourne?
Together, we’ve launched two specially wrapped SkyBuses to help raise awareness about breast cancer self checking across Melbourne and beyond. The wrap features Jess Pearce, a nurse and mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33, and encourages all Australians to get to know their bodies and take action if they notice any changes. Thank you to Jess for her meaningful role in helping us to spread awareness. Our CEO Kirsten Pilatti joined Kinetic CEO Michael Sewards to unveil the first bus, which will you may have already seen roaming the streets of Melbourne! 📷 If you spot a bright pink bus among your travels, snap a pic and post in the social zone here! 💗 We’re grateful to Kinetic for helping us share this message far and wide. 📖 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gjZpUMD9🌱 Wednesday Wellness - 05Nov25 🌱
With all the busy-ness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the launch of the incredible Know yourself, feel yourself awareness campaign in Bondi, it's been a little while since we did a Wednesday Wellness check in! 💬 How are you all feeling today - physically, mentally, emotionally? Check out the following awesome ideas for creative ways you can offer yourself a moments (or a few!) of wellness in these coming weeks: 🌼 Yoga4Cancer Series - Counterpart Gentle, supportive yoga designed for women with cancer. Build strength, reduce stress, and connect with others in a safe space. Click here to book the Yoga4Cancer series 🌼 Virtual Workshops – Look Good Feel Better This month, explore a range of free, live and interactive workshops designed to support people undergoing cancer treatment. From skincare and makeup tips to emotional wellbeing and gentle movement, these sessions offer practical tools and a sense of connection—all from the comfort of home. Upcoming topics include: Skin Care & Makeup, Wigs & Headwear, and Feel Better Fridays - Join sessions like Chair Yoga, Meditation, Healthy Cooking, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Click here to register for November virtual workshops 🌼 TREK4BCNA - Take on the adventure of a lifetime! You’re invited to join BCNA community ambassador Kristal in the TREK4BCNA to Mount Kilimanjaro this February. Whether it’s a chance to challenge yourself physically and mentally, a way to show support for others, or to do a life changing trek in memory of someone you love, a group of like-minded people will walk by your side. Click here to learn more about TREK4BCNA 💖 We hope these ideas and opportunities help support your wellbeing this week- whether you're taking a moment to breathe, joining a workshop, or have something big coming up soon 💖 If you need further support and information, please reach out to our helpline on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.❤️ This is your sign to take a few moments today for a breast self-check
As we head into the final days of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought we could all use a gentle reminder to take a few moments today for a breast self-check. 💙💚 Knowing your normal means you can spot when something isn’t 💚💙 BCNA’s new educational video walks you through a step-by-step self-breast check so you can get to know what’s normal for you. Learn how to perform a self-breast check here. , and give this article a read for more information. Let's give our breasts they mirror time they deserve 👀♂️ Today is men's breast cancer awareness day 👬
1 in 556 men are diagnosed with breast cancer—in 2023 Paul became one of them. After finding a lump under his left armpit, Paul decided to see his doctor about it and was later diagnosed with breast cancer. A former professional basketballer in the States and in Australia, Paul says at the time he was in excellent shape, living a full life, and his youngest son was just six months old. "The news of a cancer diagnosis for me was loaded with overwhelming doses of shock and fear. Being a man with breast cancer, I felt a touch of shame and embarrassment.” Says Paul Share this post with your friends to remind them to know their normal so they can spot when something isn’t, because anyone can get breast cancer. To read more of Paul’s story and for information and resources for men click the link: https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/personal-stories/not-just-a-woman-s-disease/Oct 15th - Lobular breast cancer awareness day
Did you know invasive lobular carcinoma can be difficult to see on mammograms? Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common type of breast cancer, but it can be hard to see on mammograms. Why? Because the cancer cells spread through the breast tissue, they don’t always form a lump the same way other cancers do. Make breast self-checks part of your regular routine. Knowing your normal can help you spot when something isn’t. Click the link to watch our educational video that shows you how to perform a self-check. https://www.bcna.org.au/know-yourself-feel-yourself/Know Yourself. Feel Yourself.
Today we launch Know Yourself. Feel Yourself. 💗 Watch our campaign video Note: This campaign includes images of real bodies, shown respectfully to promote breast health awareness and body confidence This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re urging you to give your breasts more mirror time and build regular breast self-checks into your routine. Join us at the BCNA Self Breast Check Hub at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club (Oct 9–12) For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to watch our educational video and find out more about the campaign via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/know-yourself-feel-yourself/Have you always wondered, how do I self-check?
WHEN DID YOU LAST FEEL YOURSELF? It’s a question that could change everything. HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOURSELF? Every woman’s body is unique but knowing what’s normal for you is what matters most. Early detection saves lives. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are urging you to give your breasts more mirror time and build regular breast self-checks into your routine. Our campaign has one clear goal: to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to know their normal, so they can spot what’s not. This immersive, live-site experience is designed to engage, educate and inspire. Step inside our mirrored Breast Check Booths and walk away with a new self-care skill that could save your life. We know that early detection saves lives. That is why we are determined to create a future where every woman feels encouraged, empowered, and supported to notice changes in her breasts early and act quickly. We are starting today. Meet us at the mirrors The Clubhouse | North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club 9-12 October. For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to watch our educational film here.We’re here for you❤️
We’re here for you this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and every month after. Our Helpline team is available on 1800 500 258 Monday – Friday between 9am – 5pm to take your calls and provide information and support. BCAM can be an overwhelming time for those affected by breast cancer, but BCNA has resources to support you during this time: BCNA’s Online Network- Share stories, ask for advice and offer support in our online community https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/ My Journey- personalised information and tools to support you including our new notes feature to keep track of questions for your healthcare team, appointments and medications https://www.bcna.org.au/my-journey/ Information and resources hub- articles, stories, videos and podcasts https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ For more information visit our website https://www.bcna.org.au/📣 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/
