đąWednesday Wellness - 22Apr26 -Informed Decisions Reduce Anxietyđą
đ§ Anxiety rises with the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the uncertain. But the flipside is that anxiety comes down with good quality information. â Dr Charlotte Tottman One of the strongest tools to support you through breast cancer is good, trustworthy information. It does not remove uncertainty entirely, but it can make decisions feel stronger and anxiety around the unknown more managable. At BCNA, information and resources sit at the heart of everything we do, because being informed helps you feel more confident when making decisions about your body, your treatment, and your wellbeing. đ What information can I access? BCNA's Information and Resources hub brings together a wide range of evidenceâbased information to support people affected by breast cancer at every stage of their journey. This includes clear explanations of different types and subtypes of breast cancer, treatment options and therapies, and what to expect before, during and after treatment. You will also find practical guidance on managing side effects, looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing, navigating life during and after treatment, and understanding topics like genetic testing and clinical trials. Resources are available in multiple languages and formats, including booklets, fact sheets, articles and podcasts, so you can choose what works best for you and access information at your own pace. All content is designed to help you feel informed, supported and confident when making decisions. âď¸ Support when information feels overwhelming As you move through making your important decisions, whether they feel big or small, remember that you are not expected to know everything. Information can be explored at your own pace. If things start to feel overwhelming, BCNA's Helpline is always here. No question is too big, too small, we are here to help. We are available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AEST on 1800 500 258, and will listen first, then help guide you towards the information, support, or next steps that feel right for you. đ Gentle reflection for today... We invite you to share below what information helped you feel more confident making decisions during your experience with cancer, or simply have a think and take a moment for yourself today. đCounterpart Peer Support Hubs (VIC)
As many of you know, the organisation Counterpart (support for women with cancer) host regular peer support hubs in Melbourne and Geelong. For those who already find these workshops an important part of their journey, and for anyone who hasnât discovered them yet but might be curious, the following is for you. ⨠The Melbourne Peer Support Hub and phone service reopened on Monday 12 January 2026, providing a space for conversations, information, and connection for those who choose to attend or reach out. In Geelong, the first peer support hub session of the year will take place on Tuesday 24 February. Anyone interested in joining a session or finding out more information can get in touch to learn about whatâs available on their website here. There is also planning underway for another regional peer support hub to open later in 2026, with more details expected to be shared as the year progresses. â¨Their inâhospital program known as Bridge of Support will resume services at several hospital locations: Sunshine Hospital from Wednesday 4 February Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Womenâs Hospital, and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre from Thursday 5 February These sessions create opportunities for people going through treatment to speak with trained peers while at hospital. Events and Activities Coming Up in 2026 Counterpart also offer a number of free online activities and events throughout the year, including: A new round of Yoga4Cancer sessions An online Meditation and Mindfulness session A webinar focused on Communicating with young people about cancer: a Canteen perspective A Morning Tea for women living with metastatic/advanced cancer Whether these workshops have been a steady companion for you, or you're hearing about them for the first time and wondering if they might help, we hope this update is useful. Youâre warmly encouraged to get in touch with Counterpart, join a session, explore something different, or simply connect with someone walking a similar path. As always - please reach out if you have any questions we can help with!Friday Update - 17th April 2025
Hi everyone, Weâre back with your latest update from Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)âkeeping you across activity happening within the organisation and the broader community. Whether youâre 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). đ Resource of the Month: âMy Journeyâ 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. đ˘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 â 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 â 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 â 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 â The lack of comprehensive cancer data, including metastatic staging and recurrence, limits evidence-based healthcare planning and investment. In addition to these priorities, BCNA continues to work alongside the Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group (AABRCG) to advocate for those at inherited risk of breast cancer to access surgery as a Category 2 rather than Category 3 - preventing people from being diagnosed with breast cancer while they wait for essential risk reducing surgeries. To read more about this collaboration click here. We are also continuing to drive policy reforms that enhance metastatic breast cancer (MBC) staging and recurrence data reporting. đ˘BCNA in Action: National Cancer Survivorship Conference 2025 BCNA recently hosted a pre-conference workshop From Patient to Partner: Unlocking the power of consumer engagement at the 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference , aligning with the conferenceâs goal of building capability and capacity in survivorship care and research. The workshop focused on strengthening research impact through effective consumer-researcher partnerships. The session explored best practices for embedding consumer voices in research to enhance study design, improve relevance, and drive meaningful translation into clinical practice. Led by BCNA, in partnership with COSA, the University of Queensland and Translational Research Institute, the workshop highlighted collaborative approaches to integrating consumers into survivorship research, supporting sector-wide learning and capability building. BCNA funded the attendance of BCNA Consumer Representatives and supported the involvement of other peak cancer NGOs involved in the ACNNP to come together. There was shared interest to prioritise reducing barriers and increasing participation in consumer engagement in research, policy and practice. For those newer to consumer engagement, conversations provided encouragement on how to keep moving forward with curiosity and respect. We look forward to sharing the formal evaluation outcomes with all participants and our network. Hear about the conference highlights đ¤BCNA Celebrating partnerships RED ENERGY For a decade now, Red Energy has turned pink for BCNA. Yesterday BCNA and Red Energy celebrated an incredible 10 years of partnership. Since 2015, Red Energy has supported the 58 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer, including being a Major Partner of Pink Lady Match and Pink Sports Day program, which galvanises communities across Australia. Red Energyâs belief in BCNAâs cause manifested itself in the development of the Red BCNA Saver Plan*, through which Red Energy has contributed over $2.3 million on behalf of its customers. đRead more about the impact of this colourful and thriving partnership via the link Red Energy's 10 years of turning pink for BCNA BAKERS DELIGHT From 1â21 May 2025, Bakers Delight bakeries across the country will turn pink to show their support for Australians affected by breast cancer. This year marks a very special milestone, 25 years of partnership between Bakers Delight and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Together, weâve raised over $27 million to ensure that no one diagnosed with breast cancer is unsupported. đRead more about this incredible partnership via the link Bakers Delight Breast Cancer Campaign Partnership đ Event Spotlight: Carman's Fun Run is coming to Sydney in 2025! Carman's Fun Run SYDNEY 2025! Weâre thrilled to share that the wildly popular Melbourne event 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 We Want to Hear From You! What topics do you want to see more of in the community? Share your feedback, questions, or ideas via helpline@bcna.org.au or reply directly to this post. Take care and keep the conversations going! @BCNA_Mod Team
Share your views: Information and support needs of people following treatment of breast cancer
Hi everyone, Erana from BCNA here! Iâd like to invite you to participate in a research study opportunity led by James Cook University. Please see details below. If you can't access the QR code you can also follow this link Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this research, please contact the research lead Tracey Ahern at tracey.ahern@jcu.edu.au This study has been approved by the James Cook University Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (#H9326).Pink Hope (Australia's Hereditary Cancer Charity) - Events
Robyn (Programs Manager) at Pink Hope wanted to share to several events they have got coming up that are are focused on supporting people with hereditary cancer risk: (Sharing here in addition to the Hereditary Genetic Mutations and Breast Cancer group) Fri June 21st â Community catch-up dinner Brisbane Sat June 22nd â Info & Support Day at Royal Brisbane Womenâs hospital Fri July 19th - Community Catch-up dinner Melbourne Sat July 20th - Info & Support Day at Uni of Melbourne Fri Aug 9th â Community Catch-up dinner Sydney Sat Aug 10th â Info & Support Day at Macquarie Uni, Sydney Flyers attached and website info via the link https://www.pinkhope.org.au/join-an-event
Free BCNA Information Forum in Murray Bridge, SA
We are heading to Murray Bridge, South Australia as part of our national Information Forum series. We are bringing leading experts to the local community to provide insights on a range of breast cancer topics. We extend an invitation to anyone located in or around Murray Bridge to join us on Wednesday 6 March for this fantastic day full of information and getting to connect with others in the area! This event will be both in-person and online. The Information Forum is for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, who may be living with or after a breast cancer diagnosis and supporters. Register here! We are excited to announce a leading cancer psychologist from South Australia will be joining us. With more presenters to be announced soon! Dr Charlotte Tottman, Clinical Psychologist Dr Tottman specialises in the treatment of cancer-related distress. Charlotte consults privately treating cancer patients and their family members and carers. Charlotte has her own cancer story. Several years after establishing her private practice in psycho oncology, she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. If you are unable to attend in person, you can still join us online! When registering, select âInformation Forum â Attending Virtuallyâ. The online session will be delivered via Zoom, and you will receive the access link one day before the event.⯠There will be two simultaneous information sessions throughout the day â one for people with early breast cancer and one for people with metastatic breast cancer. Please register for the session you would like to attend.âŻâŻ Event details: Date: Wednesday 6 March âŻTime: 9.00am for 9.30am start â 3.00pm⯠âŻRefreshments will be served on arrival from 9.00am and a light lunch will be provided.⯠âŻLocation: Bridgeport Hotel, 2 Bridge St, Murray Bridge âŻRegistration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bcna-murray-bridge-information-forum-2024-registration-779739320297 âŻRSVP: Please RSVP by Wednesday February 28 If you have any questions, please email events@bcna.org.au or comment below.Friday Update - 8th December 2023
Welcome to December members, This may be a good time to remind ourselves and those around us that the holiday season can look different for everyone. If youâre struggling to feel those âfestiveâ feelings, please be kind to yourself. Here are some strategies from the Cancer Council to help make Christmas easier if youâre affected by cancer: 6 ways to cope with cancer this holiday season Hope you enjoy the update. Community Highlights November Activity In November the Online Network had 112 new discussions; 641 new comments and 26,216 visits to the community 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: Lobular breast cancer just diagnosed Creative Corner! Friday Funnies New Diagnosed SUFFERING STOPPING HORMONE TREATMENT FOR MENOPAUSE Posts by 'Category Name' November 2023 Community News BCNA News - New Board Members 16 Nov 2023 At BCNA's Annual General Meeting today, Surgical Oncologist Professor Bruce Mann retired from the Board after 9 years' service. We are so grateful to Bruce for his commitment and passion for BCNA and our purpose. We know he will continue to remain a friend of BCNA. CLICK HERE to read further. BCNA News - Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer â A Way Forward 29 Nov 2023 Finding a way to have people living with metastatic breast cancer consistently counted on our cancer registries is a step closer to reality. The Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer â A Way Forward report outlines a roadmap to collecting and reporting cancer stage and recurrence data. Read more via the link Time to Count People with Metastatic Breast Cancer - A Way Forward⯠BCNA News â Vale Peta Murphy MP It is with much sadness that Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) acknowledges the death of Peta Murphy MP. Please read the discussion https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/26093/vale-peta-murphy-mp#latest You are welcome to leave your own comments / reflections. Mary Lloyd â The sneaky breast cancer I almost missed and how other can look out for it Mary Lloyd from the ABCâs Specialist reporting Team tells her personal story of a breast cancer experience and how lobular breast cancer (lobular carcinoma in situ â LCIS) is harder to detect. Her story looks at how is lobular cancer different to other types of breast cancer, and why lobular breast cancer is harder to detect on medical images. BCNA promotes breast awareness, and we encourage women to be familiar with their breasts so they can pick up changes early. If you notice a change that is unusual for you, it is important you see your doctor as soon as possible. Watch and read the full story HERE Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) Celebrates 25 years! BCNA is proud to share a big birthday with Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA). Like us, DAA turned 25 this year. And, like us, DAA promotes the benefits of exercise â especially after a breast cancer diagnosis. Dragon boating is a great opportunity for those living with and beyond breast cancer to get back into exercise â pick up a paddle, have fun, and connect with others in a friendly and supportive environment. Interested in learning more? To join a dragon boating club or get involved in events, visit DAAâs website Click here to learn more about the benefits of exercise post-treatment on BCNAâs newly refreshed website. Shop BCNA Charity Christmas Cards - Hello Sunday Each year @hellosundaystore produce a beautiful range of Christmas cards just for BCNA. Designed by Australian and international artists, the cards are available in packs of 10 and are presented in a premium wallet featuring your chosen design. Hello Sunday donate 10 per cent of the wholesale price to BCNA. To buy your 10-pack of Christmas cards visit the link in bio. T&Cs apply https://hellosunday.com/collections/bcna-charity-christmas-cards BCNA Forums/Webcasts Upcoming Webcast! Stay tuned for the upcoming webcast related to "Persistent pain after treatment" on the 7th of February 2024 (Registration link will be posted in events through the Online Network soon) Upcoming Information Forum! Stay tuned for the upcoming BCNA Information forum to be held in Murray Bridge SA on the 6th of March 2024 (Registration link will be posted in events through the Online Network soon) Coffs Harbour Information Forum Recording now available! CLICK HERE to access recording The forum had both early breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer streams, and speakers for this forum included: ¡ Dr. Michelle White, Medical Oncologist ¡ Dr. Carrie Lethborg, Oncology Social Worker ¡ Hugh Campbell, Exercise Physiologist (Masters in Oncology Exercise) ¡ Lee Millard-Newton, lymphoedema accredited therapist (ALA), Registered Nurse ¡ Jane Kelly, local Breast Care Nurse ¡ Rob Brangwin, local Social Worker Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries This week I thought it was timely to include several resources that Peta Murphy was happy for BCNA to continue to share. Thankyou Peta for your voice. Upfront About Breast Cancer Ep#27 - Vulnerability and strength - Peta Murphy on breast cancer Dear Peta - a personal story https://youtu.be/-Hku5PtYzbk?si=yTZYA9IXYrTvfsKL Take care everyone and if you have any questions or feedback please message one of our Online Network moderators below: @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA , @Risha_BCNA, @Denise_BCNA, @Daina-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.auBCNA Information Forum - recordings available soon
Hi everyone, We are holding an Information Forum in Mission Beach on Tuesday 24 October, 9.00am - 3.00pm. This will be our last in-person Information Forum for 2023. The forum will also take place online, with sessions occurring in our main presentation room being shared live on Zoom. During the event, you will hear from - Those with a lived experience of breast cancer Medical Oncologist, Dr Michelle White Clinical Psychologist, Chloe Oliver Sexual Health Physician, Dr Tonia Mezzini Exercise Physiologist, Jody Spicer Physiotherapist, Maebh Coleman Deirdre Maunsell, Breast Care Nurse We will cover current and emerging treatments, sexual health, strategies to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing and share local services and support. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet others in the local Mission Beach community. You can register to attend either in-person or online by clicking here. The presentations will be made available to view on-demand following the Information Forum but we would love to see you on the day, whether that be in-person or via Zoom. Please feel free to share the registration link with friends and family. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to post them below. Many thanks, @Carissa_BCNAFriday Update - 1st September 2023
Welcome to spring everyone! It feels like Field of Women has flown by us, however I would love to provide a recap on the wonderful day that it was. We also have Policy & Advocacy news in relation to a new drug recommended on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS); Additionally, we have information on the 60-day prescriptions of the PBS medicines. Please share your own Field of Women photos! We would love to see them (If you are happy to share). Online Network Housekeeping: Several members have advised that sometimes emails from the Online Network (eg. notification emails) cannot be found in their Inbox. These messages will end up in your 'Junk' or 'Spam' folder, therefore it is a good idea to check those folders occasionally. Typically if you right click on the email and mark it as 'not junk' it will give you an option to 'Always trust this email' Community Highlights Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions last month, you can check them out via the links below: Totally confused after seeking second opinion need to connect chemo question please? Joining the shitty titty club... Extreme weakness! Posts by 'Category Name' 12 August - 31 August 2023 Featured Private Group - 'Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)' Created only last month, the new Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) private group aims to connect together individuals who are diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Around 15 per cent of people with early breast cancer will have a sub-type called triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is a type of breast cancer that does not have any of the three receptors commonly found on breast cancer cells â the oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. This means they don't respond to treatments that block these receptors. TNBC generally respond well to chemotherapy. Read more via the My Journey article Triple negative breast cancer Community News BCNA News 22 August 2023 â BCNA celebrates recent PBAC decisions Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has welcomed a decision to recommend a crucial drug to treat early-stage triple negative breast cancer for a government subsidy CLICK HERE to read more BCNA News 01 September 2023 â 60-day dispensing prescriptions of PBS medicines Today BCNA welcomes the first day of 60-day dispensing for certain medications. This will make medicines cheaper for people living with chronic disease, including those with breast cancer. Although not in the first tranche, we look forward to hormone-blocking therapies used to treat some types of breast cancer being included in future rollouts of the program. Read our media release here. This morning, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler talks to ABC RN Breakfast about the changes. You can listen to the interview titled: 'Scare campaigns complete rubbish': 60-day pharmacy scripts introduced' here BCNA Social Post - Asking for a second opinion This is such a common topic and question we hear on the Helpline, therefore I thought I would share the social post here in the Friday update as well: We are often asked if itâs OK to get a second opinion from another health professional â whether thatâs an oncologist, surgeon, GP or other health professional. Some people tell us they donât want to offend their health professional or may not know how to go about requesting a second opinion. While you may initially be referred to a particular health professional, you do not need to stay with them. If you are unhappy about who you have been referred to, or just want to speak to someone else, itâs a good idea to seek a second opinion. When telling your health professional that you'd like a second opinion, be upfront and direct. Most will welcome a second opinion â they may even suggest it themselves. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. For more information on getting a second opinion: https://www.bcna.org.au/understandi.../your-medical-team/. Daily Mail â Major change coming to telehealth appointments from today Telehealth appointments are an important part of Australia's healthcare system with millions accessing the service every year. But there is one major change coming to telehealth appointments that patients need to know about CLICK HERE to read more Field of Women Reflecting on my first Field of Women, it was truly a wonderful day. I was humbled by the many lovely people who crossed my path and stood beside me on the MCG. The strength and sense of community I'll never forget. There were smiles, tears and moments of personal reflection I could see on people's faces; arms around each other in support and bright colours to shine a light on breast cancer. Thankyou to everyone who shared their story and I hope you enjoyed the day. You can now view photos and videos from the day via the links below: View photos here View live stream recording here BCNA Staff survey - Field of Women 2023 Here is my own little memory that I love from the day: BCNA Forums/Webcasts Coffs Harbour Information Forum BCNA is hosting an Information Forum in Coffs Harbour on the 7th of September 2023 for everyone affected by breast cancer, including their supporters, covering a range of vital topics CLICK HERE to register (Note: If you are unable to attend in person, you can still join us virtually. 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). Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries Great to see information about the upcoming Coffs Harbour Forum in the local news this week Coffs Coast News Of The Area 1 September 2023 - News Of The Area Thankyou for taking the time to read the update. Please take care and if you have any questions or feedback please messaged of our Online Network moderators below: @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Risha_BCNA @Denise_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, Jenny, Pat, Denise and Risha "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become". - Carl Jung
