💪Be your best advocate with your treating team
We've compiled the following lists of questions to help support you in preparing for those appointments where you might feel a little confused or overwhelmed. These questions are designed to help you on the path to having your voice heard during appointments with your treating team as you navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. If there are additional questions not there that you feel helped you, please comment it below so we can continue to grow our impact in empowering patient conversations ❤️ Communication Support Communication with your treating team: 🔎 Questions to Ask: DCIS Newly diagnosed (DCIS) Early Breast Cancer Newly diagnosed (early breast cancer) Treatment (early breast cancer) Finishing active treatment (early breast cancer) Breast Reconstruction Breast reconstruction – questions to ask a surgeon Metastatic Breast Cancer Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis Metastatic treatment and care team Stopping metastatic breast cancer treatment Community Support Young women diagnosed with breast cancer Men diagnosed with breast cancer Questions to get support for First Peoples Questions to get support in remote and rural areasFriday Update - 1st August 2025
Hello and welcome to our Friday Update! Whether you’re new to the BCNA Online Network or a long-time member, we’re so glad you’re here. This safe space built on connection, understanding, and shared experience. Last month, we’ve seen powerful conversations, and practical advice shared across the community. From navigating treatment side effects to finding emotional support, your contributions continue to make this network a safe and empowering place for all. If you’re just joining us, we encourage you to explore the forums Get started here introduce yourself, or simply read along. And if you’ve been with us for a while, thank you for continuing to support others. 💬 Trending Online Network Discussions – July 2025 Bone and join pain side effects of chemotherapy Offering practical advice and emotional support for those newly starting chemotherapy treatment. From bad to worse, but getting better. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after previously having early-stage cancer. Kindly sharing story with the community, sparking conversation and shared experiences. Implant or Autologous Flap? Exploring reconstruction options post-mastectomy, with members sharing their experiences with implants versus DIEP flap procedures. WHO do I tell? Emotional challenges of disclosing diagnosis to loved ones. Members sharing advice on navigating conversations with family and friends. Letting go of blame - WHY did I get cancer? Inspired by a BCNA podcast, this discussion sparks meaningful dialogue about emotional healing and self-compassion. 🌟 BCNA Highlights – July 2025 Expanding the ‘Seat At The Table’ Program BCNA continued to grow its internationally recognised Consumer Representative Program Seat at the Table program , empowering people with lived experience to influence cancer research, policy, and care. This initiative ensures that real voices shape decisions that affect breast cancer patients nationwide. BCNA Consumer Representative Kym shares what she thinks Do you think it’s important that those with lived experience are involved in research? Global Advocacy for Metastatic Breast Cancer BCNA joined forces with Breast Cancer Now (UK) and Rethink Breast Cancer (Canada) at the Australian High Commission in London to launch a joint advocacy pledge. The united call to action urges governments and health systems worldwide to count and recognise people living with metastatic breast cancer; a critical step toward improving care, visibility, and support. Watch Together for visibility, equity, and support! Exciting News! BCNA is proud to welcome Red Energy as our inaugural Principal Partner. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to support all Australians affected by breast cancer. Together, we’re powering hope, connection, and change. Stay tuned for more on how this collaboration will make a meaningful impact. Male Breast Cancer Awareness In November 2024, Martin noticed signs that something was wrong with his health. Read his story via the link Humbled by the love and support 📅 BCNA Events BCNA Pink Lady Match – Sunday 10 August 2025 Join BCNA and major partner Red Energy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the Melbourne Demons take on the Western Bulldogs in support of Australians affected by breast cancer. Watch video Pink Lady Match is back, and tickets are on sale now Event Schedule 1:30 PM – BCNA Tribute Field opens in Yarra Park 1:30 PM – BCNA merchandise available outside Gate 1 and between Gates 5–6 2:00 PM – MCG gates open; attendees take seats for entertainment and pre-match ceremony 3:00 PM – Players enter the field 3:20 PM – Match begins Carman’s Fun Run Sydney– Sunday 21 September 2025 🏃♀️ Location: Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont, Sydney Time: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM AEDT Event Options Half Marathon (21.1K) – Wave A: 7:15 AM | Wave B: 7:20 AM 10K & 5K Runs – Waves start from 9:00 AM Pink Lady 5K Walk – Starts at 10:15 AM Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney That’s a Wrap! Thank you for joining us for another month of connection, support, and shared strength in the BCNA Online Network. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our moderators via BCNA_Mod or email helpline@bcna.org.au . We’re here to help and always happy to hear from you. Until next time, take care and stay connected! BCNA_Mod TeamWelcome New Members - 23rd May 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community in the past few weeks. We hope you are enjoying the conversations! mezmf bear91 Anonymous Nigella Sintah25 never_better Shar24 IDK16 Kmc GiniD Elgy Waratah shacol Linda67 184129 nowavic14 LeanneO PositiveVibes2 Sarah146 Luna_Loops Shell69 ZL HannahMich JosephineB1 Trud Modiri2 jd46 Rileyrat Kyleila Susan2025 Gigi_68 lemony Regina MB7 Clementine mis71t Jh2703 Ghadiri hmphmidgadzooks Michelle13 PygmyPossum25 Elaine66 eeyore_kun SAYO46 This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Mez_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_BCNA . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.Welcome New Members - 9th May 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community since the new platform update at the end of March. We hope you are enjoying the conversations! ads000au 543 JMA Cinta8 shipship Travelmac Madfairies inkblot58 BrendaB marglav Positiveus Nala25 TanyaT6 NDS Minka Amber77 Jane1981 Roses AliceM Pompeygirl2022 Danniskye Anna25 Beatrixb Amanda1909 Jaffa Sammy70 BelindaC ccross Allied Dennie Higgsy mel51 Posi Arnie07 TNBCHubby Marion50 suziq123 Lisaj53 Dayle Laura_5 Kym72 Tilbee jw2025 Coll1102 Jithin LaceysMum Bex Hurstmel helent Jaime rlb Bumblebee Nannybelle TC80 sueper70 thelifeofKH Tessa75 Melsie11 C_Honey JudithN LA Jo195 LQ emma85 Shereeh5 glasskat Jillie Lulijus Angela111 tnbc_2025 ABC123 Mazza1949 trinity_sue lollyshopgirl Sharkyswim Loralie1996 Youngad StephBfree Caz_ Fun-1 SJ11 bl glen Annie62 Cazza12 Subie01 shubhangifusam Sensi_713 Shelleigh Milan irob JMM j777 Fulyn Kirt April2025 larazon sfishe10 geeg susieq1969 LauraB27 vixterh Tetel Ando Cath74 EJM Miftymel Oddangie Sue12 Rose1988 nicholsmi Cath_68 Nani Leeo AJay Prim79 Braktas1 NelzD80 SamG latteandleaves Palmy66 Kevinamada LisadoesBC Livinglife111 Thames Jen5 paulina_gtzr kjwhite01 Dollycat1 Scotland123 DL_4481 JessEA scoutblazing A81 Gidget QP Ally327 Suzie54carter ljames Una Jane1970 Lizzie27 Ashkii LULUSMUM Vicki27 Ritam 3749447 TCH mezmf Jo-SA AnnieM42 Jewelzbee Aries01 Lisa76 layna PatW netney ThinLizzy HoneyBee3 Lou25 Neeke45 Wenzaroo11 CKewley jackie-1957 KA Shellby katethompson3 This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_BCNA . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.
