🌸 Friday Update – 20 Feb 26
Hello everyone and welcome to Friday! I'm filling in for the Online Network content today, so I thought we’d wind things back to one of my classic Friday Updates - a gentle wrap‑up of what’s been happening across our BCNA community. 🏃♀️ Carman’s Fun Run – What a Day! Last Sunday’s Carman’s 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 🙌 🏔️ Cheering on Kristal Kinsela – Trek4BCNA We also want to highlight Kristal Kinsela, one of BCNA’s ambassadors, who is currently undertaking Trek4BCNA: Kilimanjaro 2026challenge. Kristal’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for BCNA continues to inspire many across our community. 🌿 What’s 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 💗 Signing‑off It’s 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, 9am–5pm (AEDT) if you need information, support or guidance toward appropriate services.🌿 Share Your Story for Lymphoedema Awareness Week – March 2–8 🌿
We’re looking for people in our Online Network community who have been diagnosed and are living with lymphoedema to share lived experience stories as part of Lymphoedema Awareness Week March 2 – 8. Your experience can help others feel understood and raise awareness of the reality of living with lymphoedema. Looking for people open to sharing their photo and experience on; 💡 What do you want people to know about living with lymphoedema? 💡 What advice would you give to someone who’s just been diagnosed? You story is so important and has a powerful impact. Thank you for considering being part of this important awareness week. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please send Christina_BCNA a private message or comment ‘learn more’ belowLymphoedema Information & Events
Lymphoedema can develop after breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy treatment. If lymph nodes are removed – usually from the armpit – fluid can build up and cause swelling known as ‘lymphoedema’. Find out what causes it, ways to reduce your risk of lymphoedema, and what to do if you develop lymphoedema. Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema Reduce your risk of lymphoedema Lymphoedema treatment Compression garments for lymphoedema Coping with lymphoedema Watch Ask the Expert 'Living well with lymphoedema' - with Maree O’Connor
Sutherland Shire Breast Cancer Support Group
Sutherland Shire Breast Cancer Support Group Anyone who has ever had a breast cancer diagnosis is most welcome to come along to any of our meetings. 1st Wednesday of the month 7-9 pm at Tradies Gymea 57 Manchester Rd Gymea *5.30 pm Pre-group dinner in Willow Restaurant 3rd Saturday of the month At Camelia Gardens Tea Rooms 9.45-11.45 am President Ave, Caringbah As March is Lymphoedema Awareness month we have guest speaker ,physio specialist and very experienced in all things Lymphoedema We have a Facebook page and an email group for newslettersLymphoedema Information Day
Registration has just been extended until 13th March Come along to Tamworth for the Regional Lymphoedema Information Day on Saturday 21st March. To attend this wonderful day of learning about lymphoedema, the best practice to treat and manage this condition, latest research, and opportunity to see and talk to our sponsors about their lymphoedema products! 7.30-10 am Session for medical and health care professionals only 10am -4.30 pm Sessions for public-everyone consumers ,medical and health care professionals https://www.lymphoedemasupport.com/upcoming-events/information-day-2020 Send your registration form in by 13th March Go to www.lymphoedemasupport.com and follow the links to register. Don't miss out! Please go to the Lymphoedema Support Group of NSW Facebook page and like and share their posts. This conference is priceless opportunity for anyone who has had breast cancer surgery, or who cares for people who have had bc surgery . (family or service industry) or other cancers especially head and neck, genital /urinary/gynaecological , melanoma,. Gp's,physios, occupational therapists, massage therapists, podiatrists,- lots of people who could benefit from top notch advice to be able to help the estimated 40,000+ people living with lymphoedemea in Australia & New Zealand You can also be born with lymphoedema or a predispostion to it , or it can result from an injury, can be a side effects from many other diseases also . Not restricted to breast cancer . Up to 20% of all breast,ovarian and prostrate cancer survivors develop lymphoedema. Early treatment leads to better outcomes. It is essential for patients to have education and adequate support to ensure compliance and self care to reduce the impact of this chronic condition and reduce associated complications due to inadequate self management of lymphoedema.
Sydney Lymphoedema Public Information Day
Hi All Lymphoedema Association Australia is an organisation of volunteers aiming to support anyone living with lymphoedema. On 26/7/25 we are holding an information day in Sydney. Details below. For full disclosure, I am the current board President https://www.lymphaustralia.org.au/eventdetails/29672/laa-sydney-public-information-day-nsw
Do you have lymphoedema?
The ALERT (Australian Lymphoedema Education, Reseach and Treatment) team at Macquarie University are looking for people living with primary or secondary lymphoedema to complete an online survey which will help them to develop appropriate patient information resources. You can complete the survey via this link: https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_721VztSK5hUBU8K
Lymphoedema compression bra cost
After months of trying to use a sports bra with a lymph flow pressure pad my lymphoedema physio has just recommended I move to proper lymphoedema compression bras and am gobsmacked at the cost. I rang the State Wide Equipment Program who fund lymphoedema compression garments in Victoria who advise bras are not covered under this program. Does anyone have any other suggestions for how to get these at a subsidised cost? I don’t have $700 laying around to get 2 bras and a night time compression band.
Early stage lymphoedema
Hi everyone. So I’ve just come back from one of my lymphoedema clinic appointments and they said my sozo measures and arm measurements were a bit high. I’ve been given some extra exercises and self lymph draining massage instructions to do but I was just wondering for anyone who has had reversed it fro this stage had any extra tips that I can do to maximise my chances of turning this around ive got another appointment in 5 weeks and if it hasn’t changed they want to look at compression which I’m keen to avoid with the weather warming up I’m a busy mum of three and work from home on our own business too so there’s no time for gyms or yoga or anything like that, just looking for extra things I can incorporate into my already packed days. Appreciate any tips and tricks that you may have just for background I’ve had left side mastectomy, full auxiliary clearance, 3 weeks radiation and 16 rounds of chemotherapy all completed. Still doing immunotherapy and taking anastrozole Thanks and have a great day 🙂
Risk of Lymphoedema following skin cancer punch biopsy?
I was diagnosed in June 2018. I had 6 months of chemo, then surgery, followed by 3 weeks of radiation. I have avoided needles and having blood pressure measured from the arm where the nodes were removed. I now have a suspected squamous cell carcinoma under my index fingernail and a suspected melanoma on that arm. I have been referred on to a dermatologist as the skin cancer specialist at the clinic was reluctant to do it due to risk of lymphoedema. Anyone had anything similar?
