🩺LeaN On Program: reducing the risk of lymphoedema
LeaN On - a research initiative led by Professor Bogda Koczwara and developed by Flinders University in partnership with BCNA, was developed in response to a long‑standing gap in survivorship care. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition affecting the arm or hand that can develop weeks, months or even years after breast cancer treatment, yet many people report receiving little guidance about early warning signs, risk reduction or when to seek support. LeaN On is an evidence‑based digital platform designed to support people who are living with, or concerned about, lymphoedema after breast cancer. The platform guides users through a simple 12‑step online journey, with each step offering small, manageable and practical information to help people: understand what lymphoedema is recognise early signs and symptoms take actions now to reduce risk know when and how to seek professional support The platform is currently being trialed through a research study, evaluating how lymphoedema support can be delivered online, including both self‑directed and nurse‑supported options. Its online design allows people to access guidance regardless of where they live, including in regional and rural areas where access to specialist care can be limited. Consumer perspectives have been embedded throughout the project. Participants for co‑design activities were recruited through the Review and Survey Group, and BCNA supported the research by appointing a trained Consumer Representative to the project team. This ensured lived experience informed both the development of the platform and the research approach. Both the platform and the study underpinning its development have now been published, and people affected by breast cancer are invited to trial LeaN On by contacting info@mylean.online Learn more about the LeaN On project: BCNA overview article Flinders University article and trial information Published study💻Online event: VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round
Breast Cancer Grand Rounds are designed primarily for healthcare professionals and focus on clinical research, case discussions, and advances in treatment. They provide an opportunity to hear directly from experts working at the forefront of breast cancer research, and to better understand how new knowledge is being translated into care. Breast Cancer Grand Round with Dr Julia Dixon-Douglas: Making sense of senescence: Impact of CDK4/6i on early-stage breast cancer biology. 📅 Date: 6 May 2026 🕐 Time: 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm AEST 📍 Format: Hybrid event, with options to attend online. 👉 Register for this event here👣 CanSTEP Study – Share Your Views! (Sydney/Brisbane/Adelaide Residents)
Are you a cancer survivor living with tingling, numbness, or burning pain after chemotherapy? Researchers want to know: Can fun stepping games help reduce these symptoms and improve your quality of life? Join the CanSTEP study – a 6-month research project by Prince of Wales Hospital and Neuroscience Research Australia. What’s involved? ✔ Home-based step training using a wireless mat (just 80–120 mins/week for 16 weeks) ✔ Questionnaires & assessments on symptoms, balance, and cognition ✔ Random allocation to training or usual care (with option for training later) Who can join? ✅ 18+ years old ✅ Living in Sydney, Brisbane, or Adelaide ✅ Finished chemo at least 6 months ago ✅ Experiencing neuropathy symptoms affecting walking ✅ Able to walk 10m without an aid ✅ Have internet access 📞 Call 02 9399 1734 📧 Email canstep@neura.edu.au Approved by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee. 👉 Interested? Comment below or reach out today!🔬Have you seen the latest research on paxalisib for treatment of breast cancer?
Sydney based Kazia Therapeutics (oncology company) has announced promising new findings that could change the future of cancer treatment. These early results suggest that innovative approaches are showing real potential to improve patient outcomes and offer more targeted, effective therapies. ✨ Kazia said the patient with stage-four (metastatic) breast cancer has achieved an "immune-complete response", meaning there was no indication she still had cancer ✨ While it’s still in the research phase, this breakthrough highlights the incredible progress being made in oncology. Every step forward brings us closer to treatments that are not only more effective but also kinder to patients’ quality of life. This is a reminder of why continued investment in research matters, and why hope is very much alive in our wonderful community 🩷 👉 Read the full story here: Oncology company reports promising cancer find
Share your views: Artistic tattooing of breast-cancer mastectomy scars
Hi everyone! Following up on my previous post, I’d like to invite you to participate in a PhD research study being conducted by Tina-Maree Newlan of Charles Sturt University on artistic tattooing of breast-cancer mastectomy scars. The study aims to investigate the experiences of women who have had breast cancer mastectomy surgery and their experiences with making choices and decisions to decoratively tattoo mastectomy scars and what do those experiences mean for them. This request has been reviewed and approved by BCNA, and the project has been approved by Charles Sturt University Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol number H24311). You are eligible to participate in this research study if you: are a women aged 18 or over have had an early breast cancer diagnosis, breast cancer mastectomy surgery and completed, or are in the process of completing, professional decorative artistic tattooing of mastectomy scarring Would like to participate in an interview and are English speaking sufficient to participate in an interview What does the study involve? Eligible participants would take part in an initial 60-minute interview (via Zoom or face to face, depending on geographical location relative to the Gold Coast) and then a subsequent second 30-minute interview around two months later. How do I take part? If you are interested in participating in this study or have any questions, please contact the researcher, Tina-Maree Newlan at tnewlan@csu.edu.auAdelaide-based members: Opportunity to participate in Breast Cancer documentary
Hi everyone! I'm sharing an opportunity to participate in a documentary being created as part of a second-year film project at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE). The focus of the documentary to share women’s experiences of breast cancer, including diagnosis and treatment with the goal to highlight resilience and offer support to others through real stories. The project is looking for women at different stages of their diagnosis to interview. All stories are welcome, and the project can be adapted to different experiences. You can take part in this study if you: Have been diagnosed with or are living with breast cancer Live in Adelaide What will participation involve? The filmmaker is seeking six women to interview for this documentary. Filming will take place over three consecutive days, with scheduled dates between February 28 and March 28. Specific dates will be confirmed closer to the time. The documentary will have 2 key ideas: Frank interviews about their breast cancer diagnosis experience A fun photo shoot full of colour, laughter and positivity Interviewees will be provided lunch and there will be a Mental Health Nurse available on set for the full shoot days to provide care and support to both the volunteer participants and the crew. Please note, as this is a university project, there is no budget available for reimbursements. At this stage, this documentary will be for internal use only. If you would like to register your interest, please fill out the Google Form here. Thanks! Erana BCNA Consumer Engagement Coordinator
Breast Cancer Prevention Research
Women who have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy for Hodgkin's Lymphoma (particularly those treated at a younger age) have an increased risk of going on to develop breast cancer. What is BCNA doing to advocate for research into the prevention of breast cancer in this patient cohort? For example, is research being conducted in Australia on the use of Tamoxifen to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer (BEFORE they are ever diagnosed with breast cancer) in this cohort?Research Study - Western Sydney University (Free yoga)
Hello members, Our BCNA Policy and Advocacy team have provided the current study information that may be of interest to some of our members: Researchers at Western Sydney University are undertaking a 6-week clinical trial exploring the impact of either group yoga classes or individual yoga sessions for improving mental health in people diagnosed with cancer. Who can participate? You may be eligible to participate if you - Have been diagnosed with either breast cancer or gynaecological cancer (ovarian, uterine, cervical, etc) in the last 5 years - Are not currently receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy; however, you may be receiving stable hormone-blocking therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy - Have increased symptoms of depression and/or anxiety - Have adequate general health to be involved in a yoga program - Have reliable access to the internet and a device with a web camera - Are aged 18 or older What’s involved? To register your interest to participate in this clinical trial, you will complete and submit an anonymous online survey. The purpose of the survey is to assess your eligibility to participate in this clinical trial. Participants who meet the preliminary criteria to participate will be asked to submit their contact information, which will be used by a clinical trial officer to arrange a teleconferencing screening call. If you are eligible, you will be randomly allocated to either group yoga classes or individual yoga sessions. Group yoga classes if you are allocated to group yoga sessions you will be required to attend six (6) yoga classes with a qualified yoga teacher online via the Zoom platform over a 6-week period. You will also be asked to do additional yoga practice between classes, and record your practice weekly. Individual yoga sessions If you are allocated to this group you will be required to attend six (6) one-on-one yoga sessions with a qualified yoga teacher online over the Zoom platform over a 6-week period. You will also be asked to do additional yoga practice between sessions, and record your practice weekly. During the program, all participants will complete a short (10 min) weekly survey and 3 sets of questionnaire and assessment measures (approximately 30 min each) as well as having occasional 5–10 min phone calls with a research team member. Interested in participating in this study? To indicate your interest in participating in the study, please visit NICM HRI | Online yoga and mental health in cancer study or contact Maria Gonzalez NICM Health Research Institute, Study Chief Investigator - PhD Candidate, by emailing m.gonzalez2@westernsydney.edu.au Complementary therapies can improve your physical and emotional wellbeing. They can also help you to manage some of the side effects of breast cancer treatments, such as anxiety, pain and fatigue. Yoga is a form of complimentary therapy. While many complementary therapies can be very helpful, it is a good idea to talk to a member of your medical team before starting anything new. This will help you to prevent any possible effects that the therapy may have on your breast cancer treatments or general health. You can check out BCNA's website for more information regarding complimentary therapies https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/complementary-and-alternative-medicines-and-therapies/complementary-therapies/
