✨ Wrapping up “Partnering with Purpose: Pathways to Meaningful Consumer Engagement”
BCNA was proud to attend the COSA-IPOS 2025 in Adelaide this year, where we presented our work on strengthening consumer–researcher partnerships, and three posters on BCNA’s My Journey, metastatic breast cancer advocacy and consumer perspectives of trauma-informed care. This week, we hosted a pre-conference workshop that brought together people with living and lived expertise of cancer, researchers and clinicians, to explore what genuine consumer engagement looks like and involves. Together, we reflected on: 🔹 Power and positionality- how context and assumptions shape engagement. 🔹 Navigating complexity- recognising the emotional and interpersonal realities of partnership. 🔹 Partnership in practice- turning reflection into action through practical strategies and case studies. BCNA is committed to strengthening consumer engagement across the cancer sector and supporting initiatives that build the capability and capacity of people with lived experience. Thank you to all who joined, shared, and helped create a space for honest connection and learning. Together, we’re building stronger, more purposeful consumer–researcher partnerships that can truly transform cancer research and care ❤️🏃TREK4BCNA🏃 - Who here has a case of the Trekking bug?!
Take on the adventure of a lifetime! You’re invited to join BCNA community ambassador Kristal in the TREK4BCNA to Mount Kilimanjaro this February. Whether it’s a chance to challenge yourself physically and mentally, a way to show support for others, or to do a life changing trek in memory of someone you love, a group of like-minded people will walk by your side. Click here to check out more: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/bcna-kilimanjaro-2026/🏃 Carman’s Fun Run will be back in Melbourne - Early bird reg closes tomorrow!!!🏃
Carman’s Fun Run will be back in Melbourne on 15 February 2026 at Elsternwick Park, Brighton! Early bird registration closes 30 October so register now for the 5k Pink Lady walk, or run the 5k, 10k or half marathon. There’s something for everyone, including your furry friends! Get a group together and fundraise for BCNA to make your run mean more. Register at https://solemotive.com/pages/carmans-fun-run-mel-home🌟 Special AFLW Game Night Opportunity – This Friday! 🌟
Hi everyone, We’ve got a few awesome opportunities available for our BCNA community at the Melbourne Demons AFLW game this Friday night (tomorrow!) at Ikon Park, Carlton – and we’d love to see them filled by someone in our Online Network! Here’s what’s available: 🎉 Junior Mascot – 1 child (aged 6–12) to run out with the team pre-game (arrive 6:15pm) 🎉 Guard of Honour – A family or group of up to 10 people to cheer the players onto the field 🎉 Ball Delivery – A special on-field moment to deliver the match ball If you'd like to participate, please reach out today by calling the helpline on 1800 500 258. Thanks so much for helping us make this a memorable night 💕 Warmly, BCNA Mods🌸 What a Day! Carman’s Fun Run Sydney 🌸
It was incredible to see Metcalfe Park into a sea of pink for Carman’s Fun Run. There were 3000 runners and walkers that laced up, participated and stayed to enjoy the event village under the sunny skies of Sydney. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who: 🏃♀️ Ran or walked alongside us 🎉 Cheered from the sidelines 🤝 Partnered with us to make it all happen 💌 Supported from afar We hope you’re enjoying a well-earned break this week — and don’t forget to polish those medals! 🏅First Carman's Fun Run in Sydney!
Carman’s Fun Run is only one month away. We’re excited to bring Carman’s Fun Run to Sydney for the very first time in 2025! Following its overwhelming success in Melbourne, Carman’s Fun Run is launching its inaugural Sydney event on Sunday 21 September 2025. In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carman’s Kitchen, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable, pink-filled day at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont. Join our inclusive and supportive community who will help inspire you, your family and friends along your journey to 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 and help us turn the Harbour City PINK! Find our more and register today✨ 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 ModsFriday Update - 6th June 2025
Hi everyone, Welcome to your Friday Update from BCNA's Online Network! As we wrap up May, we're excited to share the latest highlights and activity that have shaped our community last month. From the inspiring 25th anniversary of the Pink Bun campaign to powerful advocacy efforts and volunteer celebrations, May has been a month of connection and support. Let’s take a look at what’s been happening across the BCNA network 🌸 Pink Bun Campaign – 25 Years of Support May marked the 25th anniversary of the Pink Bun campaign, a long-standing partnership between Bakers Delight and BCNA. From 1 to 21 May, bakeries across Australia turned pink to raise funds and awareness for Australians affected by breast cancer. Highlights included: 100% of Fun Bun sales donated to BCNA. Beanies and tote bags sold to support the cause. Pink Bun Parties hosted by schools, workplaces, and community groups. Over $2.4 million raised this year and still counting! You can watch BCNA's CEO Kirsten reflect on the success of the campaign via the link Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 🧡 National Volunteer Week BCNA celebrated National Volunteer Week by recognising the incredible contributions of its volunteers. Their dedication helps BCNA provide vital support and resources to those affected by breast cancer. 📢Advocacy and Awareness BCNA have been highlighting concerns about women being denied knowledge of their increased breast cancer risk, advocating for better access to genetic information and screening. We welcome BreastScreen Australia’s new position statement says every woman should be told her breast density because it affects both your breast cancer risk and how easily it can be detected. Some states are leading the way, but others are still catching up. Every woman deserves to know her risk and have access to support, no matter where she lives. You can read via the link Australian women denied knowledge of their increased breast cancer risk 🤝BCNA Celebrating partnerships BCNA proudly celebrates 20 years of partnership with Sussan, one of our most dedicated Major Partners. Since 2005, Sussan has raised over $3.3 million to support BCNA’s vital services and resources for Australians affected by breast cancer We share a vision to ensure every Australian diagnosed with breast cancer receives the very best care and support. Together, we’ve celebrated many achievements and milestones, paving the way for a better breast cancer experience for all Australians – no matter where they live. State of the Nation Report: Sussan's funding of the State of the Nation report has driven significant policy changes and improvements in services for people diagnosed with breast cancer. This report was the largest of its kind and armed BCNA with the information needed to identify eight priorities for urgent action and to influence the necessary change in the healthcare system to address them. Looking ahead, Sussan are focussed on supporting BCNA’s work around risk-based and individualised screening processes, ensuring the 15,000+ Australian currently living with metastatic breast cancer are visible and counted, and enhancing BCNA's digital experience for those affected. Read more about this incredible partnership via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/about-us/our-partners/ 📺 Did you catch Compass episode, “The Breast Decision,” on ABC Australia? We’re so grateful for this powerful episode, which follows Lauren’s decision to stay flat after her breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy, and how her family navigated learning they carry the BRCA2 gene. The episode demonstrates the importance of informed decision-making and feeling empowered, whether you choose to stay flat or have a reconstruction after mastectomy. This is essential viewing for anyone navigating breast cancer, BRCA decisions, or supporting a loved one. Watch now on Compass Series 39 The Breast Decision 🎉 Event Spotlight: REMINDER Carman's Fun Run is coming to Sydney in 2025! Carman's Fun Run SYDNEY 2025! REMINDER Carman's Fun Run is coming to Sydney in 2025! Join us on Sunday 21 September as Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont, turns pink as our partners at @carmanskitchen and @solemotive bring this fantastic event to a brand-new city. Whatever your speed, we have an option for you. Choose to join our 5km, 10km or half-marathon run, or gather your friends and family for the 5km Pink Lady Walk. If you register now, you’re taking advantage of the EARLY BIRD RATE! Be quick because this discount stops 29 April 2025. Click on the link to find out how to register Register Here 👉 Let us know what you liked, what you'd love to see more of, or just say hello! Take care and keep the conversations going! @BCNA_Mod TeamTogether for breast cancer - BCNA
With October being breast cancer awareness month, we wanted to share updates with you throughout! So simply scroll down this post to see updates within the comments! Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts today, and it’s the perfect time to get together with your community to support Australians affected by breast cancer. We love to see the Pink Sports Day clubs kicking off the month the right way with their #PLAY4BCNA activities. Here are a few fantastic photos from our Pink Sports Day hosts so far this year! Host your own Pink Sports Day with your club or school team this month by registering here https://www.bcna.org.au/host-a-fundraising-event/ Together we're helping all Australians affected by breast cancer.BCNA Webcast - Breaking Barriers: Global Insights and Local Voices on Metastatic Breast Cancer
Join us for BCNA’s latest webcast Breaking Barriers: Global Insights and Local Voices on Metastatic Breast Cancer. The webcast will feature special guests Dr Hope Rugo, a renowned expert in breast cancer research, and BCNA Consumer Representative Laura Yannouni, who is living with metastatic breast cancer. Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, learn from leading experts, and be part of a conversation that aims to drive change and foster hope. Date: Tuesday, 13 August 2024 Time: 3.30pm to 4.30pm AEST Register here
