đź©şLumpectomy or mastectomy? Understanding the options
Hi everyone, we wanted to share a helpful resource about a decision many people face after a breast cancer diagnosis, choosing between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. For many people, both lumpectomy and mastectomy are safe and effective options, with similar long term survival outcomes in early stage breast cancer. A lumpectomy removes the cancer while keeping most of the breast and is usually followed by radiation. A mastectomy removes all breast tissue and may be recommended based on medical factors such as tumour size, multiple tumours or genetic risk, or chosen based on personal preference and peace of mind. Importantly, the article highlights that this decision is not just medical. Feelings about body image, anxiety, future follow up, recovery and quality of life all matter. There is no single right choice, only the choice that is right for you 💙 If you are facing this decision, taking time to ask questions, understand your options and talk openly with your care team can help you feel more confident moving forward. If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to share what helped you make your decision or a question you found important to ask. You are not alone, and this community is here to support you. 🌱 This information is derived from an article written by Melbourne breast surgeon Dr George Chou, published on the Melbourne Breast Cancer Surgery website. You can read the full article here if you would like more detail: 💬 Questions you might want to ask your care team Many people find it helpful to write down questions before appointments. Some that may support your decision making include: Are both options medically appropriate for me? What additional treatments would follow each option? How might each choice affect my recovery and daily life? What are the long term follow up needs? How might reconstruction or going flat fit into this decision? There is no rush to have all the answers at once. It is okay to take time, reflect, and seek support. Don't forget our Helpline is here to chat through anything that might help make this easier for you - call us on 1800 500 258.Welcome New Members - 9th May 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community since the new platform update at the end of March. We hope you are enjoying the conversations! ads000au​ 543​ JMA​ Cinta8​ shipship​ Travelmac​ Madfairies​ inkblot58​ BrendaB​ marglav​ Positiveus​ Nala25​ TanyaT6​ NDS​ Minka​ Amber77​ Jane1981​ Roses​ AliceM​ Pompeygirl2022​ Danniskye​ Anna25​ Beatrixb​ Amanda1909​ Jaffa​ Sammy70​ BelindaC​ ccross​ Allied​ Dennie​ Higgsy​ mel51​ Posi​ Arnie07​ TNBCHubby​ Marion50​ suziq123​ Lisaj53​ Dayle​ Laura_5​ Kym72​ Tilbee​ jw2025​ Coll1102​ Jithin​ LaceysMum​ Bex​ Hurstmel​ helent​ Jaime​ rlb​ Bumblebee​ Nannybelle​ TC80​ sueper70​ thelifeofKH​ Tessa75​ Melsie11​ C_Honey​ JudithN​ LA​ Jo195​ LQ​ emma85​ Shereeh5​ glasskat​ Jillie​ Lulijus​ Angela111​ tnbc_2025​ ABC123​ Mazza1949​ trinity_sue​ lollyshopgirl​ Sharkyswim​ Loralie1996​ Youngad​ StephBfree​ Caz_​ Fun-1​ SJ11​ bl​ glen​ Annie62​ Cazza12​ Subie01​ shubhangifusam​ Sensi_713​ Shelleigh​ Milan​ irob​ JMM​ j777​ Fulyn​ Kirt​ April2025​ larazon​ sfishe10​ geeg​ susieq1969​ LauraB27​ vixterh​ Tetel​ Ando​ Cath74​ EJM​ Miftymel​ Oddangie​ Sue12​ Rose1988​ nicholsmi​ Cath_68​ Nani​ Leeo​ AJay​ Prim79​ Braktas1​ NelzD80​ SamG​ latteandleaves​ Palmy66​ Kevinamada​ LisadoesBC​ Livinglife111​ Thames​ Jen5​ paulina_gtzr​ kjwhite01​ Dollycat1​ Scotland123​ DL_4481​ JessEA​ scoutblazing​ A81​ Gidget​ QP​ Ally327​ Suzie54carter​ ljames​ Una​ Jane1970​ Lizzie27​ Ashkii​ LULUSMUM​ Vicki27​ Ritam​ 3749447​ TCH​ mezmf​ Jo-SA​ AnnieM42​ Jewelzbee​ Aries01​ Lisa76​ layna​ PatW​ netney​ ThinLizzy​ HoneyBee3​ Lou25​ Neeke45​ Wenzaroo11​ CKewley​ jackie-1957​ KA​ Shellby​ katethompson3​ This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod​ or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA​ Astrida_BCNA​ Risha_BCNA​ Denise_BCNA​ . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA​ Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.🎧 Have you connected with our podcast: Upfront About Breast Cancer
Within our Online Network, we know how important it is to feel informed, supported, and connected at every stage of a breast cancer experience. One of the many ways we support our community is through our Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast. This is a resource created for you, where real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance come together in a way that is easy to access whenever you need it. A much loved part of the podcast is the What You Don’t Know Until You Do series, hosted by Dr Charlotte Tottman. Dr Tottman is a psycho oncologist who has supported many people through the emotional impact of cancer and, following her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach creates a space where the emotional side of breast cancer can be explored openly, helping listeners better understand their own responses and feel less alone in what they are experiencing. 💬 Real conversations from our community Upfront About Breast Cancer brings together the voices that matter most. People with lived experience share their stories alongside healthcare professionals and experts, creating conversations that feel both genuine and reassuring. These discussions reflect the reality of breast cancer. They explore the shock of diagnosis, the emotional highs and lows, and what it can take to adjust to life during and after treatment. For many, simply hearing someone else say “me too” can make a powerful difference. 🌱 Supporting you at every stage We know that every experience is different, which is why Upfront About Breast Cancer is designed to support people across all stages. Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, supporting a loved one, or moving through life after treatment, there is something here for you. Episodes cover important topics such as what to expect after diagnosis, how to communicate with your healthcare team, managing side effects, and navigating the healthcare system. This means you can return to the information in your own time, absorb it at your own pace, and feel more prepared for the next step in your journey. 👉 Listen to Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast here. 🌸 A gentle reminder Some topics may feel emotional or challenging. Please take things at your own pace and look after yourself as you listen. Support is always available, the online community and our Helpline on the phones are here for you. Have you listened to Upfront About Breast Cancer? We'd love if you shared: an episode that stayed with you something new you learned a conversation you would like to hear in the future 💪 Your experience may help someone else going through a challenging part of their journey. We are stronger, together.✨New updates to My Journey✨
Have you seen the recent updates to My Journey? Get the low down below and take a look at your new features: Login to My Journey here 📝 New feature: Notes You can now use Notes to record questions for your healthcare team, upcoming appointments, or current medications, all in one secure place. This simple addition helps you prepare for consultations, remember key details, and stay engaged in your care. 📝 New feature: Improved personalisation The Resources area now highlights more content specific to your diagnosis, stage and treatment, giving you information that’s relevant, timely and reviewed by healthcare professionals. My Journey can also be used to track side effects and record any issues you are having. Summaries can be downloaded to share with treating teams during appointments. Together, these updates make My Journey a valuable companion between appointments, supporting informed conversations and better continuity of care. 📞 If you need further support and information, please reach out to our helpline on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.Welcome New Members - 20th June 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. riverflows​ BWG​ shroomietornado​ Newsusuau​ JamieM​ M0nP​ Jojo167​ Nichola67​ Squish​ BaggyPants33​ HardDecisions​ Wilson09​ Jess_ica​ BrissyGirl​ Michelle666​ Chk2025​ Charles6​ Morag​ kat06​ eberk​ BrisKate​ Shittingmypants​ Annie8​ Duck2​ grungle​ Fran6244​ HopefulKind​ Swallow​ shez29​ Nsin​ Bron77​ PSR​ flatout​ Megs33​ Libby52​ Gailae71​ Rosemary_C​ Dappermongrel​ Mat​ Tigers1962​ Lana1​ Amorrison​ Steph19​ Mummamia22​ MayaClaire​ Rona2302​ Ksmith19​ VeraRose26​ KateCr​ mountains94​ penlou​ Kate_M​ EddieC​ Klio​ Frances1​ bcjourney​ Annie2025​ 31breastca​ Boy-Mum​ Salmax​ Forgetful_Lucy​ neene38​ Juan​ nesssie31​ NatR​ LokiLambchop​ Kp1111​ Niks74​ Cathy1​ D69​ Dunney​ Roz67​ sabrinaperri​ This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod​ or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA​ Mez_BCNA​ Astrida_BCNA​ Risha_BCNA​ Denise_BCNA​ . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA​ Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.Friday 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 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. 📢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 conference’s 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 🤝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 Energy’s belief in BCNA’s 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. 🔗Read 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 1–21 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, we’ve raised over $27 million to ensure that no one diagnosed with breast cancer is unsupported. 🔗Read more about this incredible partnership via the link Bakers Delight Breast Cancer Campaign Partnership 🎉 Event Spotlight: Carman's Fun Run is coming to Sydney in 2025! Carman's Fun Run SYDNEY 2025! We’re 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, you’re 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 👂 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 [email protected] or reply directly to this post. Take care and keep the conversations going! @BCNA_Mod TeamWelcome New Members - 23rd May 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community in the past few weeks. We hope you are enjoying the conversations! mezmf​ bear91​ Anonymous​ Nigella​ Sintah25​ never_better​ Shar24​ IDK16​ Kmc​ GiniD​ Elgy​ Waratah​ shacol​ Linda67​ 184129​ nowavic14​ LeanneO​ PositiveVibes2​ Sarah146​ Luna_Loops​ Shell69​ ZL​ HannahMich​ JosephineB1​ Trud​ Modiri2​ jd46​ Rileyrat​ Kyleila​ Susan2025​ Gigi_68​ lemony​ Regina​ MB7​ Clementine​ mis71t​ Jh2703​ Ghadiri​ hmphmidgadzooks​ Michelle13​ PygmyPossum25​ Elaine66​ eeyore_kun​ SAYO46​ This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod​ or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA​ Mez_BCNA​ Astrida_BCNA​ Risha_BCNA​ Denise_BCNA​ . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA​ Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.
