đŁ BCNA's Strategy 2025â2030 Now Available
We are absolutely thrilled to share something truly special with you - Breast Cancer Network Australia's Strategy 2025â2030 is officially available to view and it marks a bold, inspiring new chapter for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This strategy isnât just a document. It's a promise to be louder, braver, and more determined than ever in driving change. Built from the voices, experiences, and hopes of people all across our community, this roadmap sets out the ambitious work ahead - from strengthening advocacy and pushing for equity in care, to elevating lived experience so every voice is heard where it matters most. ⨠It reflects where weâve been. It celebrates where we are. And it charts a powerful path for where weâre going, together. You can read the full strategy here: đ https://www.bcna.org.au/media/l5ua3c3e/bcna-strategy-2025-2030.pdf Weâd love to know: What excites you most? What sparks hope or inspiration? Your insights continue to shape everything we do, and this moment is very much yours. Thank you for being at the heart of our community - your courage, honesty, and support drive the work ahead. Hereâs to five years of impact, connection, and meaningful change. đđŞJoin us in welcoming Gabrielle Coyne as our new Board Chairđđ
After 10 years as Chair of the BCNA Board - we are bidding a grateful farewell to Kathryn Fagg AC. Kathrynâs leadership has been transformative. Powered by her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2012, she didnât just lead our Board; she championed our community. Under her guidance, BCNA has: đ Delivered quality information and support to millions of Australians đ Built ways to connect those with lived experience together đ Secured PBS listings for many lifesaving and life-prolonging drugs like Enhertu and Keytruda. đ Launched the landmark 'State of the Nation' report to bridge gaps in care. đ Secured $1.5M in federal funding to ensure metastatic breast cancer patients are finally counted. Kathryn, your inspiring spirit has changed the landscape of breast cancer support in Australia. We are also proud to welcome Gabrielle Coyne as our new Board Chair. With Gabrielle's extensive experience and shared passion, we are ready to continue our work of ensuring all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the information, care and support they need.đA Landmark Win: Australia Bans Genetic Discrimination in Life Insurance!
Declared today - what a start to the month! After ten years of sustained advocacy, Australia has passed legislation banning genetic discrimination in life insurance. This is a historic moment for fairness, medicine, and genomic health. đ§ŹThe bill has now passed the Senate and will become enforceable in October 2026, giving insurers time to update their systems. Once active, Australians will finally be able to access genetic testing without worrying about how their results might affect life insurance đ đ This reform follows years of work from advocates including our very own Vicki Durston, and Monash Universityâs Dr Jane Tiller who described the outcome as extraordinary and vital for protecting everyday Australians. It also creates new opportunities for preventive genomic screening through programs like DNA Screen, which has already provided lifeâsaving information to participants. đş Stories like that of 22âyearâold Mia Hodder, who carries a BRCA2 variant, show the real impact of this shift. She shared that genetic testing empowered her to take preventive action and expressed relief that others will now be protected from discrimination when making similar choices. đThis legislation marks a major step forward for public health, early detection, and equitable access to genetic information. A huge victory for medicine, for genomics, and for fairness. More updates will follow as the implementation date approaches, if you're interested in learning more, you can read the Monash University media release here.đ BCNA's 2025 Impact Report Is Here!
What a year it was. In 2025, BCNA reached further, stood louder, and showed up stronger in the places where weâre needed most. From the sparkling shores of Bondi to the heart of Willetton, our community carried us into conversations, fundraisers, gatherings, and moments that truly mattered. We didnât just raise awareness, we raised voices, hope, connection, and the courage to keep going. And none of it could have happened without you. đ At BCNA, everything starts with care for our community. Every story, every milestone, every ripple of change begins with the individuals who make up this extraordinary community. This yearâs Impact Report isnât just numbers - itâs a living, breathing celebration of the people behind them. The women, men, and families who opened their hearts, shared their experiences, and reminded us why this work matters so deeply. Weâve gathered some of our favourite stories from the past year - stories of strength, innovation, resilience, and community spirit that carried us forward. Take a moment to explore them. Let them inspire you. Let them remind you of the difference we make together. đHereâs to another year of impact, connection, and hope. Thank you for being part of this incredible community - for standing with us, walking with us, and believing in what we can achieve together. đRead BCNA's 2025 Impact Report Here
CEO Update - Kirsten Pilatti - Mar26
Hi everyone,⯠Every year, International Womenâs Day gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to creating a more equitable world. This yearâs UN Women Australia themeâŻâŻâBalance the ScalesââŻresonates deeply with the work we do at BCNA and with the lived experiences of the hundreds of thousands of women we serve. Recently, I had the privilege of spending time with our long-time partner Sussan to explore what this yearâs theme truly means for women navigating Australiaâs healthcare system. Their guiding motto âBy Women, For WomenââŻpairs powerfully with âBalance the Scalesâ, highlighting both the strength of women supporting women and the urgency of creating systems that workâŻwithâŻthem, not against them. In our conversation, I reflected on how often women must fight to be heard, believed, and supported within a healthcare landscape that was never designed with them in mind. At BCNA, our Purpose is to stand for all Australians affected by breast cancer. We want to ensure that everyone can access the care, dignity, and understanding they deserve. đ Watch the video here â¨âŻOur 2025â2030 Strategy: Putting lived experience at the centre For more than 25 years, BCNA has fought to ensure that women's lived experience isnât an afterthought, itâs the blueprint for action. Our new five-year strategy strengthens this commitment. It sets a bold direction to ensure our: support is stronger advocacy is louder reach is wider impact is deeper â¤ď¸âŻI believe that the people we serve are the heartbeat of our organisation. This strategy represents their voices, their stories, and their needs. âŻđ Explore the 2025â2030 Strategy â¨âŻLooking back to look forward One of the stories that continues to inspire me is that of our founder,âŻLyn Swinburne. In the year 2000, Lyn â mum, teacher, and fierce advocate â sat inside the ĂlysĂŠe Palace in Paris. Pen in hand, she paused for a moment, smiling nervously, before signing an international Charter in the presence of French President Jacques Chirac. That moment was more than ceremonial. It marked the beginning of BCNAâs enduring commitment to global advocacy, to womenâs rights in healthcare, and to building a future where equity isnât aspirational, itâs expected. âŻđRead more heređąWednesday Wellness - 18Mar26 - Living beyond limits of breast cancerđą
Hi everyone. This Wednesday Wellness, we felt inspired to honour the strength it takes to live beyond the limits that cancer can place on people. Cancer changes routines, energy, emotions, and plans, but it never gets the final say in who someone is. Every day, people facing cancer show extraordinary courage in the quietest ways: getting out of bed, asking for help, attending appointments, smiling through fear, or simply choosing hope when life feels heavy. These moments matter. They are victories! đŞ Beyond the limits of cancer is a space filled with: ⨠Resilience - the ability to rise again, even when strength feels hard ⨠Community - the comfort of knowing you donât walk this path alone ⨠Joy - found in small moments that illness cannot touch ⨠Possibility - the reminder that life is still here, still meaningful, still yours Whether youâre in treatment, living with breast cancer, supporting someone you love or honouring another's journey, take a breath today and remind yourself: You are more than this moment. You are more than a diagnosis. đŞ Kristal - Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Earlier this week you will have seen our post about Kristal, breast cancer survivor who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as a personal goal and fundraiser for BCNA earlier this month. You are an inspiration Kristal! Read more here đŞ Dragons Abreast - If you're feeling adventurous! Dragons Abreast Australia brings breast cancer survivors together through dragon boating, helping them regain physical strength, confidence, and wellbeing after treatment. Their inclusive teams welcome people of all fitness levels and backgrounds, creating a supportive space to reconnect with their bodies and rebuild hope. With more than 30 groups nationwide, members find friendship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as they paddle side by side. Through their visibility and community presence, Dragons Abreast also helps raise awareness about breast cancer and the power of active recovery. Each boat on the water is a symbol of resilience and a reminder that healing is stronger when shared. Get in touch with Dragons Abreast here. Whilst climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or dragonboating might not be what you had in mind, ask yourself, what small actions you can take this week to live beyond the limits of breast cancer â¤ď¸ Let everyone know your tips in the comments!Labour Day Public Holiday - March 9th
Please note that BCNAâs Online Network will not be moderated on the Labour Day public holiday, Monday 9 March 2026, as the BCNA Helpline will be closed. During this time, please ensure you are familiar with the following support services: BCNAâs Website Information & Resources Hub - Explore articles, stories and podcasts to help navigate breast cancer 24/7 Support Services Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; available throughout the day) Although moderation will be paused, the Online Network will remain open and active. You are warmly encouraged to continue asking questions, sharing your stories, and reaching out for support within the community whenever you need it. If you would like a callback from the Helpline, please submit a request via: https://www.bcna.org.au/helpline-self-referral-form/ We hope you all have a lovely long weekend!CEO Update - Kirsten Pilatti
Hi everyone, As we settle into 2026, I hope youâve had a moment to pause, reset, and look after yourself. A new year doesnât always need to come with big resolutions or sweeping changes. Sometimes itâs simply about finding your rhythm again, setting small intentions and making space for what really matters to you. â¨This month, Iâm delighted to share some fantastic news. The UK Government has announced important progress in the reporting of metastatic breast cancer data. Itâs a milestone worth celebrating, especially following the work we did last year alongside Breast Cancer Now and Rethink Breast Cancer Canada. Our policy team played a significant role in advocating on behalf of our community, and that event helped create key connections, including introducing Breast Cancer Now to a UK politician living with metastatic breast cancer who has since become a powerful advocate for change. For those who are newer to BCNA, our three organisations made a pledge during that meeting - an important document that outlines what real, global progress should look like for metastatic breast cancer. Itâs well worth a read if youâre passionate about this area. You can also take a look at Breast Cancer Nowâs recent blog about the UK Governmentâs cancer plan here. Meaningful change always needs champions, and Minister Ashley Dalton is certainly one of them. But champions are inspired by the people around them and thereâs no doubt that our very own Vicki Durston, along with Lisa Rankin and our incredible community members living with metastatic breast cancer, our BCNA Consumer Representatives, and so many others helped drive this momentum in the UK. â¤ď¸ Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and involvement in our recent activities, including Carmanâs Fun Run in Melbourne and the 13th Beach Pink Players Day. There are so many ways to get involved - participating, fundraising, volunteering, or simply cheering from the sidelines. Every contribution plays a part in strengthening and supporting our community. As we continue through the year, please know how grateful we are to walk alongside you. BCNA will always be here to offer information, connection, and support whenever you need it. Whether youâre joining events, sharing your story, or navigating things at your own pace. đŹ Iâd love to know: how can we best support you this year? What would you like to see more of from BCNA in 2026? Comment below!
Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - Feb26
As we continue to move through 2026, thereâs a real sense of progress building across breast cancer outcomes - both here at home and internationally. I want to share two important moments that highlight how evidence, leadership, and advocacy are shaping a better future for those affected by breast cancer. ⨠Why AI in mammography canât wait Eric Topolâs recent article, âWhy All Mammograms Should Incorporate AI,â brings together powerful evidence showing that AI in breast screening is no longer a future idea - itâs part of modern, effective care today. One of the strongest examples is the large MASAI trial from Sweden, involving more than 105,000 women. When radiologists used AI as support, the outcomes were remarkable: đ 29% more cancers detected đ 24% more invasive cancers found đ No increase in false positives or recalls đ 44% reduction in radiologist workload Two-year follow-up findings were equally compelling: fewer interval cancers, fewer invasive cancers, and fewer aggressive types such as triple negative and HER2-positive cancers. What international evidence now shows International evidence is telling a very consistent story. Large trials and real-world evaluations show that AI-supported mammography can safely increase cancer detection while reducing radiologist workload, without increasing false positives or unnecessary recalls. This matters in a system already under pressure. AI is also changing how we think about risk. New image-based risk models can analyse a mammogram that appears ânormalâ to the human eye and still identify women at higher risk of developing breast cancer in the next few years. This opens the door to more personalised, risk-stratified screening, rather than the one-size-fits-all model we rely on today. Here in Australia, BreastScreen is a highly respected program, but it was designed more than 30 years ago. While Victoria and NSW are now piloting AI within their services, we still lack a coordinated national approach for integrating AI into breast screening that reflects todayâs evidence. What BCNA is calling for We are now at a decision point. The question Eric Topol poses - âIf not now, then when?â- is the same challenge facing Australia. For BCNA, this is not about chasing technology for its own sake. We are calling for AI to be treated as a core part of the evolution of breast screening, not an optional add-on. That means: Embedding AI research, evaluation and implementation within BreastScreen Ongoing, in-program national investment in screening research and quality improvement Ensuring that the benefits of new technology are delivered equitably, so no woman is left behind because of where she lives or her background If we get this right, AI wonât replace the program Australians trust - it will strengthen it, helping detect cancers earlier, supporting an overstretched workforce, and moving us closer to truly personalised, risk-stratified screening.đ¸ Friday Update â 20 Feb 26
Hello everyone and welcome to Friday! I'm filling in for the Online Network content today, so I thought weâd wind things back to one of my classic Friday Updates - a gentle wrapâup of whatâs been happening across our BCNA community. đââď¸ Carmanâs Fun Run â What a Day! Last Sundayâs Carmanâs 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 đ đď¸ Cheering on Kristal Kinsela â Trek4BCNA We also want to highlight Kristal Kinsela, one of BCNAâs ambassadors, who is currently undertaking Trek4BCNA: Kilimanjaro 2026challenge. Kristalâs commitment to raising awareness and funds for BCNA continues to inspire many across our community. đż Whatâs 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 đ Signingâoff Itâs 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, 9amâ5pm (AEDT) if you need information, support or guidance toward appropriate services.
