🏔️ 6 People, 5,895 metres, and one incredible cause
We’re in awe of the incredible team of six (and support crew) who recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia. 🌍✨Initiated by BCNA member Kristal, who dreamed of trekking the Roof of Africa with friends to fundraise, this journey was brought to life with the help of @Inspired Adventures fundraising agency. But “trekking” doesn't quite cover what this group faced. 💪The team endured some of the toughest conditions their guides had ever seen. They battled snowstorms, gale-force winds, and altitude sickness, yet they persevered through every hurdle. For Kristal, this was deeply personal. With a breast cancer experience of her own, she was joined by her partner, close friends, and teammates who hiked in memory of their mothers. 👣❤️ ‘Trips like these are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They build character and test you in ways that go far beyond the physical – mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This trek reminded me that I am capable, that I am strong, and that I have a powerful mindset and willpower to face adversity and tough moments.’ - Kristal If you'd like, you can donate to Kristal & team's fundraising page at: 🔗 https://bcna.grassrootz.com/bcna-kilimanjaro-2026🌱Wednesday Wellness - 11Feb26 - Women & Girls in Science Day👩🔬
Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science🧪🔬 For this week's Wednesday Wellness check in, we're celebrating the women in our Seat at the Table (SATT) program who turn lived experience into leadership by shaping breast cancer research, innovation and clinical practice. Established in 2001, SATT has grown significantly, increasing the representation of women in research projects and strengthening outcomes for people affected by cancer. From collaborating with researchers to informing national policy, our SATT program ensures that lived experience influences decision-making and drives meaningful change. Thank you to these women who collaborate with clinicians, researchers, health service providers and policymakers across Australia to embed the consumer voice in decision-making. 👉 Click here to find out more about joining the SATT program Looking for more ways to get involved with breast cancer advocacy? 📢 Upcoming Event - Breast Cancer Grand Round The VCCC Alliance is hosting a special Grand Round featuring Prof Michael Gnant, an internationally recognised leader in breast cancer research and surgical oncology. This session will explore current evidence, emerging insights, and key considerations shaping modern breast cancer care. A great opportunity for clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in contemporary breast cancer practice to hear from a global expert. 🗓 25 February 2026, 12:30–1:30pm AEDT 📍 Lecture Theatre A, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Parkville, VIC) or online via Zoom 👉 Event details & registration 📢 Upcoming Event - NEW Breast Cancer Measurement Framework The VCCC Alliance is hosting a session exploring a global measurement framework for breast cancer care, developed through the MLL program. This event will look at how international collaboration and data-driven frameworks can help strengthen outcomes across diverse healthcare settings. A valuable session for those interested in quality improvement, benchmarking, policy, or system-level approaches to cancer care. 🗓 2 March 2026, 1:00–2:00pm AEDT 📍Online event 👉 Event details & registration🏃Carmen's Fun Run Melbourne IS BACK! 15th Feb 2026, Brighton.
Carman's Fun Run Melbourne is back on 15th February 2026. Who's joining us as we turn Elsternwick Park, Brighton PINK?! 💕Choose between the Brooks Half Marathon, 10K, or a 5K and experience the unforgettable race day vibes running along Melbourne's scenic bayside. If you want to participate but don't want to run, join us for the Pink Lady 5K Walk and get together with family and friends, dress up, and show your support to BCNA. 👉 Register Here✨ 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 ❤️🏃 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🌸 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 todayFriday 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
