🎊 We’re delighted to welcome Christina to the BCNA team! 🎊
We’re very pleased to officially announce that Christina_BCNA has joined the BCNA Online Network team as our newest moderator! Don't panic! Christina is here to be a wonderful addition to our team - the current BCNA mods you know and love are all still here. While the rest of our team continues to support you over the helpline phones, Christina is here as a dedicated presence in the Online Network, helping to nurture connection, conversation, and care within our digital community. Christina is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people feel supported, heard, and connected. As a moderator, she’ll be helping to guide discussions, offer encouragement, and ensure our network remains a welcoming, respectful and active environment for everyone at all times. You may have noticed a few changes to the Online Network group pages recently, like updated page content, new groups like DCIS and the public Breast cancer awareness group, as well as new forums like Policy & advocacy and new initiatives like our Wednesday Wellness check ins. These are just some changes Christina has been busy making behind-the-scenes as part of her mission to ensure BCNA's Online Network remains an updated, active and impactful space. This is all part of our ongoing campaign to show how much we truly care and invest in our members in the Online Network—because we know how important it is to you. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, deeper connections, and positive energy as we continue to nurture and grow BCNA's Online Network. We’re thrilled to have Christina_BCNA on board and can’t wait for you to get to know her! 💗 Please do reach out and say hello - we know she'd love to hear from you.Finally counted: A milestone for Victorians living with metastatic breast cancer
For the first time, Victoria has counted everyone living with metastatic breast cancer in the state, marking a major step forward for visibility, recognition, and support. New data released by the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) estimates that 4,461 Victorians are living with metastatic breast cancer, making them visible in the health system and ensuring their needs can are not overlooked. This achievement is the result of decades of consumer-led advocacy by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), collaboration with the Victorian Cancer Registry and Cancer Council Victoria, and the determination of women living with metastatic breast cancer who have long called for change. Read more via the link Finally counted: A milestone for Victorians living with metastatic breast cancer
Supporting you through the current media coverage
Good morning all, As we’ve seen unfold in discussions over the past week in the online network, many of you have been impacted by the media surrounding a celebrity’s choices during their own cancer treatment. This is not the first time, nor the last, that a high-profile person will make statements that can affect those of us who have experienced breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some of the things you may be feeling at the moment include: - Feelings of doubt, fear, or shame in managing your own breast cancer experience. - A fear of recurrence or progression, which might lead you to question your evidence-based treatment plans. - Being at risk of ‘emotion-based’ decision making when it comes to treatment pathways or second-guessing any of your evidence-based treatment protocols. We are aware that some people may need support at the moment, and we wanted to take the opportunity to reach out. Our priority at BCNA will always be to ensure you feel empowered, informed, and secure in the choices you make with your own treating team following a breast cancer diagnosis. Clinical Psychologist, Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA CEO, Kirsten Pilatti filmed a member-focused discussion around recognising, managing and dealing with emotions or triggers that may have been raised by this recent coverage. It includes qualified advice and strategies on how to manage what you may be feeling. The intention is not to provoke unwanted emotions, but to provide information which may assist your wellbeing at this time. Proceed only if you are comfortable with potentially sensitive topics around breast cancer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb6hKrI1rhs Accessing quality, evidence-based information to guide treatment decisions is crucial when dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. At BCNA, we ensure that individuals diagnosed with breast cancer receive information that is grounded in the best available clinical evidence. In addition to the Online Network, BCNA can help you to cut through the noise by providing access to reliable information and resources at bcna.org.au, as well as support via our free Helpline on 1800 500 258.EMOJI ('Reactions')
Hello members, In a recent unrelated discussion thread there has been a clear dissatisfaction expressed with the current emojis (aka reactions) available or not available to you when communicating in the online network. In relation to the 'hug' emoji, this was an organisational decision to include the hug reaction as it is a popular emoji with the members and BCNA has confirmed it is staying. Unfortunately we are limited within this platform and cannot create 'new' emojis but can replace existing ones (The 'flag' and 'quote' are not reactions that can be used). We have found an interim solution to enable the smiley face reaction to be 'awesome' and hope this will satisfy those that wish to have this option back as well. If you do not like a particular emoji than you do not have to use it and if you have other feature suggestions send the moderators a private message. Final thoughts and gentle reminder: To keep this space welcoming and supportive to members, it is important that we are all respectful. When we are online, we have to work harder because there is no body language, facial expressions and tone of voice to help us interpret what people are saying to us. We remind you to please be respectful of other members and also the staff at BCNA. Many thanks.✨ Wednesday Wellness - Education Edition
💡 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER This week’s check in is all about education – because learning is wellness for the mind. We’ve found some upcoming webinars that might spark your interest, inspire new ideas, or help you choose your next steps. Check them out and see what speaks to you! Breast Cancer Education Series Topic: Fertility and Early Menopause in Breast Cancer Patients 🗓️ Wednesday 17 September | 🕠 5:30–6:30pm (AEST) Globally, approximately 500,000 women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Most of these women are premenopausal.Join Dr Wanda Cui and Dr Felicity Martin as they discuss fertility considerations in young patients with breast cancer. 👉 Register here Panel Q&A Session Topic: Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment & What Researchers Are Doing About It 🗓️ Wednesday 24 September | 🕔 5:00–6:30pm (AEST) Join this free online Q&A event hosted by Breast Cancer Trials - Moderated by Author and Journalist, Annabel Crabb. A panel of leading researchers, clinicians and patient advocates will discuss the latest in clinical trials and emerging treatments that aim not only to improve survival, but also enhance quality of life during and after treatment. 👉 Register here Breast Cancer Grand Round Topic: Making Sense of Emerging Data in First-Line HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer 🗓️ Monday 6 October | 🕐 1:00–2:00pm (AEST) Dr Otto Metzger, Medical Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and principal investigator for the PATINA trial, will explore the latest clinical evidence shaping the treatment landscape for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and how to apply this to real-world clinical practice to optimise patient outcomes. 👉 Register here 🏃 CARMEN'S FUN RUN THIS WEEKEND - SYDNEY EDITION! After giving your mind a workout, why not give those legs a go too? In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carman’s Kitchen, we invite you to join us this weekend for the first Carmen's Fun Run in Sydney - Sunday 21 September 2025. Walk, jog or run 5km, 10km or 21.1km and make it count by raising funds to help Australians affected by breast cancer. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable, pink-filled day at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont. Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney 💜💚💛 Let’s take a moment to pause and remember that wellness comes in many forms — like connection, compassion, and community. Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone who is, know that you’re never alone. Together we continue to build a network of strength, hope, and resilience. Warmly, BCNA Mods
Sharing is caring. Thanks ladies
Hi ladies. Thank you for sharing your experiences, ups and downs. I get online and just read a few posts every now and then and it really is encouraging and gives me a good laugh at times. My surgery is in 11 days now...thank goodness, the waiting is the hardest. I'm having a bilateral mastectomy and I'm actually fine with it, especially after joining this group and reading your experiences. You are all wonderful.BCNA statement about Elle Macpherson's treatment decisions
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) would like to address recent media coverage regarding Elle Macpherson's statements about her personal approach to breast cancer treatment. Elle Macpherson's choices highlight the deeply personal nature of treatment decisions following a breast cancer diagnosis. BCNA respects Elle Macpherson's right to share her experience and acknowledges that every breast cancer experience is unique. All individual breast cancer diagnoses and experiences are different. BCNA recognises Elle Macpherson's right to discuss her own breast cancer experience through her own lens and support her right to make the choices she feels are best for her circumstances. It’s important to recognise that everyone’s diagnosis and every treatment path is unique and shaped around their individual diagnosis. When public figures discuss their health experiences, it brings valuable attention to important issues. However, BCNA believes it's crucial that these discussions do not lead to doubt or fear among others facing similar diagnoses. Our priority is to ensure that people feel empowered and informed in the choices they make following a breast cancer diagnosis. BCNA advocates for the importance of accessing trusted, evidence-based information to guide treatment decisions. While a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, plays a role in cancer care, we emphasise the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and relying on the expertise of your treatment team to make informed decisions for you. BCNA's role is to cut through the noise and help people navigate what is a very stressful time in their lives. We provide free information and resources to those with a breast cancer diagnosis at a time they need it most, along with support via our free Helpline. For more information or support, please visit our Information and Resources Hub or call our Helpline at 1800 268 002.✨Wednesday Wellness Check-In
It's time for a Wednesday Wellness check in... 🌸 WELCOME TO SPRING! It’s been a chilly winter, hasn’t it? The kind that makes you want to stay wrapped in a blanket with a warm cuppa. But with spring just around the corner, we’re starting to feel those little hints of warmth and light — and it’s giving us something to look forward to 🌸 Today, we’re checking in on wellness — whatever that looks like for you right now. Maybe it’s a moment of peace, a good laugh, a walk in the sun, or just getting through the day. Big or small, it all counts. 🏃 CARMEN'S FUN RUN Are you in Sydney and looking for some fun in the sun? Following its overwhelming success in Melbourne, Carman’s Fun Run is launching its inaugural Sydney event on Sunday 21 September 2025. In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carman’s Kitchen, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable, pink-filled day at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont. Walk, jog or run 5km, 10km or 21.1km and make it count by raising funds to help Australians affected by breast cancer. Secure your spot now and help us turn the Harbour City PINK! Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney 💻 NETWORK ACCESS UPDATE We know there have been some glitches lately on this Online Network, and we just wanted to say a big thank you for hanging in there with us. We really appreciate your patience while we work through these technical issues — we know how important this space is for connection and support. Our team is on it and doing everything we can to get things back to normal as soon as possible. We’ll keep you posted with any updates, and in the meantime, if you’re having trouble or need a hand, please reach out — we’re here to help 💗 Thanks again for your understanding and kindness — it means so much to us and to this amazing community. If you’re just joining us, we encourage you to explore the forums Get started here introduce yourself, or simply read along. And if you’ve been with us for a while, thank you for continuing to support others. Warmly, BCNA ModsWelcome New Members - 30th July 2024
Welcome to everyone who has joined the Online Network recently: @NatG @lmiller @Rheezy @ingar @mhackwill1 @LunasMum @Denhamia @Janeo70 @sarahgee @Jilly2324 @CeeGee @Camilla @khany @pt20 @Chez79 @JackieJ @2Thrive @Calm2thrive @Agent14516 @MelCBusby @DinaC @Ned01 @KerryA @Vista @ValerieC @KyleS_1 @Dobbo @EmanZiada @3716758 @82lexoss @BC_47 @Bri @duiroak52 @granVe @madamhonk @Dee8855 @cancer_warrior62 @SunnyM @Catrina @Jojosaint116 @kiki_m @juliemcdonald220 @Lynnym @maryo @Meg1112 @Mssme765 @thisisrachel @thisisrachel101 @emt1980 @Fluffysocks @helen54 @GG57 @Hiroshima @NannieB @deekay77 @Alli @SusanY @krytal @PSP @Formulakas @lorrainelayton @Rellee @emmadaggers @curry @Stelzy @marburgkate @JLumb @annmaree872 @LJS @GillianR @kids06 @mim @Esjay @April2024 @louiedub @Lobular_BC @Pebbles @Madeit @Jlom @GoatLady @Tuckwell @Barbm @Stillstanding @jaynie_000 @jMan @Carobloss @Lea24 @AnnieC @Zoey @Riley You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia's (BCNA's) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: If you would like to introduce yourself please read How do I post a new Discussion? How do I send a private message? Navigating the online community Community Guidelines My Journey Newly diagnosed? Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis? Webcast: Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next? When is your birthday? Head to this discussion thread if you would like to share your birthday (no need to include the year unless you want to). We love an online celebration and on the day you will receive a virtual birthday cake that we can all share! Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA's Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your 'Profile' (Update your profile image by clicking 'Change My Picture') and if you would like more targeted responses, you may like to add where you live (e.g. Sydney; Melbourne; Regional Victoria). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators: @Denise_BCNA , @Risha_BCNA , @Pat_BCNA, @Kate_BCNA , @Daina_BCNA Please note: the Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on the weekends, however if you need something actioned, the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Helpline Team via email helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm AEST
