💡 Curious about how AI is helping predict breast cancer risk?
If you’ve ever wondered what all this “AI” talk is about (and whether it’s more than just robots and buzzwords!), there’s an upcoming session you might enjoy. The VCCC Alliance is hosting an online event all about how AI is being used to improve breast cancer risk prediction. It’s designed for everyday people, no tech background needed, no fancy jargon required. Just bring your natural curiosity and perhaps a comfy chair and a cuppa. ☕ Tune in: 🗓 30 Mar 2026, 1.00–2.00pm AEDT 📍Online, register here
🗣️ Consumer voice strengthens health education
Recently, BCNA Consumer Representative Kate Keogh Murray took part in two interactive workshops at Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, where she spoke with medical, radiology and social work students about her breast cancer experience. By bringing lived experience into the classroom, these sessions help future health professionals better understand the impact of empathy, communication and collaboration on patient-centered care. The response from students highlighted just how powerful consumer experience and insight can be in shaping more respectful, compassionate healthcare for the future. Workshop coordinator Associate Professor Caroline Wright says: “Co-delivering this workshop with people who have lived experience gives health professional students authentic insight into how communication and teamwork directly influences a patient's understanding, confidence and overall care experience. This memorable experience, highlights the need for students to reflect on the importance of respect, empathy, collaboration, and humility which all contribute to the delivering of true patient centered care" If like Kate, you want to use your experience to make a difference, 👉 click here to find out how you can get involved✨ Wednesday Wellness - Education Edition
💡 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER This week’s check in is all about education – because learning is wellness for the mind. We’ve found some upcoming webinars that might spark your interest, inspire new ideas, or help you choose your next steps. Check them out and see what speaks to you! Breast Cancer Education Series Topic: Fertility and Early Menopause in Breast Cancer Patients 🗓️ Wednesday 17 September | 🕠 5:30–6:30pm (AEST) Globally, approximately 500,000 women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Most of these women are premenopausal.Join Dr Wanda Cui and Dr Felicity Martin as they discuss fertility considerations in young patients with breast cancer. 👉 Register here Panel Q&A Session Topic: Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment & What Researchers Are Doing About It 🗓️ Wednesday 24 September | 🕔 5:00–6:30pm (AEST) Join this free online Q&A event hosted by Breast Cancer Trials - Moderated by Author and Journalist, Annabel Crabb. A panel of leading researchers, clinicians and patient advocates will discuss the latest in clinical trials and emerging treatments that aim not only to improve survival, but also enhance quality of life during and after treatment. 👉 Register here Breast Cancer Grand Round Topic: Making Sense of Emerging Data in First-Line HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer 🗓️ Monday 6 October | 🕐 1:00–2:00pm (AEST) Dr Otto Metzger, Medical Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and principal investigator for the PATINA trial, will explore the latest clinical evidence shaping the treatment landscape for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and how to apply this to real-world clinical practice to optimise patient outcomes. 👉 Register here 🏃 CARMEN'S FUN RUN THIS WEEKEND - SYDNEY EDITION! After giving your mind a workout, why not give those legs a go too? In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carman’s Kitchen, we invite you to join us this weekend for the first Carmen's Fun Run in Sydney - Sunday 21 September 2025. Walk, jog or run 5km, 10km or 21.1km and make it count by raising funds to help Australians affected by breast cancer. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable, pink-filled day at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont. Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney 💜💚💛 Let’s take a moment to pause and remember that wellness comes in many forms — like connection, compassion, and community. Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone who is, know that you’re never alone. Together we continue to build a network of strength, hope, and resilience. Warmly, BCNA Mods
Attending SABCS 2019
Well, thanks a lot Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation for a travel and accommodation scholarship to San Antonio for SABCS 2019. Looking forward to learning heaps and, especially, meeting the many US folks that I have been communicating online with for the past five years. @Giovanna_BCNA Let me know if I can do anything there for BCNA.
Podcast for the medical fraternity
There are two other discussions about BCNA creating podcasts for patients, but what I'd really like to see is a podcast aimed specifically at the young medical students, interns and registrars. They seem to stumble around, trying to develop a bedside manner with little guidance as to how to behave. Unfortunately, they seem to be emulating the senior doctors, only picking up the worst traits of haste, indifference and disregard. Here's my top five pointers: 1. Please learn my name. Please ask me whether I prefer Jacqueline or Jacqui. Don't assume that the name on the file is how you should address someone. 2. Please don't tell me how busy (and important) you are. I'm here because I have a life-threatening disease and I'm feeling vulnerable. Telling me how over-worked you are just diminishes my significance in the situation. 3. Listen. Stop and listen. Stop, listen and explain. Instead of asking me "any questions?", ask me "what is your biggest concern right now". 4. Your opinion is not the most important in the room. You are here to give me guidance and options, not to dictate the course of action YOU want. 5. Don't belittle my source of information. When I tell you that the lived experience of BCNA members differs from your textbook, believe me. What other messages would you like medical staff to learn?
Volunteers needed to help Med and Physio Students with Patient Communication
Hi all, I am currently working at Sydney's Macquarie University Hospital as their new Volunteer Coordinator and thought some of you who live in Sydney may be interested in becoming involved with our Health & Wellbeing Collaboration (HAWC) Program which involves physiotherapy and medical students and community volunteers meeting on a regular basis to discuss their medical condition, how it affects them, and how they interact with the health care system. The program is a great way for our students to improve their communication and patient-interaction skills, hopefully ensuring our graduates have great bedside manners! Although no direct treatment is given to volunteers, students will, over time, perform assessments of mobility and balance which may provide valuable information to the volunteer, their family and caregivers. Students may also use assessment findings to suggest exercise and physical activity programs that will be tailored to the volunteer’s health goals and needs. We are recruiting for the period Aug-Nov and visits happen 4-5 times during that period, usually at the volunteer's home, and at their convenience. This is a great opportunity to help inform and educate our future medical and health care-givers! To find out more: https://www.mq.edu.au/about/about-the-university/faculties-and-departments/faculty-of-medicine-and-health-sciences/departments-and-centres/department-of-health-professions/engage-with-us or call 02 9850 9077 and ask for the HAWC Recruitment Officer.
Is there an information day in October for metastatic breast cancer and latest research?
hi folks, just wanting to clarify, is there an information day coming up in October regarding metastatic cancer and latest research etc? I can’t find anything on the website and now thinking I might have dreamt it
