New 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.Friday update 10 September 2021
Friday update 10 September 2021 Hello members, Welcome to the revival of the Friday community update. My name is Mez and I am part of the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Member Support Team/Helpline. I have had the pleasure of connecting with some of you in the past four weeks and want to thankyou for your feedback, support and guidance, as I explore the functions of the Online Network. I hope you enjoy the update. Community highlights New groups 'LGBTIQ+ Breast Cancer Network' – This is a private group which has been created for people who identify within the LGBTIQ+ communities and have also been affected by breast cancer to connect. The group currently has 11 members, and we look forward to watching it grow. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum 2. what to take to chemo treatments? 3. Arimidex brand now has a $5 surcharge on top of PBS fee! 4. A bit naughty - but funny!!! Show us your 'naughty ones'! Please note some posts may offend I picked out a post by @Sue_w below (hopefully not too offensive) Community News The Beacon magazine (Issue 88 – Aug 2021) The latest copy of the free mazagine can be accessed via the website or PDF as per below: Link to the website here: http://beacon.bcna.org.au/ Link to the PDF file: https://www.bcna.org.au/media/8177/bcna_beacon_august21.pdf Key topics include: re-learning the language of sexuality after a breast cancer diagnosis, preserving fertility and knowing your options, Andrea Smith’s experience of living with metastatic breast cancer and peripheral neuropathy. BCNA NEWS 16 Aug 2021 - Breast Cancer wont pause for COVID – screening is essential The temporary closure of BreastScreen services across NSW is NOT as excuse to ignore symtoms warns Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) – Check out the full article below https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2021/08/breast-cancer-wont-pause-for-covid-screening-is-essential/ BCNA CAMPAIGN Pink Tradie 2021 For the months of August and September, BCNA is putting a call out to tradies across Australia, asking them to pull on a Pink Tradie beanie and a pair of BCNA pink socks to support the 20,030 Australians expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year - Check out this campaign raising funds for BCNA https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/hold-an-event/pink-tradie-2021/ Webcast REGISTER NOW! Don’t miss out on the webcast Managing the cost of breast cancer webcast: tips and resources on the 16th September 2021 07:00 PM – 8:00 PM - Explore managing the costs of breast cancer including informed financial consent, public vs private healthcare, hidden and common out-of-pocket costs, questions to ask your healthcare provider, financial wellbeing, career impacts, issues for those who live in rural and remote areas and the resources and support available to you. Webcasts and conferences you have have missed Integrative Health Webcast – complementary therapies enhancing wellness for people affected by breast cancer Fertility and Breast Cancer - Knowing Your Options Webcast Treatments for Breast Cancer – Options and Considerations If you missed any of the webcasts above, you can still register and watch on demand. Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast If you haven’t already, subscribe to BCNA's Fortnightly Podcasts . Podcast 35 coming up in the last week of September will be in relation to ‘Young Women & Sexuality’. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries I thought it would be a nice idea to invite you to share recent books, movies, TV series/documentaries that you have enjoyed over the past few weeks. I recently started reading the book ‘The Brain That Changes Itself’. Well that’s all from me this week! I hope to evolve the Friday update and have had great suggestions already, for example introducing my colleagues from the BCNA Member Support Team. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle ‘Part of being a person is about helping others.’ – Regis MurayiWatch 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.
My first day
Hi everyone I have been entering our Camberwell office for 12 years now but today has been a whole new experience. Being appointed CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia is an enormous honour and one that i do not take lightly. When I pulled the door open - I took a big breathe and said - you got this KP! The day I arrived in Feb 2006 we had our State Reps meeting. I walked in to the Bakers Delight Pull Apart room and met these incredibly poised and brilliant women. They had my passion and commitment at Hello! In my time here I have led the Fundraising team, had two children, conducted the State of the Nation project and most recently led our Programs and Services team. So I do feel that I am ready for this massive but very exciting step to lead the organisation. What is so important to me is that we meet the needs of you - our members. We will do this by speaking out on your behalf and providing services that deliver quality information and support. So much has changed since I began in 2006, but one thing remains - we are here to give a voice to the voiceless and make sure everyone's experience is the best it can be. I am looking forward to travelling with our Information Forums around the country and meeting as many of you as possible. I am also thrilled that this year we will host the Plan B conference and the Field of Women. Hearing from you is really important so please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any concerns. I would also love to hear about things we can celebrate! KP
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 :)
Fun Buns at Bakers Delight
I hope everyone has been supporting Bakers Delight through the month of May?! They've been supporting BCNA now for 25 years which is just amazing! On the weekend I volunteered at one of the stores in Perth & encouraged people to buy a pack of 6 x Fun Buns for $8.50 with 100% of the sales going straight to BCNA. It was a fantastic chance to give back to the BCNA as I know it was certainly the first place I went looking for information when I was diagnosed. You can see some more pics & info here: InstagramMaryann (Mez) - Member Support Team's newest recruit
Hello online network community, I thought it was time to officially introduce myself to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) online members. As the title mentions, I am part of the Member Support Team (Helpline) and will also oversee the online network. You are welcome to view my (short) introduction video via the link Mez BCNA Introduction Please feel free to introduce yourself or ask questions. I look forward to communicating with you further in the coming weeks as I navigate the online network. Thankyou :) Transcript of the video below for those unable to access: "Hello online network, community and members of Breast Cancer Network Australia. My name is Maryann, however you are welcome to call me Mez. I am coming on here to officially introduce myself. Perhaps you would have heard of a new team member coming on board with Breast Cancer Network Australia. I am part of the Member Support Team helpline, as well as overseeing and supporting the online network. I've had the opportunity coming on board only the last few weeks, to look at the online network; exploring the functionality, tools and seeing the wonderful connectedness and supportive nature of the community on here. So I do look forward to bringing my experience and knowledge from working in similar like-minded teams/helplines, where I've supported people with chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. I would encourage you to say hello if you wish and introduce yourself. I'm sure I will get to know many of you over the coming weeks and I really am looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the online community. Thank you."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.Friday update 8 October 2021
Friday update 8 October 2021 Hello members, BCNA’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Connect. Support. Empower. Therefore, I am particularly pleased to connect with you all in this Friday update. There is alot happening during the month of October and BCNA will have a number of stories and campaign initiatives to coincide with the breast cancer awareness days. October Awareness Days: • World Mental Health Day (10th Oct) • World Hospice & Palliative Care Day (12th Oct) • Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day – (13th Oct) • Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day – (20th Oct) • Telehealth Awareness Month Community highlights September Online Network activity *47 New users * 122 Contributors * 121 Discussions * 894 Comments No New Groups While we haven’t had any new groups to the Online Network in recent weeks. BCNA shared to the ‘Living with metastatic breast cancer’ group, details of the ‘Thursday Girls Group’ that may be of interest for women with metastatic breast cancer looking for therapeutic support: Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum credit @cranky_granny 2. Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics? 3. Very happy Birthday wishes to @primek for 27 September 4. New fees for radiation therapy as of 1-7-21 Community News The Beacon magazine (Issue 89 – 1 Oct 2021) The latest copy of the free mazagine can be accessed via the website or PDF as per below: Link to the website here: http://beacon.bcna.org.au/ Link to the PDF version here: https://www.bcna.org.au/media/8319/bcna_beacon_october_fy21_final.pdf Key topics include new podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don't Know Until You Do; an unfolding genetic story that has implications for an entire family; learn about women's experiences of breast reconstruction that were revealed in our latest report and Aunty Pam talks about her involvement in the new Berlei campaign. Clinical trials update This information has also been shared in our Health Professionals Network News and the Metastatic Advisory Group: · Nivolumab neoadjuvant/adjuvant clinical trial · EMBRACE Phase II Olaparib clinical trial Click on the link https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23852/clinical-trials-update#latest to view the full details of the trials in the online network discussion. BCNA Workplace Giving Campaign relaunched The fundraising team have relaunched the campaign to encourage people to get involved in their organisation’s workplace giving program and help BCNA ensure every one of the 20,000+ Australians diagnosed with breast cancer this year receives the best care, treatment, and support. CLICK HERE to check out the campaign. Webcasts and conferences REGISTER NOW! Breast Reconstruction Options and Expectations Join us for BCNA’s virtual conference on Tuesday 12 October, 6-9pm to explore the different options of breast reconstruction that may be available to you, managing expectations, the important considerations, key findings from the BCNA survey and the emotional and physical impacts of breast reconstruction. Metastatic Breast Cancer -Thriving together- Living Longer, Living Stronger Join us for BCNA’s virtual conference on Thursday October 14, 6-9pm to explore new treatments on the horizon for metastatic breast cancer and an in-depth look at the management of bone metastases. We will also explore advanced care planning, the importance of connecting with others for support to enhance control and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and strategies to help you with ‘living’ with metastatic breast cancer. Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast Exciting new 10-part podcast series What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman . Psychologist Charlotte Tottman’s experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer, what she learnt, and a practical look at useful strategies to help others cope with their own breast cancer experience from someone who has been there too. BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions I have recently gathered information from my colleagues to present you with short introductions. It is my pleasure to introduce the manager of our Member Support Team, Kate Dixon: Kate started with BCNA in 2012 with the information forums and managed the events team. She has been lucky enough to have travelled all over Australia with BCNA providing information and support to thousands of women and families diagnosed with breast cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic while these face-to-face events have been on hold, Kate moved across to the Member Support Team to provide crucial support and leadership. Kate enjoys managing her team and seeing them make a difference to people in their time of need. During her experience with face-to-face events she enjoyed meeting with members and particularly engaging with people in rural locations. In her spare time Kate enjoys watching a good documentary. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries During the first lockdown in 2020 I discovered the audiobook by author Hugh van Cuylenburg The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. The lessons the author learned from underprivileged students and the work he has done since is quite incredible That concludes another Friday update and hope you enjoy the content. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au (We will be back on deck Monday). Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle ‘Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt, you fall. But, you keep going.’ – Yasmin MogahedFriday update 24 September 2021
Friday update 24 September 2021 Hello members, Well, we have had an interesting week here in Victoria with an earthquake that was felt across the State and by some of our neighbours in New South Wales, Canberra, Adelaide and Launceston – Did you feel it? It is also a public holiday here today in Victoria therefore the BCNA office is closed, however there is still time for a Friday update. For those of you who follow the AFL and/or one of the grand final teams, I hope you enjoy the game on the weekend. Community highlights New groups PALB2 gene support– This is a private group for individuals and family members affected by the PALB2 gene to come together for support and help spread the word about this gene mutation. The very brave Kerr Family spoke up about this largely unknown gene that has greatly affected their family and the main reason behind the Online Network's new PALB2 group. CLICK HERE to access the article. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. More cancer 2. New fees for radiation therapy as of 1-7-21 3. How did you find out about BCNA 4. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum credit @arpie Community News BCNA NEWS 16 Sept 2021 - Removal of Herceptin from PBS From October 2021, there will be some changes to Herceptin, one of the drug therapies that is available for people with HER-2 positive breast cancer – Access the full article via link below: https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2021/09/removal-of-herceptin-from-pbs/ BCNA NEWS 23 Sept 2021 – Breast Reconstruction Report The Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report details the findings from BCNA’s survey, which received 3,350 responses from women across every state and territory, from metropolitan, regional and rural areas, and from ages 18 to over 80 - Access the full report via link below: Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report | Breast Cancer Network Australia (bcna.org.au) The Pink Bra Project (Launching 26th September) The Pink Bra Project is an initiative created by Berlei and Breast Cancer Network Australia to support those close to our heart who have been affected by breast cancer. Berlei have created a special pink bra collection where $10 from the sale of each bra will be donated to BCNA in support of those affected by breast cancer. The collection includes a post-surgery bra, two t-shirt bras and a wirefree bra, and will be available to purchase online and instore from 26th September – Check full details of project via below link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-pink-bra-project/ Webcasts and conferences you have have missed Managing the cost of beast cancer: tips and resources There were 1,157 registrations and it was very interactive and informative one hour session. A few frequently asked/mentioned topics from the night were: · Access to long service, annual and sick leave · Out of pocket costs · Accessing death insurance before you pass · TPD insurance · Help available for self-employed/small business owners · Accessing superannuation early · Added costs for rural and regional members to access metro health care systems · Employment issues If you missed the webcast, you can still register via the link above and watch on demand. Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast If you haven’t already, subscribe to BCNA's Fortnightly Podcasts . Podcast 35 coming up in the last week of September will be in relation to ‘Young Women & Sexuality’. We will also provide details very soon of an upcoming mini-series with clinical psychologist Dr. Charlotte Tottman. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries Recently I re-watched Netflix documentary ‘Minimalism: a documentary about the important things’. You may have also heard of the producer’s podcast ‘The Minimalists’. Good reminder that we don’t have to accumulate ‘things’ for fulfilment. What have you read or watched lately? That’s it from me for another Friday update and I hope you enjoy the read as you head into the weekend. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au (We will be back on deck Monday). Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle ‘I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.’ – Maya Angelou
