BCNA calling out the government - failing to protect Australians from genetic discrimination
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is calling out the government for failing to protect Australians from genetic discrimination while showcasing its new genomics framework. Cancer Australia launched the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control this morning, which aims to integrate genomics into routine cancer care, improving outcomes through personalised medicine. BCNA welcomes the framework but condemns the Australian Government’s failure to follow through on its commitment to legislate a full ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance, a critical reform to ensure all Australians can access genetic testing without fear of financial repercussions. “The Government cannot claim progress in genomics while failing to uphold the fundamental rights of those affected by breast cancer and other genetic conditions,” BCNA Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services Vicki Durston says. “If genomic medicine is the future, then protections against genetic discrimination must be part of that future. “No more excuses. There must be action before an election is called or Australians are at unacceptable risk.” BCNA calls on the Government to immediately prioritise its promise to introduce a full ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance, ensuring all Australians can access genomic testing without fear. Read full media release via link BCNA calls out government for failing to protect Australians from genetic discrimination while showcasing its new genomics framework (Media Release) Take action now! ✔️ Share this post to spread the word ✔️ Contact your local MP using the form link Email your MP about delays in banning genetic discrimination | DELAYS TO BANNING GENETIC DISCRIMINATION IN AUSTRALIAPrioritising access to risk reducing surgery
We know that the knowledge of your risk of breast cancer can be empowering but it becomes a feeling of being powerless when forced to spend years on public wait lists for risk reducing surgery. It’s a constant state of fear compounded by lack of transparency regarding timelines and the reality is some will receive a breast cancer diagnosis whilst waiting Today we’re in Canberra with the Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group (AABRCG) to launch a joint position statement ‘Prioritising access to risk reducing surgery for people with inherited high risks of breast cancer.' We're calling for a national, consistent approach to ensure that individuals with inherited genetic risks have timely and equitable access to risk reducing surgeries. Are you waiting for a prophylactic mastectomy? To learn more about this issue and to read our position statement, visit our webpage https://www.bcna.org.au/our-impact/prioritising-access-to-risk-reducing-surgery/Inherited gene mutations - are you at higher risk of breast cancer?
Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary- caused by a gene abnormality that is passed from a parent to their child. If one or more of your close family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be concerned about your inherited risk of developing breast cancer. If you’re at higher risk, have you looked into your options? Learn more about genetics and the risk of breast cancer at https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/genetics-and-risk-of-breast-cancer/ Have you joined our private group? Head to the link Hereditary Genetic Mutations and Breast Cancer
GENE TESTING
Just a thought. If, like myself, you are diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer (Stage 2), wouldn't it make sense to have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene test done prior to any surgery? My radiation oncologist - seen a few weeks after surgery ordered the test prior to radiation treatment and now the results are holding that up. The frustrating part is... if I do have the gene, then radiation therapy is useless and I may need to consider a mastectomy! Would it not be much more prudent to have the testing done first in order to avoid "unnecessary" surgery and all that goes with it? The whole process has all felt quite rushed (although the team has been great throughout) and now this is adding to it all - potentially unnecessarily.
BraOVO Test and Payment
Hi Lovelies, It has been a while since I have visited the forum. I hope that everyone has been able to take some time to rest and reflect over this crazy festive season. My question is for those that have had genetic testing - I am having the BraOVO test via www.genomicdiagnostics.com.au I really just want to know if you were provided with an invoice? The company has phoned me for payment, however they do not provide an invoice, payment is only available via CC over the phone or on their website. I don't have a problem with the cost itself, I am just paranoid about being scammed. My test was done at S&N. ThanksTo remove ovaries or not ??
Hi I got diagnosed with BC late last year aged 47 .Had lumpectomy in January this year followed by radiotherapy.Now on Tamoxifen.Had a Mirena in place for heavy periods which I had removed at the oncologists recommendation.Fast forward 5 months on Tamoxifen and having periods from hell! Saw gynaecologist yesterday. I need to make a choice between endometrial ablation or full hysterectomy with removal ovaries. My grandmother died of ovarian cancer at 54 years. I’m waiting on genetic testing result but as I understand even if negative it’s no guarantee as we still have a lot to learn about genes. Mum had full hysterectomy about my age ( no cancer found) but was able to take HRT for 7 years.So I’m really trying to weigh up the risks and benefits . Any advice/ experience would be appreciated I have changed my decision a few times already Thanks in advance x -
DCIS genetic testing and Tamoxifen
Hi everyone, I’m new to the group :) . I’m 48 and I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS in March 2020. I had surgery and I’m just over half way through Radiotherapy. I am trying to decide whether to have private genetic BRCA Testing (Medicare advised they won’t test due to no prior family history of breast or ovarian cancer- mum did pass away at 35 of cervical cancer but apparently isn’t hereditary). I know the results can be inconclusive, but just wondered if anyone has undergone testing and if they could give any insight or advice. My specialist has also discussed the possibility of me taking Tamoxifen preventative cancer treatment. I am a little concerned of the side effects, In particularly clots in the lungs and legs. Just wondered if anyone out there has any advice. Thanks :)
So I have BRCA 2 mutation 🙄
I'm coming up to 12mths post chemo. 18mths post double mastectomy. 6mths post oophrectomy (ovaries out) after my IDC diagnosis after self detecting a small lump at age 46. Genetics is obviously something they put on a back burner during all this process but my sample was sent to the US after my recent genetics appointment. Results are in BRCA 2 identified.. I have mixed feelings tbh. First thought..oh my kids! Please don't let my family endure anymore elevated cancer risk. I have 3 children 2 daughters and a son i guess the chances are one of them does at least.. Then thank goodness i opted for a double mastectomy, and i chose to remove to remove my ovaries also. It looks like my risk of other cancers is also elevated now. Sometimes i really wish i could go back to the good old days, pre cancer! Oh how sweet was life! Today i have to talk with them about getting tested. 😕 but knowledge is power they say. Thanks for listening 💜
