🌸 Friday Update – 20 Feb 26
Hello everyone and welcome to Friday! I'm filling in for the Online Network content today, so I thought we’d wind things back to one of my classic Friday Updates - a gentle wrap‑up of what’s been happening across our BCNA community. 🏃♀️ Carman’s Fun Run – What a Day! Last Sunday’s Carman’s Fun Run was an incredible celebration of strength, spirit and community. Despite the rain, more than 8,000 participants came together in a wave of pink and helped raise over $315,000 for Australians affected by breast cancer. A huge congratulations to all participants, and a massive thank you to our amazing volunteers, fundraisers and partners who made it all possible 🙌 🏔️ Cheering on Kristal Kinsela – Trek4BCNA We also want to highlight Kristal Kinsela, one of BCNA’s ambassadors, who is currently undertaking Trek4BCNA: Kilimanjaro 2026challenge. Kristal’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for BCNA continues to inspire many across our community. 🌿 What’s new around BCNA and here in the Online Network Recent posts in our News and events section continue to provide support, connection and valuable information - including: Wednesday Wellness - 18Feb26 - Mindfulness Consumer voice strengthens health education Current Research Exploring the Role of AI in Breast Cancer | BCNA Online Network Lymphoedema Information & Events | BCNA Online Network BCNA's Breast self check | Know Yourself. Feel Yourself. content remains active, helping to promote early detection and greater awareness across our social channels 💗 Signing‑off It’s been great to connect with you all, and I hope you continue to find the support and conversations here helpful. A quick reminder that the BCNA Helpline team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (AEDT) if you need information, support or guidance toward appropriate services.114ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsFriday 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, …ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentFriday 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 he…ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsFriday Update - 17th April 2025
Hi everyone, We’re back with your latest update from Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)—keeping you across activity happening within the organisation and the broader community. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating treatment, or supporting a loved one, we hope you find the update useful. We cannot believe it is Easter already! Hope you can enjoy the time in a way that feels right for you. You may even like to grab a hot cross bun this Easter at Bakers Delight! Did you know Bakers Delight and BCNA have had a partnership for 25 years? (Read more about this amazing partnership in this update). 📚 Resource of the Month: “My Journey” upgrade If you haven't explore it it yet, BCNA has launched its new My Journey with better information and support for people impacted by breast cancer! You would've noticed that My Journey and Online Network can now be found in one place for a more streamlined user experience across all devices. We collaborated with consumer representatives and healthcare professionals in creating and reviewing our evidence-based content, ensuring the new My Journey features a broad range of the latest and most credible resources for you. Watch the video here of Naveena (BCNA Consumer Representative) talking about how to navigate the platform. If you have any questions, please go to our Frequently asked questions page in the first instance. To ensure we do not miss any of your feedback or technical issues please log these under the Get in Touch form to ensure feedback is collected in the centralised area. A special thank those of you who have supported us with feedback and troubleshooting solutions during the transition to the new platform. 📢BCNA in Action: Policy Priorities 2025 With breast cancer being the most common cancer affecting Australian women, annually it is costing the Australian Government nearly $1.8 billion. As we approach the federal election, BCNA is advocating for systemic change in four key areas: Reducing the financial costs of breast cancer treatment and support – Women with breast cancer experience high out-of-pocket healthcare costs as well as indirect costs such as loss of income, leading to substantial financial burden. Prioritising risk-based stratification for early detection and breast screening programs – Genetic conditions and breast density can significantly increase breast cancer risk. Access to specialist diagnostic and screening tests is limited due to restrictive eligibility criteria, cost, and workforce shortages, particularly in regional areas. Addressing unmet supportive care needs for people impacted by breast cancer – Advances in treatment continue to improve survival rates, but physical and emotional impacts such as chronic pain, fear of recurrence, and lymphoedema remain complex and require greater attention. Investing in a sustainable and comprehensive cancer data ecosystem – The lack of comp…ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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