Important update (please read)
Just a reminder to our valued Online Network community, from 5pm Wednesday 19 March to Thursday 27 March there will be a pause to your Online Network access while we transition you over to the improved platform. This means, you can continue to view everything but you will not be able to start a discussion or comment on a post. After 27 March, we look forward to welcoming you back to experience our refreshed My Journey, which will include the new Online Network. Again, we apologise for the inconvenience of this disruption and appreciate your understanding. If you need information or support during this pause, please reach out to BCNA's free and confidential Helpline on 1800 500 258. If you are interested in registering as a new member during this period please email helpline@bcna.org.au and we will contact you when the new platform is liveNew Online Network - Important Information (Please read)
We’re thrilled to let you know that we are launching a new-look Online Network platform that will be easier-to-navigate and enhance your experience with us, while still allowing you to connect with others going through a similar breast cancer experience. So that our team are able to migrate your information over to the improved platform, there will be an Online Network pause from 19-27 March, 2025. During this time you will still be able to access the Online Network however in READ ONLY format, which means you can continue to view everything but you will not be able to start a discussion or comment on a post. After 27 March, we’re excited to welcome you to experience the refreshed Online Network. We’ll be in touch with further guidance on how to login soon! We’re very aware how important our Online Network community is, and we apologise for the inconvenience of this disruption. If you need information or support during this pause, please reach out to BCNA's free and confidential Helpline on1800 500 258.Watch this space!
We’ve been listening to your feedback and we’re excited to announce that the Online Network will be moving to a new platform in early 2025! This has been designed to better serve your needs. This will mean you will only need one login, one password for the Online Network and all our resources. We are committed to improving your experience, and we can’t wait to share these new features with you in the New Year. Keep an eye out for regular updates in early 2025.
Dr Jo Prendergast "Cancer and Cartwheels"
What happens when a comedian’s life gets flipped over by cancer? They find the funny side of course. But can cancer be funny? When psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021, she asked herself what good she could do with the treatment experience. As someone who cannot be idle - even during chemo - she put together a website on managing chemotherapy side-effects, made a semi-viral TikTok, and wrote her second comedy show. At the four-year anniversary of her diagnosis, Jo is cancer-free and ready to laugh about the tough stuff. She is inviting us to laugh with her. Jo's Cancer and Cartwheels show is touring nationally and supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Jo has offered BCNA a limited allocation of double passes to each of her comedy festival ‘opening night’ shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you would like to register to receive a complimentary double pass with a post show meet, greet and photo register here Cancer and Cartwheels - performance schedule and dates (opening night in bold): Adelaide : March 11 - 15, 2025 Melbourne : March 31 - April 6 2025 Sydney : April 26, 2025 Brisbane : May 17 -18 2025 Jo is also aiming to raise $5,000 through her shows to help BCNA continue to provide free support and resources for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This year more than 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. She is encouraging her show attendees to make a donation and leave a message or dedication on her event fundraising page. Any donation over $2, will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to read more about Jo there are also the following social media handles / links: @cancerandcartheels @drjoprendergastcomedy and https://drjoprendergast.comVolunteer for Pink Bun campaign
Do you, or someone you know, have time between now and the end of May to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)’s biggest fundraiser? We are looking for people to help coordinate Pink Bun Campaign Volunteers with events at Bakers Delight bakeries from May 1st to 21st, 2025. The role involves working with other BCNA volunteers in your community and Bakers Delight bakeries, with support from BCNA staff. People who enjoy talking to others and are comfortable with basic computer skills can apply here to register their interest. Please forward this link onto anyone you know who might be able to help. We are especially looking for support in NSW, the ACT QLD, and WA. Funds raised though the Pink Bun Campaign are vital to BCNA’s ability to support Australians affected by breast cancer. If you don’t have the availability to support BCNA in this role, please keep an eye out for details on how you can support the campaign with a spare hour or two. Check out the behind the scene video from last year's campaign https://www.facebook.com/bakersdelight/videos/bcna-pink-buns-are-back/754110623542494/Friday Update (20/12/24) - BCNA Christmas Closure Details
Hello members! As we find ourselves in the last month of the year, we reflect on the activities BCNA have undertaken in 2024 (Highlights shared in the update), while acknowledging the work still ahead. This December, we are filled with gratitude for the strength, resilience, and hope that defines the breast cancer community. Whether you are a someone living with or beyond breast cancer; metastatic breast cancer; a caregiver or loved one - we hope the Online Network continues to be a safe place you can turn to for support and information. To our regular contributors to the Online Network that 'stick around' to support others, we appreciate the invaluable support you spread throughout the forum and the positive ripple effect that you may not see. Enjoy the update! BCNA Helpline over Christmas and New Year BCNA’s Helpline will be closed from 5pm Monday 23 December and will reopen on Monday 6 January at 9am (AEDT). During this time, you can request a call back, when we reopen by filling out this form. If you are looking for information about breast cancer, read Resources during the festive season page on our website. If you require additional support through this time, please contact one of the following organisations: Cancer Council www.cancer.org.au or 13 11 20 (available 27-31 December from 11am – 3pm (AEDT)) Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au available 24/7 Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au available 24/7 For First People, 24/7 support is available at 1300YARN (12 92 76) www.13yarn.org.au For LGBTIQ+ people call or webchat with QLife at www.qlife.org.au or 1800 184 527 (available everyday 3pm-midnight) Online Network over Christmas and New Year You can continue to connect with others, here on BCNA's Online Network (available 24/7). Mez, Daina and Kate will be moderating the Online Network over the closure period should you need to send a private message for urgent matters you can include all moderators in your message. To send a private message from your laptop/desktop click the envelope next to your profile picture and click on the highlighted picture below; type in the moderator’s names in the ‘recipients’ Mez_BCNA Kate_BCNA Daina_BCNA. Type the body of your message and hit ‘Post Message’ button; To send a message from your mobile device you will click on your profile picture and then the envelope will be on the top-right (screenshot below): Community highlights Christmas Funnies In the spirit of Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh! Popular forum discussions You may be interested in several forum discussions that have received the most comments in December: Lost Temp up Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings New and need to make some big decisions Not sure my future is looking bright BCNA Community News - 2024 Highlights Counting people with metastatic breast cancer: a step closer - 05 Feb 2024 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 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to fund a cancer data alliance on Saturday 3 February Read full article here. Carman's Fun Run raises $285,000 for BCNA - 22 Feb 2024 Melbourne turned on perfect weather as 6,100 participants ran or walked to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). With support, BCNA has raised over $285,000 through Carman's Fun Run this year, and the donations are still coming in! All funds raised help BCNA to continue our work to ensure that all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support. We are incredibly grateful for everyone's efforts through online fundraising and by getting involved on the day. We would also like to thank the Gaudry Foundation for their generous dollar matching donation of $10,000. Don’t forget to register and participate in Feb 25! BCNA Impact Report- 29 Feb 2024 We hope you enjoy reading about our many achievements, the significant milestones we’ve reached, and the personal messages from individuals who, with your support, have been helped in numerous ways by BCNA. Please read the report via the link 2024 Impact Report BCNA welcomes pharmacy prescription changes for breast cancer medications- 05 March 2024 From 1 September 2023, people pay less to access 325 medications on the PBS – with the Federal Government allowing a 60-day supply to be dispensed each time a person goes to the pharmacy, instead of a 30-day supply Read full article here Pink Bun Campaign raises $2 million for BCNA - 5 June 2024 BCNA gratefully extend a heartfelt thank you to our foundation partner Bakers Delight, along with every person who purchased Fun Buns or made a donation in-store between May 9-29. It is you who made the 2024 Pink Bun campaign a huge success! With your help, Bakers Delight raised an incredible $2 million, which will go directly to help Breast Cancer Network Australia support all Australians affected by breast cancer. https://youtu.be/RIjY93A7AVI Pink Lady Match raises $165,000 for BCNA - 28 June 2024 The power of connection was on full display last Saturday night at the MCG with almost 30,000 fans attending to support Melbourne FC and North Melbourne FC in the 2024 Pink Lady Match. Our Mini-Field of Women tribute outside the ground and light up display from partners Opal ANZ and Red Energy welcomed fans to the ground before filling the Pink Lady Bays with a sea of pink beanies, scarves and ponchos. Greater access to life-extending drug for people with metastatic breast cancer - 28 Aug 2024 In a significant decision set to benefit around 1,700 people each year, access to cancer drug trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) is being expanded from 1 September 2024 for those living with the newly defined HER2-low subtype of metastatic breast cancer Read full article here https://youtu.be/1MS3SHQVRGg?si=7M6_8C5joIHQW2wV New data captures true number for metastatic breast cancer In a world first, people with metastatic breast cancer are now being counted – at least in New South Wales. And work by the Cancer Institute New South Wales shows numbers have been wildly underestimated. Previously, the national estimate was of 10,553 people living with the disease. This new, verified data shows 7,900 people (7,850 women and 50 men) with metastatic breast cancer in NSW alone Read full article here https://youtu.be/n5c94wdEkd0 BCNA Webcasts / Information Forums in 2024 Webcast 'Persistent pain after breast cancer, addressing quality of life' - 07 Feb 2024 https://youtu.be/SGWv6HhHn3Q BCNA Information Forum (Murray Bridge SA) - 06 March 2024 The Information Forum covered topics including: Current and emerging treatments Managing emotional impacts Lymphoedema Head to the website link to access the session recordings Murray Bridge Information Forum (Website page) BCNA Information Forum (Hobart TAS) - 02 May 2024 The Information Forum covered topics including: Current and emerging breast cancer treatments Managing the emotional impacts of living with breast cancer The role of exercise in breast cancer care A guided meditation. Head to the website link to access the session recordings Hobart Information Forum (Website page) Webcast 'Let's cut through all the hype! Why exercise?' - 22 May 2024 https://youtu.be/ACwFpR1M32Q Webcast 'Global insights and local voices on metastatic breast cancer' - 13 Aug 2024 https://youtu.be/vId3tnJ-wnk Online support session 'Dealing with fear or doubt about treatment choices' - 09 Sept 2024 Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti discuss ways to recognise, manage and overcome emotions that media coverage may have caused. It includes qualified advice and strategies on how to manage what you may be feeling. (Mez's top pick for 2024!!) https://youtu.be/Eb6hKrI1rhs Books/Movies/TV Series/Docos This Cancer Council video is a few years old now, however still relevant for people navigating a breast cancer diagnosis over the holiday period. You may like to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkVCLbsvp74 On a lighter note, I still believe these are my favourite movies in recent years and worth a watch: As I always say if you are not feeling Christmas this year there is always 'The Grinch who stole Christmas'! Our Helpline team, moderators and BCNA send you warmest wishes of happiness, rest and good times with the people (and pets!) who bring you joy. Hope to connect with you all again in 2025! The Mod Team - @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Daina-BCNA @Kate_BCNA @Denise_BCNA @Risha_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au "May your days be merry and bright" - White Christmas
Introduction - Erana from BCNA
Hi everyone! My name is Erana, and I am the Consumer Engagement Coordinator at BCNA. I work with our wonderful Consumer Representatives and oversee our Review and Survey Group. In the coming months, you may notice a few posts from me highlighting external research and survey opportunities that you can participate in. These opportunities have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by BCNA to ensure it is of high quality, relevant to our Policy & Advocacy Strategy, organisational priorities and will lead to tangible benefits for those affected by breast cancer. While we typically share them through our Review and Survey Group communications, we thought it would be beneficial to also share them here for those who aren’t currently part of the Review and Survey Group. If you'd like to join the group, feel free to sign up here Review and Survey Group. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send through a comment or message and we'll do our best to respond as quickly as possible. Thanks, Erana :)Incurable breast cancer numbers almost triple previous estimates. World first data
After 25 years of advocacy by BCNA, people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have finally been counted — at least in New South Wales. In a data breakthrough that far surpasses previous estimates, the Cancer Institute NSW has identified there are 7900 (7850 women and 50 men) living with MBC in NSW alone. This world-first announcement means people living with MBC are now visible in NSW, ensuring their needs are no longer overlooked. Knowing how many people are living with MBC means we can plan a healthcare system, policy and services. This announcement will pave the way for all cancers to be counted and is a model that can be rolled out nationally and internationally. To help ensure everyone is counted contact your state Health Minister and ask them to fast track the work of NSW in your state or territory. For more information about the announcement, you can read our latest media release via the link Incurable breast cancer numbers almost triple estimates (bcna.org.au) If you need our help? We recognise the emotional weight of today's announcement on those affected by breast cancer. BCNA is here to provide support and resources to help you navigate through any fears or anxieties you may be experiencing. Please call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if you need support.
