Community Update 20 October 2020
Hello everyone, Welcome to our community update. A very warm welcome to all of our new members who have joined us in the last month. As most of you would know, October is breast cancer awareness month and provides the opportunity to increase community awareness regarding the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis as well as raising awareness of the importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer. 13 October 2020 Metastatic breast cancer awareness day BCNA Webcast - Feeling invisible: living with metastatic breast cancer In recognition of international Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Tuesday 13 October, BCNA hosted a webcast for people diagnosed with, or supporting someone with, metastatic breast cancer. Many people with metastatic disease tell us they feel excluded from the wider breast cancer community, especially during October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). They say they feel invisible, and that work colleagues, friends and family, and people in the wider community often don’t understand what it is really like to live with metastatic breast cancer. In this webcast, we explored the lived experience of people diagnosed with metastatic disease. Practical support and resources were shared to help you navigate the complexities of living with metastatic breast cancer. Click here to view webcast The ABC Global Alliance established in 2016 as an initiative of the European School of Oncology and now registered as a non-profit association in Portugal, is a multi-stakeholder platform for all those interested in collaborating on common projects relating to advanced breast cancer (ABC) around the world. Read more Today, 20 October 2020 is Male breast cancer awareness day Here is David’s story Click here for a copy of BCNA’s booklet ‘Men get breast cancer too’ 23 October 2020 breast cancer day If you have any questions or would like to speak with a cancer nurse, please call BCNA’s helpline on 1800 500 258 Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm (AEDT). Community News We have lots of great posts in the online network every fortnight, here is a snapshot... 1. Male breast cancer thread commenced by @gossy29 regarding fear of cancer recurrence 2. Does tamoxifen get easier? Commenced by @Mags44 3. Friday Funnies posted by @Blossom1961 loving the sheep-scale! How to talk to your children about cancer Join BCNA and Canteen for a free online webcast where we will explore the different ways to communicate about cancer to your children, how to prepare for these conversations, as well as practical tips on how best to support your children. When: Wednesday 21 October 2020 Time: 6.00 - 7.00 pm AEDT Register for the webcast here. The impact of COVID-19 on people living with breast cancer Early findings of a new survey reveal the true personal impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer patients, with thousands disclosing surgical delays and changes to treatment, as well as limited access to follow up care and feelings of isolation and loneliness read more The 5th national Cancer Survivorship Conference will be a hybrid meeting, online and face to face, held 18-19 March 2021. The face to face components of the conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. More information Supporting people living with cancer since 1993 Life Force Cancer Foundation supports people dealing with the whole experience of cancer, encouraging expression of all feelings in a safe & caring environment. They offer support groups, carers group, online support, programs & workshops, outreach initiatives and collaboration. ON LINE GROUPS - Life Force is now offering online support group meetings & workshops including: Weekly cancer patient and survivor meetings (6 - 7.30 pm on a weeknight) , Art therapy & Qijong . Visit our website or call Caro 0425 296 698 or Jane 0412 643 751 (group facilitators). Inclusive support groups and workshops open to all cancers at all stages and all genders, led by a professional counselling team. Pink Collective Styling Pink Collective Styling is the world's first fashion hub for women affected by breast cancer. Supported by over fifty retailers from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK and USA, we showcase an extensive range of in-season fashion to style and dress women comfortably and beautifully. Read more Pink Bun Campaign from 8 to 28 October 2020 Our annual Bakers Delight’s Pink Bun campaign is in full swing! There are lots of great ways you can show your support: 1. Visit your local Bakers Delight to buy a 6-pack of Pink Fun-Buns. 2. If you can’t get into store, you can buy a virtual 6-pack of Pink Buns online and send a message of support to family or friends 3. Host a Pink Bun party online or in person click here to find out more and register 4. Give a shout out to your local Bakers Delight franchisee and staff either in person or on social with a photo of their bakery and #PinkBunsForBCNA. Find your local bakery here. 5. Like, comment and share BCNA and Bakers Delight Pink Bun posts on social This year, more than ever BCNA needs your support. Click here to find out more. Inspirational quote I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. - Dalai Lama Have a good week everyone, safe travels The mod team, Giovanna, Laura, Riki, Michelle & Pat
