🌱Wednesday Wellness - 22Apr26 -Informed Decisions Reduce Anxiety🌱
🧠 Anxiety rises with the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the uncertain. But the flipside is that anxiety comes down with good quality information. – 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. 📚 What information can I access? BCNA's Information and Resources hub brings together a wide range of evidence‑based 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. ☎️ 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. 💭 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. 💗35ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsFriday Update - 17th April 2025
Hi everyone, We’re back with your latest update from Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)—keeping you across activity happening within the organisation and the broader community. Whether you’re 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). 📚 Resource of the Month: “My Journey” 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. 📢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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – The lack of comp…177ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsWhat can you call BCNA's Helpline for?
You can request a call back at Helpline self-referral or email [email protected]405ViewsSign in to react to this post5CommentsPink 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 – Community catch-up dinner Brisbane Sat June 22nd – Info & Support Day at Royal Brisbane Women’s hospital Fri July 19th - Community Catch-up dinner Melbourne Sat July 20th - Info & Support Day at Uni of Melbourne Fri Aug 9th – Community Catch-up dinner Sydney Sat Aug 10th – Info & Support Day at Macquarie Uni, Sydney Flyers attached and website info via the link https://www.pinkhope.org.au/join-an-event887ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentFriday 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 you’re struggling to feel those ‘festive’ feelings, please be kind to yourself. Here are some strategies from the Cancer Council to help make Christmas easier if you’re 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – The sneaky breast cancer I almost missed and how other can look out for it Mary Lloyd from the ABC’s Specialist reporting Team tells her personal story of a breast cancer experience and how lobular breast cancer (lobular carcinoma in situ – 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 Ab…158ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsFriday 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 rubbi…156ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentFriday Update - 31st March 2023
Hi everyone, BCNA have been around town with the Port Lincoln and Warrnambool forums both being held in March. If you wish to watch the recordings when they become available, refer to the My Journey article https://myjourney.org.au/article/3662 ; Easter is just around the corner too. For those who observe the occasion, may you have a lovely week. If it includes a hot drink with hot cross buns to mark the occasion, then we have come into the perfect weather here in Victoria. Take Care and enjoy the update. Community Highlights March 2023 Activity During the month of March the Online Network had 91 new discussions; 441 comments and 18,557 visits to the community. Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the past couple of weeks, you can check them out via the links below: All the tests to update new diagnosis Friday Funnies Feeling a failure Just feel like running away Decision on chemotherapy Posts by 'Category Name' March 2023 Community News BCNA News - 07 March 2023 BCNA part of first ever research into Fear of breast cancer recurrence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women BCNA News - 23 March 2023 Findings from the study, led by Professor Jane Usher at the University of Western Sydney, found people from LGBTIQ+ communities continue to face disparities of care BCNA Health Professional Network News - 23 March 2023 A keynote speaker at a Health Professional Network event hosted by BCNA in Adelaide earlier this month provided an informative presentation on managing oestrogen deficiency symptoms in women living with breast cancer. Read How to Manage Menopause After Breast Cancer - Dr Tonia Mezzini New Trial for Advanced HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Trials has opened a new study called the TUGETHER clinical trial, which aims to find out if adding tucatinib and pembrolizumab to the usual treatment given to people with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer, will slow down the growth of the cancer. Read further details about The TUGETHER clinical trial and discuss with your treating team if you wish to know more about accessing trials Trans Day of Visibility Today on Trans Day of Visibility (31 March 2023), BCNA affirms and celebrates our transgender and gender diverse members. Trans and gender diverse people may have questions and concerns about how they will be impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis, including how cancer treatment will affect their body image and gender affirmation, how their treating team will respect their gender and how they can access inclusive peer support. Breast cancer can affect anyone, and everyone has the right to health care that respects their identity and is free from discrimination. Read more about challenges faced by trans and gender diverse people in this report by the Australian Re…110ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsThe Beacon - 1st March 2023
Hi everyone, If you haven't checked your inbox yet, you should have received the latest issue #94 of The Beacon. Alternatively you can access it here via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-94-march-2023/ If you prefer to read it offline as a PDF there is a 'Download' option. Hope you enjoy the content.124ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsFriday Update - 10th March 2023
Hello Online Network members, Hope you are enjoying a lovely Autumn day if you live in Melbourne; it truly is a beautiful season. Reflecting on some of the Online Network’s February activity, it was nice to see that the most activity has been visible in ‘Social Groups’ (private groups). If you have not checked out the variety of groups that may be relevant to your needs, please head to the link Groups Take care and enjoy. Community Highlights Revised Group The private PALB2 Gene Group has been changed to Hereditary Genetic Mutations and Breast Cancer to encompass individuals affected by any genetic mutation that may relate to an increased risk of brest cancer. February 2023 Activity In February the Online Network had 93 new discussions; 596 new comments and 15,032 visits to the community Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the past few weeks, you can check them out below: New Group Proposal - No Reconstruction post Breast Cancer Surgery What Care Givers do ...... Not doing so well Letrozole - Fracture in spine Mastectomy Posts by 'Category Name' February 2023 Community News BCNA News – 07 March 2023 More research is need into fear of breast cancer recurrence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, participants at a Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Think Tank heard last week BCNA part of first ever research into fear of breast cancer recurrence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women BCNA News – 02 March 2023 As Australia’s leading voice for people affected bu breast cancer, BCNA is proud its Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston, has been elected president of the General Assembly of the ABC Alliance BCNA’s Director Policy, Advocacy and Support Services elected to international breast cancer body International Women's Day - 8th March 2023 Thankyou to those who supported or participated in the Carman's Fun Run last Sunday. BCNA are pleased to announced that with the work of fundraisers and event partners, we were able to raise over $255,000 to help support of Australians affected by breast cancer. World Lymphoedema Day – 6th March 2023 On World Lymphoedema Awareness Day BCNA is calling for improved equity of access to treatments for lymphoedema. Lymphoedema, which is swelling caused by damage to the lymph nodes, can affect many people following treatment for breast cancer. It is a lifelong condition that can require wearing expensive compression garments to manage the symptoms. The financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis is already significant without the ongoing costs to manage and treat lymphoedema. All states and territories run programs that subsidise lymphoedema compression garments, and BCNA is calling f…221ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsThe Beacon - 1st December 2022
Hello everyone, Well it is December already and the latest issue #93 of The Beacon is available now and should arrive in your inbox today. Alternatively you can access it here via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-93-december-2022/ There is also a 'Download' option if you prefer to read it as a PDF. Enjoy!121ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
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