Update from BCNA Policy and Advocacy on the Breast Reconstruction Report
Update from BCNA Policy and Advocacy on the Breast Reconstruction Report BCNA Policy & Advocacy has been busy implementing our action plan from the Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report, launched in September 2021. Key activities have included meetings held with most state and territory governments to advocate for the recommendations outlined in the report. BCNA also continues to drive work in several stakeholder groups including the Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group (AABRCG). BCNA has liaised with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to review AABRCG’s breast reconstruction resources and endorse them as best practice statements to be shared with GPs nationally. Formal endorsement of a position statement titled Access to Post Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Information and Services Australia is also being progressed by the General Surgeons Australia group. If you missed BCNA's 'Breast Reconstruction – Options and Expectation' Virtual Conference in October, you can still watch on demand via the following link https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/393082.html111Views0likes2CommentsFriday 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 Angelou111Views3likes2CommentsPerth Reconstruction Support Group Lunch
Our next lunch will be Saturday 31st July 12:30pm at The Herdsman Lake Tavern 33 Herdsman Parade Wembley. It’s all very informal - we buy our own food/drink, sit around a big table & share our reconstruction experiences. New Ladies bring your questions and hopefully we can give you the answers/reassurance you’re looking for. Ladies going through reconstruction/finished - please consider joining us to help the new ladies make this very important decision. Please RSVP by sending me a private message via the Online Network if you'd like to attend. 🥰11Views0likes0CommentsBCNA's breast reconstruction project - Share your views
BCNA's breast reconstruction project - Share your views BCNA wants to make a difference to breast reconstruction in Australia. We have developed a survey to better understand members’ experiences of breast reconstruction, including issues around access, waiting times, the financial impact of reconstruction and the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on elective surgery which occurred in 2020. You do not have to have undergone a breast reconstruction to take the survey. But you do need to have considered having a mastectomy (either as part of your breast cancer treatment, or as a way to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer). You can take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCNARecon. The survey should take about 15-20 minutes. Your survey answers will be kept confidential. Only de-identified findings will be reported. We may include comments you make in a report, however, we will not identify you by name. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about this survey, please contact the BCNA Policy Team on policy@bcna.org.au. Thank you in advance for your help. Warm regards, BCNA's Policy Team171Views1like1CommentCOVID-19 and impact on breast reconstruction surgery
Hello Ladies, We need your help! BCNA is now working with government, health professionals, and the media to advocate for future policies that minimise the long term impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer outcomes. We are looking to understand more about how COVID-19 has impacted your personal breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you were unable to have a breast reconstruction due to COVID-19 restrictions on elective surgery or travel and are now on a waiting list, please let us know if you would be happy to share your story. If your are interested in sharing your story please email Lisa Berger lberger@bcna.org.au Thanking you kind regards Giovanna221Views1like5CommentsCentral Coast NSW Peer Support Lunch - Reclaim Your Curves
Happy New Year everyone, The Central Coast Reclaim Your Curves Peer support lunch will be held Sunday February 23rd. I've booked the Deck Meeting Room at The Breakers Country Club for 12md. Our speaker will be Kate Perkins from Lymphatic Solutions in Erina who'll discuss Scar Management. Everyone is so welcome Look forward to seeing you there. Anne31Views1like0CommentsPerth Support Group Lunch 31 August 2019 - Breast Reconstruction
Come and join us at 12:30pm on 31st August at The Herdy in Wembley for a couple of hours of sharing about Breast Reconstruction. New ladies this is a great place to ask your questions and I love how ladies who are going thru the process or have finished keep coming along to reassure you. We buy our own food/drink and then it’s a really informal sharing session. You can rsvp through our website in the events section: reclaimyourcurves.org.au Looking forward to meeting you all 😀41Views1like0CommentsPerth Reconstruction Support Group Lunch Saturday 23 February 2019
Hi ladies - our next lunch is Saturday 23rd February at The Herdy in Wembley. We buy our own food/drinks - lots of choices, then enjoy our lunch whilst sharing our reconstruction experiences, asking/answering all those questions you have. If you’ve finished your recon or even part way through but would like to help other women we’d love you to join us. You can rsvp through our website - reclaimyourcurves.org.au in the events section - looking forward to meeting you - Leone 😀91Views1like5CommentsQUT research study – Share your thoughts about new breast reconstruction technologies
Hi all, Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are undertaking research which aims to combine new breast implant technology (involving three-dimensional printing) with standard methods of breast reconstruction to provide women affected by breast cancer with a reconstruction that has a more natural shape and feel. As part of this project, the researchers have developed a short online survey to understand more about how women diagnosed with breast cancer make decisions about whether or not to have a breast reconstruction, as well as how women may feel about the new breast reconstructive technology. Who can participate? You can participate in this study if you: Have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Please note: you do NOT have to have had a breast reconstruction to participate in this project. What does the study involve? Participating in the study involves completing an online survey. The survey will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes and your responses will be anonymous. If you participate in the survey, you will be asked some questions about yourself and the diagnosis of breast cancer. These will include: how many years it has been since your diagnosis of breast cancer, what cancer treatments you received and whether or not you chose to have a breast reconstruction. You will also be asked: If there was a new reconstructive breast technology introduced in clinical practice, what do you think is the most likely event or factor that would influence your opinion or behaviour in relation to choosing the new breast technology over a commonly used operation like an implant or FLAP operation? The survey also includes a couple of general purpose questions relating to human behaviour. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions; the questions help the researchers understand more about how people make decisions. As a token of their appreciation, the researchers are offering participants the chance to go in for a single lucky draw prize of $1,000. If you win, you will receive $500 in cash and the chance to select a charity to win another $500. There is no obligation to participate in this competition. How do I take part? To participate in this study, go to the Study’s webpage: https://survey.qut.edu.au/f/192244/9748/. If you have any questions, please contact Dr Stephen Whyte on sg.whyte@qut.edu.au. Thanks very much for taking the time to consider this opportunity.881Views4likes24Comments