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! KPMaryann (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.Pink Bun Campaign - BCNA want to hear from you
Hello members, Have you been affected by breast cancer or know someone who has? BCNA would like to hear your stories as we prepare for the upcoming Pink Bun campaign kickstarting on the 27th April 2022. We welcome all member stories and if you happen to reside in a regional or remote location we encourage you to share your experience as we often hear of increased hardship and stress due to the absence of specialised services. Over our 22-year partnership, Bakers Delight has raised over $22 million for BCNA. Money raised this year will help BCNA continue to provide up-to-date, tailored information to the 57 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Please email contact@bcna.org.au or call 1800 500 258. If you prefer you can send me a direct message.
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.Friday update 22 October 2021
Friday update 22 October 2021 Hello members, It is a nice welcome today for Victorians as the lockdown restrictions lift today - Enjoy your greater freedoms! BCNA continue their October breast cancer awareness campaign, highlighting issues that impact those diagnosed and advocate to drive change. Thankyou to all of our members who have shared their stories, resources and support. Community highlights Reminder Private Groups Given that in October we have had ‘Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day’ and ‘Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day’, I wanted to remind members of the Online Network’s private groups if you are seeking greater peer-to-peer support: Living with metastatic breast cancer men living with breast cancer 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 @ChezaH 2. COVID booster shots 3. Night Howlers - Jump on to chat if you are awake 4. Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics? Community News BCNA NEWS 13 Oct 2021 - When an Employee Needs Leave for Cancer Treatment ‘Don’t come back’ were the words Liz Tapping heard when she asked if she could take leave from her job to receive treatment for breast cancer. Her employer of 5 years sacked her on the spot. A recent ruling in the Federal Circuit Court found this action contravened the Fair Work Act. CLICK HERE to read full details of Liz’s story and also access BCNA resources to educate and support employees. Cancer Australia - The Impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020 Cancer Australia today released a new report, The impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020: Examination of MBS claims data for 2020, nationally and by jurisdiction, which shows an overall sustained reduction in cancer services in 2020. BCNA has also been working with Cancer Australia, providing consumer insight and feedback into the development of communications about the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and the impact on those with a diagnosis of breast cancer. You can find frequently asked questions in BCNA’s My Journey and on the Cancer Australia website. If you have any information that you’d like to share about how COVID-19 has been impacting your patients, please email the Policy Team on policy@bcna.org.au. “Don’t Delay and just hope it’ll go away.” – Male Breast Cancer Awareness Perth Channel 7 news featured Pieter and highlighted Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in a fantastic segment. Pieter's full story is available to watch on our IGTV on Instagram. Head over to https://www.instagram.com/bcnapinklady/ to view his story and more. “There is also a lot of misunderstanding about metastatic breast cancer and what this means in terms of your treatment and survival.” – Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Mother-of-three Andrea Smith knows she will lose her life to an incurable form of breast cancer. But she is determined to help other sufferers while she can. Read Andrea’s story CLICK HERE The Pink Bra Project Continues This breast cancer awareness month show your support for those affected by breast cancer and the people around them. $10 from every Pink Bra sale from Berlei's Pink Bra collection will go to BCNA. Hear BCNA member’s stories and ambassadors Stuart Diver, Aunty Pam, Raeleen Boyle and Sophie Conway https://www.berlei.com.au/pink-bra-project Webcasts and conferences you may have missed Breast Reconstruction Options and Expectations The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · Access to resources · Should you have radiation before or after an implant · The impact of COVID-19 on wait times · Breast implant illness · Breast cancer recurrence after a reconstruction · Discussions around the option of not having a reconstruction Metastatic Breast Cancer -Thriving together- Living Longer, Living Stronger The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · How to manage resistance treatment with hormone blocking therapies · Immunotherapies and triple negative breast cancer · How to reduce the risk of fractures from bone metastasises · New drugs that enhance the action of chemotherapy in the cell · Uncertainty and fear of what might happen in the future · Support groups are a really important way to connect with others and reduce feelings isolation Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast Have you checked out our new 10-part podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman? Each episode explores Charlotte’s lived experience, provides explanations of psychological triggers and responses and practical strategies that may help you or someone you know on their breast cancer journey. All episodes are available to stream now across all podcast platforms. To listen visit https://bit.ly/3oD0S0C BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Anna Wilson from our Member Support Team: Anna joined BCNA In 2012, after a friend told her there was a position available on the helpline. Originally a primary teacher and with three young kids, she decided to take a leap and move into this space. While Anna knew little about BCNA’s role, from the moment she started her role she loved it! Anna felt like she could really make a difference being part of the organisation and found many ways to contribute both on the helpline and then in the fundraising and the sponsorship team. Anna loves to hear the stories of the people who call the helpline and see how BCNA can really make a difference. She loves her colleagues at BCNA and enjoys collaborating with them each day “They are all so professional, knowledgeable and they care deeply for all those women, men and their families who are experiencing breast cancer”. Outside of work, Anna loves gardening and especially loves spring. Her two helpers Maggie and Billy are never far away! Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries Have you seen the My Journey article about ‘The Library’? https://myjourney.org.au/article/3497 The Library provides names of some books you might find helpful or interesting to read. Books in the 'about breast cancer and DCIS' and 'live well' sections have been reviewed by BCNA staff and are recommended as reliable information. Personal stories have not always been reviewed by BCNA, but may have been recommended to us by others diagnosed with breast cancer or sent to us by the author (often a BCNA member). If there is a book you would like to suggest for this list, please email us at contact@bcna.org.au or post here in the discussion and I will pass on. Hope you enjoy this update and I always welcome feedback. 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 "Awareness is all about restoring your freedom to choose what you want instead of what your past imposes on you" - Deepak Chopra
