Friday Update 15 April 2022
Friday Update 15th April 2022 Hello members I know…it’s Thursday. I deliver you an early Friday update as the BCNA office will be closed tomorrow for Good Friday. Wishing you a lovely Easter and however you mark the occasion, I hope it is with joy. I have been given the inside word on upcoming webcasts and ‘Ask the Expert’ subjects for the month of May that I can share. Also My Journey article updates and other BCNA news. Take care. Community highlights Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active the past fortnight: 1. I'm confused 2. Hope and cancerversary 3. What’s it like to be a guy with breast cancer? 4. Bloody covid Posts by ‘Category Name’ 1-14 April 2022 Community News BCNA News – Election 2022 The 2022 federal election will be held on Saturday 21 May. This election presents an opportunity for BCNA to advocate for improvements to Australia’s healthcare system and health policies in the interests of people diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the next six weeks we will be calling on the federal government to commit to improving outcomes in six priority areas that aim to address the key challenges being faced by people with breast cancer today. Read BCNA’s Election Manifesto here: https://buff.ly/38zN40F BCNA My Journey article updates Update on the COVID-19 vaccine. ATAGI has recommended that people over 16 who are immunocompromised have a winter booster COVID-19 vaccine. People over 65 who are not immunocompromised and First Peoples over 50 should also have a winter booster. This booster is in addition to the booster which was recommended to be given after the primary vaccinations for COVID-19 CLICK HERE TO READ FURTHER A new article has been added to My Journey, called “Managing the cost of breast cancer”. It encourages people to develop strategies soon after a diagnosis of breast cancer, to help reduce the stress and worries about their finances and enable control of the potential financial impact CLICK HERE TO READ FURTHER Pandemic drives use of telehealth for mental health care The COVID-19 pandemic likely permanently increased the delivery of mental health counselling through telehealth, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University CLICK HERE Hunting for a healthier Easter? (Cancer Council WA) Cancer Council have created some great ideas for Easter which may be of interest to some members; focusing on finding some active experiences, enjoying food together and getting crafty CLICK HERE Webcasts Did you miss? – ‘Ask the Expert’ Living Well with Lymphoedema Thank you to everyone to tuned into Ask the Expert digital event with Maree O’Connor, on living well with lymphoedema. If you missed the event, the video is now available to be viewed on-demand. To view now and see all our previous digital events, click here: https://buff.ly/3E1HvUq Coming Soon… BCNA will be launching registrations shortly for the upcoming webcast titled: “Managing long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment”. Then in another few weeks registrations will open for “Ask the Expert – Managing cognitive changes related to breast cancer treatments: strategies and tips”. STAY TUNED! Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries Dying for a Chat: The Communication Breakdown Between Doctors and Patients Medical oncologist Ranjana Srivastava contends that the best medicine begins with a good chat, to guide the decision-making of both doctors and patients. Increasingly, people are unable to properly comprehend the complex treatment choices on offer, or are self-diagnosing and demanding unnecessary or risky procedures. Doctors, in turn, feel unable to deny the requests of patients and their families. Narrow specialisation also means no-one is discussing the overall picture of a patient's health (Winner of the 2013 Human Rights Literature Award). Have a lovely Easter everyone and if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators: @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_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, Anna & Pat "Even the smallest one can change the world." – Peter RabbitFriday Update - 11th February 2022
Friday Update 11th February 2022 Hello members February is upon us and BCNA have some great content coming up this month, including an ‘Ask the Expert’ interactive Zoom session (More details are in this update below). A quick reminder that Carman’s Fun Run is happening on the 20th Feb https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/events/carmans-fun-run/ for those of you who are interested. Community highlights January Online Network activity January saw the Online Network receive a total number of 13,403 visitors to the community: 86 discussions and 829 comments. The ‘Choosing breast reconstruction’ private group had a lot of activity this month with 10 new discussions (If you are looking to interact with other members of this group head to https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction to join). Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active the past fortnight: 1. Friday Funnies 2. Sentinel lymph nodes removed - Chemo & Radiation treatment 3. What 'new hobby' did you take up after your diagnosis/treatments? 4. Breast Cancer Trials Q&A with Annabel Crabb - Metastatic Breast Cancer. Feb 7, 2022 Community News BCNA COVID-19 News – 9th February 2022 BCNA continues to bring together the latest information about COVID-19 and breast cancer to guide you through the issues and help answer any questions you might have. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, it can also reduce your risk of severe illness if you contract COVID-19 and can reduce the likelihood of spreading it to others. We also recommend you follow advice on social-distancing, mask wearing, and handwashing. If you test positive for COVID-19 whilst receiving treatment for breast cancer, it is important to know that decision making about your care will be made with you. These decisions will be based on whether your COVID-19 symptoms are mild or severe, what your vaccine status is, the type of cancer treatment you are receiving, the stage and type of your cancer, and any underlying health conditions you may have. It’s important you also keep your treating team informed about any symptoms. You can find information and further resources on BCNA’s My Journey: https://bit.ly/3HBho7U; You can also contact BCNA’s helpline on 1800 500 258. BCNA Pink Sports Day 2022 Calling all sporting clubs, schools and associations to register now to host a Pink Sports Day in 2022. All sports can get involved and pink up to help support Australians affected by breast cancer. It's fun, it's free and it's a great way to bring everyone back together again this season, Register today: https://bit.ly/3LbBHuO Cancer Mind Care This project is a collaboration between Western & Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (WCMICS), the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS). The Cancer Mind Care self-help online platform was developed and launched in 2021. It provides Australia’s first ‘one-stop-shop’ for tailored mental health support for people with cancer, their support persons, clinicians and First Nations peoples https://cancermindcare.org.au/ ABC Life Matters with Hilary Harper, Michael Mackenzie We hear a lot from our consumers about delays in breast reconstruction and this podcast provides a glimpse into the wider context of what’s happening in the health systems. The ongoing impact of the pandemic has meant many Australians have faced lengthy wait times for elective surgery, but with surgeries resuming in some capacity in NSW and Victoria from February 7, what effect has the delay had on patients' health outcomes? Check out the ABC Podcast The price of pausing elective surgery Webcast / Interactive Digital Event Ask the Expert: Triple Negative Early Breast Cancer with Dr Nick Zdenkowski -REGISTER NOW! Join BCNA on Thursday 17 February Time: 6.00 – 7.00 pm (AEDT) to explore what triple negative early breast cancer is including the different subtypes, the current treatments available and the key outcomes including risk of recurrence, genetic testing, implications and how to access clinical research trials. Register Here via the link and Please share your questions prior to the event via the question box on the registration page, email events@bcna.org.au or during the evening via the discussion box on your screen. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer: How to Feel Empowered and Take Control Many members have recommended and discussed this book that BCNA have listed in My Journey Library. I thought it would be a good one to mention again for our newer members. Authors Professor Trisha Greenhalgh, an academic GP, and Dr Liz O’Riordan, a Consultant Breast Cancer Surgeon, are not only outstanding doctors, but they have also experienced breast cancer first-hand. Packed full of all the things the authors wished they’d known when they were diagnosed, and tips on how to cope with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and beyond, this is the only book you need to read to guide you through your breast cancer diagnosis. Hope you find the information in this week's update useful and in the meantime, if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_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, Anna & Pat “Take my hand. We will walk. We will only walk. We will enjoy our walk without thinking of arriving anywhere.” – Thich Nhat HanhFriday 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
