🌱Wednesday Wellness Check-In - 26Nov25🌱
Happy Wednesday everyone! Who here has checked in with how they are feeling today? 🤔 Hopefully you have your lunch break coming up soon, what a perfect opportunity to take a pause and just breathe..... Taking care of your health - physical and emotional - is just as important as all the medical/clinical things you have on your list during and after treatment. If you're looking for an extra touch of wellness this week, take a look at some recent offerings by Breast Cancer Trials: ⭐Information on navigating difficult treatment decisions. ⭐Information on managing sexual health after breast cancer. ⭐Information on breast cancer fatigue and podcast on cardiac care after breast cancer. And for some more 'light reading': ⭐Information on the APHINITY trial and how its findings can reduce breast cancer recurrence. ⭐How early detection and treatment is improving breast cancer outcomes. Don't forget our Helpline is here for you anytime you need that extra bit of support, or just to talk through what's going on for you right now on 1800 500 258 ❤️🌱Wednesday Wellness Check-In: Care For Your Body & Mind Through Cancer
🌞 Good morning to our wonderful Online Network community! 🌞 This week’s Wellness Check-In is all about keeping it simple. We’re sharing easy ideas for small changes you can weave into your day, because little steps can make a big difference! And for those ready to go all-in on self-care, we’ve included some incredible retreat options at the end. Living with cancer is about more than treatment, it’s about nurturing your whole self. Wellness can help improve energy, reduce stress, and support recovery. Here are three simple ways to boost your wellbeing today: ✅ Move gently – Light exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching can ease fatigue and improve mood. Many cancer programs now include tailored exercise sessions. ✅ Eat for strength – Focus on nourishing meals rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables. If eating feels hard, ask your care team about dietitian support. ✅ Pause for calm – Try 5 minutes of mindful breathing or guided meditation. Apps like Smiling Mind or Insight Timer are free and easy to use. 📍Where To Find Wellness Support Near You: National Support: Cancer Council 13 11 20 – Free, confidential advice and local referrals in every state. State-Based Services: VIC: Peter MacCallum Wellbeing Centre – Oncology massage, art therapy, exercise programs. Cabrini Cancer Exercise & Wellness Centre – Rehab, mindfulness, tailored exercise. NSW: Cancer Wellness Support – Complementary therapies, retreats, and group programs. QLD, SA, WA, ACT, NT, TAS: Contact your local Cancer Council branch for programs like wig services, transport help, and wellness workshops. Click here to see state-by-state options. Specialised Retreats: The Otis Foundation – Provides free retreat accommodation for individuals and families affected by breast cancer, offering time to rest, reconnect, and create precious memories. Explore other Cancer Wellness Retreats in Australia for yoga, meditation, and holistic care. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one wellness habit that helps you feel grounded? Share below - we’d love to hear your tips and add these to our resources bank - we appreciatiate your contribution to help us help others! As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on the Helpline at 1800 500 258 ��
CEO Update - Kirsten Pilatti - Nov25
Dear Online Network community, As we approach the summer and holiday season, I want to take a moment to check in with you all and highlight some of the important campaigns and support services BCNA offers. 👀 October was a month of pride and purpose as we launched our new Know Yourself. Feel Yourself. breast awareness campaign. It was important that we could harness the passion and experiences of our network to help rebuild confidence among young women. While awareness of breast cancer may be high, we now need the Australian community to move from awareness to action. I loved being at Bondi Beach, where hundreds of women stepped into our mirrored booths to learn how to check their breasts with confidence. The energy, connection, and courage on display were truly inspiring. If you haven’t already watched our new educational video, I encourage you to do so - and please share it with your friends, family, and networks. You are our best champions for helping spread this life-saving message. 🏃 Looking ahead, we’re all limbering up for one of BCNA’s biggest events of the year—Carman’s Fun Run in Melbourne. Join me and thousands of runners, walkers, and joggers as we take on 5km, 10km, or the half marathon! It’s a great way to kick off the new year, do something positive for yourself, and raise vital funds to support people affected by breast cancer. You can register here. 👉 Don't forget that we are here for you - we know that many medical services close during this time, which can be particularly challenging for those undergoing treatment. We want to ensure that anyone affected by breast cancer knows support is available including My Journey and My Care Kit. You are all familiar with our incredible Online Network community. When we completed our member experience survey last year, we heard that many people know we are here for when you are first diagnosed but didn’t realise the resources and support we have when people are through those difficult first few months – so I would love you to tell me..... 💬 What is your favourite BCNA information page, video, podcast that has helped and why? As always, please reach out to our helpline if you need anything at all - 1800 500 258 9am-5pm AEDT - we are here and together we are stronger ❤️ Cheers KP Kirsten Pilatti, CEO, BCNA📊 The numbers are out.
Australia continues to lead globally in breast cancer survival rates. The latest 2025 data reveals: ❣️ Five-year survival has risen to 93% (up from 75% in 1987–1991). ❣️ In 2025, around 20,336 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer, including 207 men. ❣️ Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Australian women, making up 27% of all new cases. ❣️ The average age of diagnosis is 62, with 80% of cases occurring in women over 50. ❣️ Metastatic breast cancer remains undercounted, but estimates suggest up to 16,000 people are living with it in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. BCNA continues to advocate for national data collection. These statistics highlight both progress and ongoing challenges in breast cancer care and support. Most importantly, they remind us of the big picture behind our WHY - together we work to improve these numbers year on year. 👉 Click here to read more and download the infographic.🌱 Wednesday Wellness - 05Nov25 🌱
With all the busy-ness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the launch of the incredible Know yourself, feel yourself awareness campaign in Bondi, it's been a little while since we did a Wednesday Wellness check in! 💬 How are you all feeling today - physically, mentally, emotionally? Check out the following awesome ideas for creative ways you can offer yourself a moments (or a few!) of wellness in these coming weeks: 🌼 Yoga4Cancer Series - Counterpart Gentle, supportive yoga designed for women with cancer. Build strength, reduce stress, and connect with others in a safe space. Click here to book the Yoga4Cancer series 🌼 Virtual Workshops – Look Good Feel Better This month, explore a range of free, live and interactive workshops designed to support people undergoing cancer treatment. From skincare and makeup tips to emotional wellbeing and gentle movement, these sessions offer practical tools and a sense of connection—all from the comfort of home. Upcoming topics include: Skin Care & Makeup, Wigs & Headwear, and Feel Better Fridays - Join sessions like Chair Yoga, Meditation, Healthy Cooking, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Click here to register for November virtual workshops 🌼 TREK4BCNA - Take on the adventure of a lifetime! You’re invited to join BCNA community ambassador Kristal in the TREK4BCNA to Mount Kilimanjaro this February. Whether it’s a chance to challenge yourself physically and mentally, a way to show support for others, or to do a life changing trek in memory of someone you love, a group of like-minded people will walk by your side. Click here to learn more about TREK4BCNA 💖 We hope these ideas and opportunities help support your wellbeing this week- whether you're taking a moment to breathe, joining a workshop, or have something big coming up soon 💖 If you need further support and information, please reach out to our helpline on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.💗 Shout-Out to Our Incredible Helpline Team
Today’s post is dedicated to the heart of our support system - our amazing Helpline Team. Whether it’s a moment of uncertainty, a question about treatment, or just needing someone to listen, they are there. Their compassionate presence, expert guidance, and tireless commitment make a world of difference to so many in our community. They play a critical role in keeping our network connected, informed, and supported. We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you. 💬 If you’ve had a meaningful experience with the Helpline, feel free to share below. Let’s give them the recognition they truly deserve! Here’s a quote from the helpline team, when asked what they enjoy most about supporting our BCNA community: “ I feel very privileged to be able to have these amazing and empowering conversations with people. Through the gift of conversation and curiosity they take you on an incredible journey and allow you to walk next to them as they take the time to share what they are holding in that moment.” The helpline is here. Reach out whenever you need support and information on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.In admiration and tribute to one of our community champions - Amber Whalan.
In admiration and tribute to one of our community champions - Amber Whalan. Mum to Ollie (14), Hazel (12) and Chase (10), a loved daughter, sister, friend and mad Dee’s supporter. Amber died yesterday, aged 38. These are always the days that bring our disease into reality for us all. Her words will continue to have an impact and make a difference. Her story connected with so many people across our Network. We know that sharing your experience is not always easy but certainly sends a message of strength to our community. We are forever grateful for the role Amber played and how her legacy will live on. "BCNA reminded me that seeking help isn’t a weakness. It’s a form of strength. And in a world where cancer can make you feel like you’re fighting alone, finding a network that gently says, “We’re here. We get it. And we’re not going anywhere,” can mean everything” - Vale Amber. If you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer or cares for someone with a diagnosis, support is available. Contact the BCNA Helpline on 1800 500 258.We’re here for you❤️
We’re here for you this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and every month after. Our Helpline team is available on 1800 500 258 Monday – Friday between 9am – 5pm to take your calls and provide information and support. BCAM can be an overwhelming time for those affected by breast cancer, but BCNA has resources to support you during this time: BCNA’s Online Network- Share stories, ask for advice and offer support in our online community https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/ My Journey- personalised information and tools to support you including our new notes feature to keep track of questions for your healthcare team, appointments and medications https://www.bcna.org.au/my-journey/ Information and resources hub- articles, stories, videos and podcasts https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ For more information visit our website https://www.bcna.org.au/🎊 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.
Really struggling with needing mastectomy
I have really been agonising over needing a mastectomy. I just feel horrified that they want to cut my breasts off and wonder how I will accept and deal with lookiing down to see no breasts. I have had really huge boobs all my life and 9 years ago finally had a reduction. Went from F/G cup to D. I have liked the size of my boobs for the first time since I was 14 yrs of age. So now the irony of getting them completely chopped off. But how do you deal with having no boobs? I'm really quite terrified. I know I have to do it to get rid of the damn cancer. But I guess it's also because I have never felt sick, unwell or anything. Just found a lump. I feel completely fine. So even I guess just accepting that I really DO have breast cancer? And I really DO need to treat it....is tough. I've had terrible complications from Chemo and been very sick. Heart failure and heart block and got a Defib implanted...that all seems way more real then the actual breast cancer. Now I have to face having the mastectomy. Not sure what I'm looking for here...just wanting to spill perhaps? Thanks all.
