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!111ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsThe 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.124ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsFriday 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. Severa…204ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsThe 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!121ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsFriday 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…122ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsThe 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!299ViewsSign in to react to this post4CommentsThe Beacon - 1st June 2022 edition
Hi everyone, The latest issue #91 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-91-june-2022/ Enjoy the new interactive format and as always, we welcome your feedback.319ViewsSign in to react to this post5CommentsThe Beacon - 1st March 2022 edition
Hi members, If you haven't already checked our inbox, the latest copy of The Beacon magazine has been sent via email to those who subscribe. In this edition you’ll find a variety of stories including an Ask the Expert about lymphoedema, how a young mother of two rebuilt her identity after breast cancer, our new content for our First Peoples and LGBTIQ+ communities, what’s happening in our policy and advocacy space, and much more. You can read via the PDF or The Beacon website150ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsOctober 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!176ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsFriday 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 provid…379ViewsSign in to react to this post8Comments
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