đ¸ Friday Update â 20 Feb 26
Hello everyone and welcome to Friday! I'm filling in for the Online Network content today, so I thought weâd wind things back to one of my classic Friday Updates - a gentle wrapâup of whatâs been happening across our BCNA community. đââď¸ Carmanâs Fun Run â What a Day! Last Sundayâs Carmanâs 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 đ đď¸ Cheering on Kristal Kinsela â Trek4BCNA We also want to highlight Kristal Kinsela, one of BCNAâs ambassadors, who is currently undertaking Trek4BCNA: Kilimanjaro 2026challenge. Kristalâs commitment to raising awareness and funds for BCNA continues to inspire many across our community. đż Whatâs 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 đ Signingâoff Itâs 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, 9amâ5pm (AEDT) if you need information, support or guidance toward appropriate services.First Carman's Fun Run in Sydney!
Carmanâs Fun Run is only one month away. Weâre excited to bring Carmanâs Fun Run to Sydney for the very first time in 2025! Following its overwhelming success in Melbourne, Carmanâs Fun Run is launching its inaugural Sydney event on Sunday 21 September 2025. In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carmanâs 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 todayPink Lady Match - 2025
Pink Lady Match is back, and tickets are on sale now! đ Join us at the MCG on Sunday 10 August to watch Melbourne Football Club take on the Western Bulldogs (match time 3.20pm) Buy your ticket to the Pink Lady Bay via the link Pink Lady Match where 100% of ticket sales go directly to BCNA. All Pink Lady Bay seats include your choice of all new BCNA beanie! See you at the âG đ If you cant be there in person - show your support buy buying your place in the virtual pink lady.Friday 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. Letâs take a look at whatâs been happening across the BCNA network đ¸ Pink Bun Campaign â 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! 𧥠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. đ˘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 Australiaâs 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 đ¤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 BCNAâs 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, weâve celebrated many achievements and milestones, paving the way for a better breast cancer experience for all Australians â 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 BCNAâs 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/ đş Did you catch Compass episode, âThe Breast Decision,â on ABC Australia? Weâre so grateful for this powerful episode, which follows Laurenâs 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 đ 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, youâre 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 đ 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 TeamPink Bun is back!
Pink Bun is back! From today to 21 May 2025, at Bakers Delight bakeries across the country have turned pink to show their support for Australians affected by breast cancer Pink Bun 2025! Buy a Fun Bun, or even better, a 6 pack! 100% of sales go directly to BCNA and they're available at all Bakers Delight bakeries from 1 to 21 May. đFind out how to get involved and find your nearest bakery via the link Support the Pink Bun Campaign 2025 You can also check out the broadcast on Channel 9's Today show earlier today Today Show Channel 9Dr Jo Prendergast "Cancer and Cartwheels"
What happens when a comedianâs life gets flipped over by cancer? They find the funny side of course. But can cancer be funny? When psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021, she asked herself what good she could do with the treatment experience. As someone who cannot be idle - even during chemo - she put together a website on managing chemotherapy side-effects, made a semi-viral TikTok, and wrote her second comedy show. At the four-year anniversary of her diagnosis, Jo is cancer-free and ready to laugh about the tough stuff. She is inviting us to laugh with her. Jo's Cancer and Cartwheels show is touring nationally and supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Jo has offered BCNA a limited allocation of double passes to each of her comedy festival âopening nightâ shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you would like to register to receive a complimentary double pass with a post show meet, greet and photo register here Cancer and Cartwheels - performance schedule and dates (opening night in bold): Adelaide : March 11 - 15, 2025 Melbourne : March 31 - April 6 2025 Sydney : April 26, 2025 Brisbane : May 17 -18 2025 Jo is also aiming to raise $5,000 through her shows to help BCNA continue to provide free support and resources for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This year more than 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. She is encouraging her show attendees to make a donation and leave a message or dedication on her event fundraising page. Any donation over $2, will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to read more about Jo there are also the following social media handles / links: @cancerandcartheels @drjoprendergastcomedy and https://drjoprendergast.comVolunteer for Pink Bun campaign
Do you, or someone you know, have time between now and the end of May to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)âs biggest fundraiser? We are looking for people to help coordinate Pink Bun Campaign Volunteers with events at Bakers Delight bakeries from May 1st to 21st, 2025. The role involves working with other BCNA volunteers in your community and Bakers Delight bakeries, with support from BCNA staff. People who enjoy talking to others and are comfortable with basic computer skills can apply here to register their interest. Please forward this link onto anyone you know who might be able to help. We are especially looking for support in NSW, the ACT QLD, and WA. Funds raised though the Pink Bun Campaign are vital to BCNAâs ability to support Australians affected by breast cancer. If you donât have the availability to support BCNA in this role, please keep an eye out for details on how you can support the campaign with a spare hour or two. Check out the behind the scene video from last year's campaign https://www.facebook.com/bakersdelight/videos/bcna-pink-buns-are-back/754110623542494/Together 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 itâs 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.Friday Update - 19th April 2024
Welcome to the Friday Update, March has flown by us already and we are half way through April! There has been alot of activity at BCNA including the Murray Bridge SA Information Forum, the World Indigenous Cancer Conference and BCNA's Think Tank . We are off to Tassie this month for two more information forums in Devonport and Launceston (Remember if you cannot attend in person, you can register to attend online). We are also gearing up for Bakers Delightâs Pink Bun campaign in May - Its 20th year! Head into your local Bakers Delight between 9 - 29 May, where 100% of the sales from every Fun Bun sold helps BCNA support all Australians affected by breast cancer (Further details in the update on how you can get involved). Take care and enjoy the update. Community Highlights Private Group 'Living with metastatic breast cancer' On Metastatic Awareness Day 2022 - BCNA released an issues paper, Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count. In August 2023 we held a National Roundtable in Canberra, bringing together leading cancer and data experts to discuss a way forward. On Metastatic Awareness Day 2023 on 13 October, BCNA was proud to release Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count - A Way Forward. This advocacy work has brought awareness to BCNA's support resources for metastatic breast cancer and also our very own private group here through the Online Network Living with metastatic breast cancer - which has seen many new members join to seek support and connection Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the last few weeks, you can check them out via the links below: Struggling through Chemo Information Overload! Boob farewell? tip or tricks on getting through radiation? Iâm in a grey area and confused Posts by 'Category Name' 1 Apr - 18 2024 Community News BCNA joins international call to challenge enduring inequities in breast cancer care An international report on global inequities in breast cancer care and to count the number of people with metastatic breast cancer was released by the new Lancet Commission on Breast Cancer this week. BCNA responded with a media release and social post. Read BCNAâs media release here. BCNA partners to seek wider access to precision cancer therapies BCNA partners with other cancer groups to call for expanded access to innovative and effective precision therapies Read Further Details Here Take part in research to improve our online services Can you help us continue to improve our website and online services? Weâre working on a digital project to give you better access to information and support that is tailored to your personal preferences and experiences of breast cancer Read Further Details Here My Journey - 'Targeted Therapies' (Articles updated) Our goal at BCNA is to ensure people affected by breast cancer can access the latest information and resources. We recently updated two articles in BCNAâs My Journey online tool about targeted therapies in early breast cancer and hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer to capture the emerging trends in treatments for breast cancer: Targeted therapies for early breast cancer Targeted therapies for hormone receptor-positive MBC BCNA Think Tank 2024 After three incredible days of discussion and connection, we wrapped up our third annual Think Tank event on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm (Melbourne) 24-26 March. BCNA's consumers from across Australia gathered to discuss the direction of BCNA's future to ensure we make the most difference to those affected by breast cancer. Reflecting on this year's theme 'connection and social capital', Consumer Representative Naveena Nekkalapudi said, "It's important Consumer Representatives have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that pertain to us because there is no for us, without us". Thank you to everyone who joined us either in person or virtually to discuss and share their knowledge. Pink Bun Parties are back! Will you help us support over 20,000 Australians who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year by hosting a Pink Bun Party between 9 - 29 May? Get around Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and host a Pink Bun party your way this May, all to support BCNA! All Pink Bun party hosts receive a FREE party pack, to help you pink up your party. This includes pink lady cut outs, posters, BCNA balloons, helpful information and a link to your own unique fundraising page. After registering your party, simply call or visit your local Bakers Delight bakery and place your Pink Fun Bun order, where 100 % of Fun Bun sales during the Pink Bun campaign go directly to BCNA! Hosting a Pink Bun Party is a great opportunity to come together with friends, family and colleagues to support all Australians affected by breast cancer. So get around BCNA this May and register your Pink Bun Party today. Register now via the link Pink Bun Parties Counterpart - Peer Support Volunteer Counterpart have recently had a group of new volunteers begin their training. These amazing women have all had a cancer diagnosis of their own. Soon they will be joining Counterpart's lovely team of Peer Support Volunteers who patients can talk to over the phone, in their Resource Centre, or at one of the hospitals they visit through their Bridge of Support program. Find out more about peer support and how your patients may benefit from speaking to a Peer Support Volunteer on our website. BCNA Forums/Webcasts Recording Now Available! - Murray Bridge (SA) Information Forum Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) held an information Forum in March 2024 for people diagnosed and living with breast cancer and their supporters in Murray Bridge, South Australia. The Information Forum covered topics including: Current and emerging treatments Managing emotional impacts Lymphoedema Watch all the videos here Tasmania Information Forum BCNA is coming to Tasmania as part of our free national Information Forum series. We are bringing leading experts to events in Devonport on Tuesday 30 April and Hobart on Thursday 2 May to talk on a range of breast cancer topics. Our events are for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer or who is living with or after a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as supporters. REGISTER FOR DEVONPORT HERE REGISTER FOR HOBART HERE If you canât attend in person, you can join us online. When registering, select âInformation Forum â Attending Virtuallyâ. The virtual session will be delivered via Zoom, and you will receive the access link one day before the event.⯠If you require any assistance, please contact events@bcna.org.auâŻâŻ âŻWe look forward to seeing you in person or online! Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries VCCC Alliance held a webinar 'Women in Cancer' in conjunction with International Women's Day. A panel of inspiring women in cancer research and leadership share their stories on how they entered the field, as well as the motivations or experiences that have shaped their journey: Women in Cancer - Inspiring Inclusion | VCCC Alliance Centre for Cancer Education (vcccalliancelearn.org.au) The Mod Team - @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Daina-BCNA @Kate_BCNA @Denise_BCNA @Risha_BCNA @Georgie_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au "Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't" - Rikki RogersFriday Update 19th May 2023
Friday greetings, Well, if you have visited your local Bakerâs Delight recently you will see that they have all turned pink (across Australia) in support of all Australians affected by breast cancer (For those of you not on social media I will share some of the photos of stores getting involved). You will hear from franchiseeâs who have personally been affected by breast cancer; here is Hollyâs story via link below: https://youtu.be/9ohUHw98A8o Community Highlights Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the past few weeks, you can check them out via the links below: 10 Years Today Shoulder bursitis n tendons inflamation Recent Diagnosis Another Lump? Diagnosed today Posts by 'Category Name' 5 May - 19 May 2023 Community News BCNA News 15 May 2023- BCNA Welcomes Investment in Health Workforce to Support those with Breast Cancer BCNA â Australiaâs leading breast cancer consumer organisation â welcomes the Federal Governmentâs investment into improving access to multidisciplinary allied and supportive care, announced in this weekâs Federal Budget CLICK HERE to read more International Nurses Day 12 May 2023 Last week it was lovely to speak with nurses calling into the Helpline and thanking them not just for one day, but every day that they support people and families impacted by breast cancer. Donna Wellington is a breast care nurse in Rockhampton who has been there for countless people in rural and regional Australia. âAs a breast care nurse, Iâm a big advocate for equal access to breast cancer services for people in rural and regional areasâ, says Donna. Nurses play an important part in delivering the best possible care and that's why BCNA is calling for greater investment in the specialist cancer nursing workforce, including breast care nurses, metastatic breast care nurses and cancer nurse practitioners. Royal Australasian College of Surgeons' (RACS) 91st Annual Scientific Conference A keynote speech on equity and access to breast reconstruction in Australia was presented by BCNAâs director of Policy & Advocacy Vicki Durston. Speaking at the conference in Adelaide, Ms. Durston told delegates that information about breast reconstruction should be provided early to help people make informed decisions about breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. BCNAâs Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report included lack of communication as a key finding impacting equity of access. This included communication about realistic results, waiting times, out-of-pocket costs and full consideration of all options available for reconstruction, including the option to âgo flat'. BCNA thanks RACS for allowing BCNA to speak on this topic and celebrates that equity and access are priority topics for the college. BCNA is always proud to ensure its consumer voice is represented at conferences that aim to improve outcomes for those affected by breast cancer Read BCNAâs report here: https://www.bcna.org.au/.../breast-reconstruction-in.../ Pink Bun is live! As shared in the last Friday update, between 11 May and 31 May 2023, 100 per cent of the money from sales of all Fun Buns sold in Bakers Delight bakeries around the country (not just pink ones) will be donated to BCNA. You can read more on how to get involved in my previous update https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/25536/friday-update-5th-of-may-2023#latest Here are several snaps taken throughout various stores: Webcasts / Forums Warrnambool Information Forum: Recording now available! BCNA hosted an Information Forum in Warrnambool for people living with breast cancer and their supporters. You can access the on-demand videos below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q_A_XEXfqw&list=PLpvVCfUeAqMBu1pz4rP8kXZtxfriszl2e Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries The following book Memory-wise explains how memory works and the changes that can occur as we age. It explains the sort of health, attitude and lifestyle factors that can lead to fluctuation in memory and provides practical tips to minimise their effects. Memory-wise - Dr Anne Unkenstein You may also like to check out our My Journey article Cognitive impairment: memory loss and concentration problems due to breast cancer treatment and webcast Ask the Expert: Managing cognitive changes related to breast cancer treatments with Jo Lewis That is all for this week's update and if you have any feedback please feel free to comment below or send a private message. @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEST), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au The mod team - Mez, Carissa, Jenny and Pat "Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind" - Amit Ray
