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 AUSTRALIADNA Doesn't Lie
Hello members! If you get a chance you may like to watch this week's episode of SBS Insight DNA Doesn't Lie - BCNA consumer Linda Rudman features in the episode, speaking about how she always knew cancer ran in her family. Linda underwent genetic screening in 2019 that revealed she had the BRCA1 gene — which leads to a high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer (You can hear more about Linda's story via BCNA's YouTube channel High risk prophylactic mastectomy BCNA Dr Jane Tiller also features in the episode, discussing genetic discrimination in life insurance underwriting and how some families are choosing between preventative genetic screening and life insurance.
Breast cancer stories on TV
A heads up, either a trigger warning, or a you might be interested. If you have Stan, Series 1 Episode 6 of 'The Bold Type' has a breast cancer storyline. I found it quite well done. A BRCA gene, young women's risk, the difficulties some have with the 'marketing' of BC, the emotional distress around testing.. I've not seen it done in a fictional setting this well before. The show's not great, but I thought this episode handed the topic well.
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 💜Prioritising 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
