The Beacon - Issue # 95 'Celebrating 25 years of BCNA'
Hello Online Network members, The latest issue #95 of The Beacon is now available. You can access it here via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-95-june-2023/ This is a special edition celebrating 25 years of BCNA! You will go on a journey of BCNA's history and how the organisation has supported people affected by breast cancer. There is also a 'Download' option if you prefer to read it as a PDF. Enjoy!The Beacon - 1st March 2023
Hi everyone, If you haven't checked your inbox yet, you should have received the latest issue #94 of The Beacon. Alternatively you can access it here via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-94-march-2023/ If you prefer to read it offline as a PDF there is a 'Download' option. Hope you enjoy the content.Friday Update - 2nd December 2022
Friday update 2nd December 2022 Hello members, Welcome to December! I look forward to sharing some of the activity at BCNA and also important news about some upcoming changes to the online network. Given we are heading into the holiday season very soon, it is a good idea to remind everyone that this time of year can be difficult for many people. Our Helpline will be closed for a short period (23 December to 3 January 2022), however the unique part of the online network is that it keeps ticking over no matter the time of the year. I encourage you to seek support for yourself and connect with others over the closure period. Moderators will be on a reduced roster over the closure period, though they will still monitor the discussions/activity. Community highlights November Online Network activity In November the online network had 14,096 visits to the community; 72 new discussions and 362 new comments. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active in November: 1. Newly diagnosed 2. Airport X-ray machines and a prosthesis 3. Hair loss 4. When can I start eating salads, soft cheese and the like? 5. Update on Doxorubicin/Caelyx Posts by ‘Category’ Name’ November 2022 Community News Online network – exciting changes Launched in 2010, BCNA's online network is an online peer to peer support community, providing people affected by breast cancer with a safe space to connect with others, share stories or ask for advice. Twelve years later BCNA’s Online Network is getting a much-needed new look, making it modern, inviting and user-friendly. On the 15th of December 2022 when you login you will notice an updated template to the online network. The platform provider remains the same, therefore the key functions you are familiar with remain. We will have new category icons for quick access to breast cancer topics and discussions; BCNA announcements and peer-to-peer discussions will be separated; and the search function will have a much-improved upgrade (These are just some of the new features). I have shared some screenshots below of the staging (draft) site to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind we are still refining some aspects, including the category icons. SCREENSHOT 1 - HOMEPAGE BANNER AND CATEGORIES CAROSEL SCREENSHOT 2 - HOMEPAGE DISUCCSION LAYOUT AND HELPLINE INFORMATION SCREENSHOT 3 - SEARCH FUNCTION There will be a transition period where the ‘Navigating the online community’ information has to be updated; however, this has to wait until the new upgrade goes live. If you need any assistance, you can always message the moderators or contact the Helpline 1800 500 258. Thankyou for all the feedback you have provided since I took on the online network management role in August 2021. Several of the key updates are a direct result of the feedback by our valued members. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new look when it goes live! Issue 93, December 2022 – The Beacon The final edition for 2022 has been emailed to your inbox and can be found via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-93-december-2022/ There are so many great articles this month: · Genetics and the risk of breast cancer · Breast cancer inspired lifestyle changes · Regional breast care nurse in regional Australia · Issues paper: Making metastatic breast cancer count · Transitioning back to work after breast cancer · A young mum’s breast cancer experience In the September edition we had over 8,000 views which is a wonderful result and we hope December is just as strong. Rockhampton Information Forum – watch on demand BCNA hosted an Information Forum in Rockhampton for people living with breast cancer and their supporters. The Information Forum covered a range of topics including the latest in breast cancer treatment, managing your emotional wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis, and how you can live well during treatment and beyond. You can now watch the on-demand videos of each presentation please click here. My personal favourite part of the forum recordings is the ‘Lived experience panel’ you can view below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-hJ5Z-tCJ8&list=PLpvVCfUeAqMBD-xVnHuRqaVk0GF3AizLn&index=1 12 Gifts of Christmas If you are looking for gifts this Christmas and also would like to support people affected by breast cancer, head to BCNA’s 12 Gifts of Christmas website page where you will find wonderful organisations involved in the campaign. My Journey - COVID-19 Information If you or someone you know has breast cancer it's important you continue to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19. Some states and territories are entering a new wave of COVID-19. Choose to stay safe by wearing a mask in indoor settings, getting together with others in well ventilated spaces and staying up to date with vaccinations. Check your state or territory’s Department of Health website for more information on how to stay safe. BCNA has continued to update a suite of content about COVID-19 and breast cancer on MyJourney - see link: https://myjourney.org.au/article/3154 Breast cancer protein helps identify ways to target cells resistant to chemotherapy Interesting article highlighted by the Policy & Advocacy team in relation to new ways to target cells that resist chemotherapy. CLICK HERE to read full article at the Newcastle Herald. Webcasts/Podcasts Did you miss the webcast: Food and Movement When Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer? Although those who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer don’t require a specific diet, a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a sense of physical and mental wellbeing and can improve your quality of life. You will hear from exercise physiologist Dr Eva Zopf, dietitian Erynn Sotirelis, BCNA member Laura Yammouni and BCNA Consumer Representative Lisa Tobin. Watch on-demand via the link: https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/f0bdf1.html Books / TV Shows / Movies/ Documentaries A little gem of a documentary series on Netflix right now is Season 2 of Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Where he takes his exploration of healthy, sustainable ways to live to Australia I admit I can sometimes be sceptical of actor types embarking on these projects, however I was pleasantly surprised. Take care and if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_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, & Pat “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then return home”. – Australian Aboriginal ProverbThe Beacon - 1st December 2022
Hello everyone, Well it is December already and the latest issue #93 of The Beacon is available now and should arrive in your inbox today. Alternatively you can access it here via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-93-december-2022/ There is also a 'Download' option if you prefer to read it as a PDF. Enjoy!Friday Update - 11th November 2022
Friday update 11th November 2022 Hello members, October was full of activity and events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thankyou to everyone who hosted an event or got involved in any way to raise awareness. I will do a bit of a re-cap on the theme ‘Understanding My Care’ that BCNA highlighted throughout the month. Thunder and rain echoes through my home town today, so while it is warming up it doesn’t quite feel like we are heading into summer soon! Enjoy the update. Community highlights October Online Network activity In October the Online Network had 16,652 visits to the community; 116 new discussions and 597 new comments Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active in September: 1. Creative Corner! 2. Lumpectomy done - margins question 3. Radiation started 4 of 25 4. Integrated doctor/oncologist in Victoria 5. DCIS Posts by ‘Category’ Name’- October 2022 Community News Understanding my care During October, Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) promoted awareness of optimal breast cancer care through a campaign called Understanding My Care. Please take a moment to complete our survey about the campaign. It should only take about 5 minutes. Your opinion is important to us and helps us keep improving how we communicate important messages about breast cancer. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7C5K6CC You can also check out the posts that I shared on this topic during the month of October: My Care - Understanding Best Timeframes for Treatment My Care - Understanding Supportive Care My Care - Understanding Multidisciplinary Care My Care - Understanding Informed Financial Consent My Care - Understanding Access to Clinical Trials BCNA News 13 Oct 2022 – Making metastatic breast cancer count Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) announced that there are over 10,000 people living with metastatic breast cancer in Australia. This figure is only an estimate because Australia’s cancer registries are currently only mandated to report the number of people diagnosed with cancer (incidence) and how many people die from cancer (mortality). This means we currently don’t count people who are living with metastatic breast cancer. Read the full news item HERE and Download issues paper: Making metastatic breast cancer count BCNA News 1 Nov 2022 – Medicare rebate for breast MRI The eligibility for a subsidised MRI for people who don’t have symptoms but have a high risk of developing breast cancer has expanded. This eligibility has changed from under 50 to under 60 years, meaning more people could now be eligible. Your GP will determine if you are at high risk and meet the Medicare criteria for an MRI. We are aware not everyone qualifies for this subsidy, and that’s why BCNA continues to advocate for greater access to subsided treatment and care. If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. BCNA encourages you to talk to your GP about your breast cancer risk. For more information and to check your eligibility visit: https://bit.ly/MedicareMRI BCNA visits Rockhampton! BCNA hosted an Information Forum in Rockhampton for people living with breast cancer and their supporters. The Information Forum covered a range of topics including the latest in breast cancer treatment, managing your emotional wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis, and how you can live well during treatment and beyond. You can read more about the local Rockhampton community groups and the speak biographies HERE The Beacon – December (Preview) The December edition of The Beacon is currently in-progress; I have the inside word on several topic/stories that will be included: * Ask the expert: Genetics and the link to breast cancer Expert: Associate Professor Yoland Antill, Medical Oncologist and Cancer Genetics Specialist. This story covers how your family members might know they are at risk, what genes are associated with breast cancer, how to get a genetic test including the cost, what it involves, and what a positive result means. * Transitioning back into work after breast cancer treatment Expert: Jo Lewis, Occupational Therapist working as a Clinical Program Consultant with CancerAid and Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney. This story explores the advice from Jo about how you can take charge of returning to work, including talking about your experience, planning your return, how your employer can help you and what to do if you return to work and you don’t cope. * Planning for the future: Advance care planning Expert: Sonia Fulton, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Sonia is a firm advocate for everyone preparing an advance care plan so they maintain control over the medical treatment they receive if they lose capacity. She says, ‘Having an advance care plan means that even if you’re very unwell and can't verbalise your wishes, you will still be heard,’ Sonia says. ‘It's not like a will, which is a plan for what happens after you die. An advanced care plan is about what happens to you while you are still alive. It ensures doctors can make treatment decisions in line with your preferences.’ *Breast cancer inspired me to make changes to my lifestyle Member: Kath was diagnosed with locally advanced triple negative breast cancer in 2019 after feeling a lump in the shower. She often used alcohol to cope with life’s challenges, however realised that healing was more important after her diagnosis. She remained alcohol free and made changes to other lifestyle choices she had control over, including her exercise, diet and stress levels. She says that by taking control, she’s living a life aligned with her purpose and values. *Being a breast care nurse in a regional Australia Donna Wellington – Breast Care Nurse. Based in Rockhampton Central Queensland, Donna is the only full-time breast care nurse employed by Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, which covers an area of 114,000 square kilometres, including Longreach, a 10-hour drive west. The story explores some of the key roles of her job and also the key benefits of breast care nurses Webcasts/Podcasts Food and Movement When Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer - Wednesday 23 November 7:00 – 8:30pm AEDT In a recent Issues Paper, Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count, BCNA used modelling to estimate that there are currently over 10,000 Australians living with metastatic breast cancer. Although those who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer don’t require a specific diet, a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a sense of physical and mental wellbeing and can improve your quality of life. Register now via the following link: https://bcna.live/foodmovementwebcast Did you miss ‘Men and Breast Cancer – Treatment, Managing Side Effects and Finding Support’? In 2022, it is predicted that 212 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This diagnosis can be particularly confronting for men and may bring many different challenges, including difficulty finding tailored information, feelings of isolation and being unsure who you can speak to. It is important for you to know there is a range of support available to you. You can watch the recorded session via the YouTube LINK The session explored hormone-blocking treatments for breast cancer and how to manage side effects, provide information about lymphoedema and the treatment and care available and learn about what resources and support are available to you. Survey If you have time, please visit the recent discussion created by our Policy & Advocacy Project Manager (Siobhan) Participate in a research survey to assess the quality of Online Network . BCNA is committed to making improvements to the online network on a regular basis and values user input. Take care and if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_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, & Pat “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” – William FaulknerThe Beacon - 1st September 2022 Edition
Greetings everyone, The latest issue #92 of The Beacon is available now and should arrive in your inbox today. Alternatively you can access it here via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-92-september-2022/ There is also a 'Download' option if you prefer to read it as a PDF. Enjoy!October Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Hello members, As many of you are aware, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is Australia’s leading consumer network. We connect, support and empower Australians affected by breast cancer. We enable connections within our broad network to ensure no one feels alone. We provide support to help those affected by breast cancer make informed decisions. And we empower people to live well with and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis and make a difference by using their voice for change. Keep a look out in October as BCNA launches a powerful new podcast series, will host informative virtual conferences, raise awareness about issues that impact those diagnosed: • The Beacon (1st Oct) • Podcast Mini Series: with Dr Charlotte Tottman (6th Oct) • Virtual Conferences – Breast Reconstruction – Options and Expectations (12th Oct) Thriving Together – Living Longer, Living Stronger (14th Oct) • Podcast: Financial Impact (28th Oct) Our commitment is to continue to Connect, Support and Empower this October and beyond!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 Murayi
