Attend our next event - In person (Shepparton, Vic) or online! Wednesday 26 June
We're heading to Shepparton, Victoria on Wednesday 26 June for our next Information Forum - bringing leading experts to the local community to provide insights on a range of breast cancer topics. Plus there's an online option, so you can join in no matter where you are! Just click 'attending virtually' when registering. This Information Forum is for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, who may be living with or after a breast cancer diagnosis and supporters. There will be two simultaneous information sessions throughout the day – one for people with early breast cancer and one for people with metastatic breast cancer. Please register for the session you would like to attend. Joining us on the day will be: Dr Michelle White, Medical Oncologist Dr Carrie Lethborg, Oncology Social Worker Professor Neil Piller, Lymphologist Michelle Parish and Melissa Gilmour, McGrath Breast Care Nurses Local BCNA members sharing their experience Event details: Date: Wednesday 26 June Time: 9.00am for 9.30am start – 3.00pm Refreshments will be served on arrival from 9.00am and a light lunch will be provided. Location: Quality Hotel Parklake, Shepparton Registration: Please register via Eventbrite We would love to see you in person or online. If you have any questions, please comment below or email events@bcna.org.au
Webcast: Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next?
Hello everyone! We have just launched our next webcast, which will be hosted online on the 11th of August. If you'd like to register, please click here. Please find below further information on the digital event. In 2022, it is projected that over 20,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those diagnosed, it is estimated about 5 to 10 per cent will have metastatic disease at presentation, often referred to as de novo metastatic breast cancer. For people who have had a previous breast cancer diagnosis, hearing that your cancer has spread can be devastating, and for others, it might be their first breast cancer diagnosis. It’s common to experience feelings of shock, distress and fear. Having a clear understanding of what it means to have metastatic breast cancer and the treatment options available to you can help you feel more in control when making decisions about your care. It’s important to know that with current advances in treatment, people are living longer and with a better quality of life. In this webcast, we will hear from Medical Oncologist Professor Fran Boyle, Metastatic Breast Care Nurse Alice Gibson, BCNA Consumer Representative Ros Casperson and BCNA member Cybele Orton. Fran practices at the Mater Hospital in Sydney and is a professor at Sydney Medical School. Her research focuses on breast cancer treatment, supportive care and health professional communication. Alice has been a breast care nurse since 2018 and supports her patients and their families as they navigate the complexities that come with their diagnosis. Ros is a young mum who has lived with metastatic breast cancer for over five years and Cybele was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2010. Genetic testing showed Cybele had the BRCA2 gene mutation, prompting her to have a double mastectomy and hormone-blocking treatment. Then, in 2017 she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The webcast will address what is important to know in those first few weeks after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer including navigating the health system, treatment options, identifying key members of your treating team, and the support and care available to you. Event Details Date: Thursday 11 August 2022 Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm AEST Where: Online – from your computer, tablet, or laptop Your Local Time: WA: 5.00pm NT, SA: 6.30pm QLD, ACT, NSW TAS, VIC: 7.00pmAsk the Expert: Managing cognitive changes related to breast cancer treatments with Jo Lewis
Good afternoon everyone :) We are hosting our next Ask the Expert event on the 24th of May at 7.00pm AEST. Many people report mental fogginess, feeling vague, memory loss or concentration problems during and after treatments including chemotherapy and/or hormone-blocking therapy. These side effects are often referred to as chemo brain or chemo fog, but the formal term is cognitive impairment. Research is being undertaken in Australia and around the world into the best ways to manage cognitive impairment, however there are strategies that can help. It’s important to speak to your treating team for advice and support if you are having cognitive problems. At this Ask the Expert event, we will hear from occupational therapist Jo Lewis and BCNA member Kate Keogh Murray. Jo has over 20 years’ clinical experience as an occupational therapist and her clinical work specialises in workplace rehabilitation and work health and safety. She is currently completing her PhD, investigating how cognitive changes experienced by women with breast cancer impact on return to work. Kate was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2017 and is currently experiencing cognitive changes due to her breast cancer treatment and prescription medication. This session will address what you need to know about cognitive impairment following breast cancer treatment, including key causes and symptoms you may experience, effective strategies and practical tips to help you manage symptoms, and where you can find help. During this Zoom event you will be able to ask Jo and Kate questions. 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. Please click here to register. Thank you, Isabella
