🌱 Wednesday Wellness: A Gentle Reminder That Support Is Here 💗
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to take this Wednesday Wellness to share a little more about Breast Cancer Network Australia's campaigns, our vision, and some of the ways we're here to support you. 💕Our vision is simple but powerful: We want to see a world where no life is limited by breast cancer. 💗 While progress continues to be made, many people are still navigating challenges around diagnosis, treatment, access to care, side effects, wellbeing, and life beyond breast cancer, or navigating a metastatic diagnosis. That's why Breast Cancer Network Australia continues to advocate, connect, inform and support people affected by breast cancer every day. 🫶 As part of our refreshed look, you may have noticed our new campaign: The Whole Story. Told through the voices of people with firsthand lived experience, the film goes beyond the statistics to reveal more of what it really means to experience breast cancer. By making the unseen visible, The Whole Story aims to deepen understanding, start conversations and drive change around the things that can limit people’s lives. When we understand the whole story, we can better understand what needs to change. 👉 Share your whole story here This month, we'd also like to remind our community of the support available through Breast Cancer Network Australia: 🌸 The Online Network We don't have to tell you twice how amazing this community is! 📚 Trusted Information Access reliable information about breast cancer, treatments, side effects, wellbeing, practical support, and life after diagnosis. See the information and resources hub here. 🎧 Webinars, Podcasts & Resources Learn from health professionals and people with lived experience through educational resources you can access whenever it suits you. Watch Charlotte Tottman's podcast series here 📣 Advocating for 'The Whole Story' Breast Cancer Network Australia works to ensure the lived experiences of people affected by breast cancer are represented where decisions are made. Your stories help drive change and improve care for future generations. 📞 Helpline Support If you need information, guidance, or help finding the right support, our Helpline team is here to help connect you with the services and resources you may need. Call us on 1800 500 258, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm AEDT to connect with one of our wonderful Helpline team who truly care about supporting you. 🌿 Wellness Tip of the Week Support can look different for everyone. Sometimes it's joining a conversation in the Online Network. Sometimes it's reading a resource, attending a webinar, listening to a podcast, or simply taking comfort in knowing there's a community here that understands. Breast cancer is more than a diagnosis. It's the appointments, the waiting, the treatment decisions, the relationships, the emotions, the recovery, the uncertainty, the milestones and everything in between. Every experience matters, and every story deserves to be heard. Whatever stage you're at, we're glad you're here in this supportive community💗Together, we are stronger 💪
🌟Join the LeanOn Lymphoedema Self-Management Study
About this opportunity Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer and are currently living with, or at risk of developing, breast cancer-related lymphoedema? Researchers from Flinders University are inviting people to participate in the LeanOn Lymphoedema Self-Management Study, which is evaluating a new online platform designed to support self-care and improve quality of life for people affected by lymphoedema. Your participation will help researchers understand how well the platform supports people in managing their symptoms and navigating their lymphoedema care. What you'll do: If you choose to take part, you will: Access the LeanOn online platform. Explore evidence-based information and self-care resources. Receive a personalised care plan. Use tools to monitor symptoms and track your progress. Complete short surveys at the beginning of the study, and again at 6 and 12 weeks. Optionally participate in a feedback interview. Who can take part? 👥 You may be eligible if you: Have a history of breast cancer. Are currently living with, or at risk of developing, breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Are aged 18 years or older. Can read and understand English. Why get involved? By participating, you'll have the opportunity to: Access a new self-management support platform. Build confidence in managing your lymphoedema. Help improve resources and support available to people affected by breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Contribute to important research that may benefit others in the future. Interested? 📝 To learn more, read the Participant Information Sheet and register your interest here: If you have any questions, please contact the research team: Navaz Naghavi – [email protected] | 0433 805 014 Katia Ferrar – [email protected] | 0411 234 885
October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Bloom Again Event, Coffs Harbour
Hello Everyone, October is a special time of year! especially for anyone affected by breast cancer. Here in Coffs Harbour, our Breast Cancer Buddies Group will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary with a community event called 'Bloom Again' - on Thursday October 22nd at Coffs Harbour Racing Club. There will be lots of fashion wear (and wigs) modelled by some of our Buddies - plus Afternoon Tea (and good company!) For anyone interested in coming, I've attached an event flyer with more details. Keep sharing and caring for each other. With gratitude, Diane H💛 Help Shape a New Text Message Support Program for People Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
We know that living with metastatic breast cancer brings unique challenges, and having access to the right support at the right time can make a real difference. Researchers from The University of Sydney, in partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia, are seeking feedback from people living with metastatic breast cancer to help adapt the EMPOWER-SMS text message support program so it better meets the needs of this community. The EMPOWER-SMS program was originally developed for people recovering from early breast cancer and was found to be helpful, motivating and supportive. This project aims to ensure the program is relevant and meaningful for people living with metastatic breast cancer. What is involved? 💛 Complete a short online survey reviewing sample text messages 💛 Share your feedback on the content and support provided 💛 Survey completion time is approximately 15-20 minutes Your feedback will directly contribute to the co-design of a support program for people living with metastatic breast cancer. Before you decide 📄 Please take a moment to review the attached Participant Information Sheet, which provides further details about the study, what participation involves, and how your information will be managed. Interested in participating? 🔗 Complete the survey here: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=KTCAYNM83FTPY37L Ethics approval ✅ This study has received ethics approval from the The University of Sydney (Reference: HE000885). 💛 Thank you for helping ensure the voices and experiences of people living with metastatic breast cancer remain at the centre of research and support programs.🌏💗 Support Services for People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it can be even more challenging when information and support aren't available in your preferred language or don't reflect your cultural experiences. For many people, connecting with someone who understands their language, culture, family dynamics and community can make a real difference during treatment and recovery. 💕 Across Australia, there are organisations working to support people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities who have been affected by cancer. These services offer information, peer support, education, and practical assistance in ways that are culturally responsive and inclusive. Whether you're looking for information in your own language, support from people with shared experiences, or resources for a loved one, culturally appropriate support services are available. 🌸 Every person deserves access to breast cancer information and support that feels relevant, respectful and accessible. This webpage from Cancer Institute NSW features organisations that provide services to multicultural communities, including the provision of information and education on cancer screening and prevention. 💬💗 Have you found a culturally specific service, resource or community group helpful during your breast cancer experience? Sharing your recommendations may help other members discover support that's right for them.Just venting
I wasn’t sure where to post this. And there are a few things to say. Has anyone had the experience of people giving advice as to what to do with treatment etc? I’ve had people tell me to seek other treatments. Yesterday someone who I vaguely know sent me links to iodine to cure breast cancer. And said that he hopes I don’t do surgery or radiation. That surgery spreads the cells. 🥺 of course this had rattled me & I’m in a triggered state. I’ve deleted the message & blocked the number also, I’m so emotional, scared, sad, not sleeping well. I’m going to try to call the help line today & seek a counsellor. I have a counsellor for trauma CPTSD but I can’t afford her now and she’s not registered to get subsidised sessions Another piece of advice from another person was to try to stay out of fear as it lowers vibration. I totally understand vibrational energy but how on earth do I stay out of fear 100% of the time i am scared. I am afraid of what is to come. I find it difficult to still myself, to meditate or pray. i also know that this will pass but right now, I feel vulnerable & alone (even though I have a supportive husband) I find it difficult to reach out too. Hope this is the right place to post here🌏Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially when English isn't your first language. TIS National is a government-funded interpreting service that helps people who are not confident speaking English communicate with healthcare providers, government services, and other organisations. Interpreters are available in hundreds of languages, helping people access information and services more confidently and independently. When attending medical appointments, understanding treatment options and asking questions is incredibly important. If language is a barrier, you have the right to ask whether an interpreter can be arranged. Professional interpreters can help ensure you receive clear and accurate information about your care. 📞 TIS National: 13 14 50 🔗 Learn more: https://www.tisnational.gov.au/ 💬 We'd love to hear from you: Have you used an interpreter during your cancer experience? What helped you feel more informed, supported, and confident when communicating with your healthcare team? As always, please only share what you're comfortable sharing, Together, we are stronger. 💗🌏 Resource Spotlight: Chinese Cancer and Chronic Illness Society of Victoria (CCCIS)
We'd like to share a resource that may be helpful for Chinese members of our CALD community. The Chinese Cancer and Chronic Illness Society of Victoria (CCCIS) provides culturally and linguistically appropriate support for Chinese Australians affected by cancer and other chronic illnesses, along with their families and carers. Services include support groups, family support, community education, wellbeing activities, and practical assistance. For many people, being able to access support in their preferred language and connect with others who understand their cultural background can make a significant difference during a cancer journey. 🔗 Learn more: https://cccis.org.au/ 💬 We'd love to hear from you: Have you found a culturally specific service, support group, or resource that helped you during your breast cancer experience? As always, please only share what you're comfortable sharing. 💕🌏 Together, we are stronger. 💗🤝 Counterpart Strengthens Peer Support Program in VIC
Peer support continues to play a vital role in helping people affected by cancer feel informed, connected and supported throughout their experience. Last month, Counterpart welcomed 15 new trainee Peer Support Volunteers who will soon join their experienced volunteer team supporting women living with cancer across Victoria. Once training is complete, these volunteers will help expand Counterpart's peer support network, providing more opportunities for women to connect with someone who understands the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. 💗 Counterpart's Peer Support Volunteers provide a listening ear, help people access trusted information, and connect them with practical, medical and support services. Support is available by phone, at selected Melbourne hospitals, through Peer Support Hubs in Melbourne and Geelong, and at a range of workshops, events and wellbeing activities. 🧘♀️Counterpart continues to offer a variety of free programs and events, including online Yoga4Cancer sessions, educational webinars, Peer Support Hub gatherings and regional wellbeing days, helping people affected by cancer connect with others and access supportive resources in their local communities. 👉Find out more about Counterpart's Peer Support Program Here
Radiation cost
Hi everyone, I'm trying to get an idea of the cost of radiation therapy in Australia for those who do not have access to Medicare. I was diagnosed last Feb 2026, ER/PR+, Her2-, BRCA2+, 2 positive LN, and am currently undergoing chemotherapy. I'll be having a bilateral mastectomy in July, followed by radiation therapy. I'm on a temporary work visa in Australia, so I don't have access to Medicare. Unfortunately, my OVHC insurance won't cover radiation treatment because it is considered outpatient care. I’m really feeling really anxious about the potential costs, and to be honest, the financial burden has made me wonder whether I can even afford to go ahead with radiation. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through radiation without Medicare coverage. How much did it cost, and were there any financial assistance programs, charities, or other support options available to help? Thank you so much for any advice or experiences you're willing to share.
