đ§ Have you connected with our podcast: Upfront About Breast Cancer
Within our Online Network, we know how important it is to feel informed, supported, and connected at every stage of a breast cancer experience. One of the many ways we support our community is through our Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast. This is a resource created for you, where real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance come together in a way that is easy to access whenever you need it. A much loved part of the podcast is the What You Donât Know Until You Do series, hosted by Dr Charlotte Tottman. Dr Tottman is a psycho oncologist who has supported many people through the emotional impact of cancer and, following her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach creates a space where the emotional side of breast cancer can be explored openly, helping listeners better understand their own responses and feel less alone in what they are experiencing. đŹ Real conversations from our community Upfront About Breast Cancer brings together the voices that matter most. People with lived experience share their stories alongside healthcare professionals and experts, creating conversations that feel both genuine and reassuring. These discussions reflect the reality of breast cancer. They explore the shock of diagnosis, the emotional highs and lows, and what it can take to adjust to life during and after treatment. For many, simply hearing someone else say âme tooâ can make a powerful difference. đ± Supporting you at every stage We know that every experience is different, which is why Upfront About Breast Cancer is designed to support people across all stages. Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, supporting a loved one, or moving through life after treatment, there is something here for you. Episodes cover important topics such as what to expect after diagnosis, how to communicate with your healthcare team, managing side effects, and navigating the healthcare system. This means you can return to the information in your own time, absorb it at your own pace, and feel more prepared for the next step in your journey. đ Listen to Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast here. đž A gentle reminder Some topics may feel emotional or challenging. Please take things at your own pace and look after yourself as you listen. Support is always available, the online community and our Helpline on the phones are here for you. Have you listened to Upfront About Breast Cancer? We'd love if you shared: an episode that stayed with you something new you learned a conversation you would like to hear in the future đȘ Your experience may help someone else going through a challenging part of their journey. We are stronger, together.đ©șLumpectomy or mastectomy? Understanding the options
Hi everyone, we wanted to share a helpful resource about a decision many people face after a breast cancer diagnosis, choosing between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. For many people, both lumpectomy and mastectomy are safe and effective options, with similar long term survival outcomes in early stage breast cancer. A lumpectomy removes the cancer while keeping most of the breast and is usually followed by radiation. A mastectomy removes all breast tissue and may be recommended based on medical factors such as tumour size, multiple tumours or genetic risk, or chosen based on personal preference and peace of mind. Importantly, the article highlights that this decision is not just medical. Feelings about body image, anxiety, future follow up, recovery and quality of life all matter. There is no single right choice, only the choice that is right for you đ If you are facing this decision, taking time to ask questions, understand your options and talk openly with your care team can help you feel more confident moving forward. If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to share what helped you make your decision or a question you found important to ask. You are not alone, and this community is here to support you. đ± This information is derived from an article written by Melbourne breast surgeon Dr George Chou, published on the Melbourne Breast Cancer Surgery website. You can read the full article here if you would like more detail: đŹ Questions you might want to ask your care team Many people find it helpful to write down questions before appointments. Some that may support your decision making include: Are both options medically appropriate for me? What additional treatments would follow each option? How might each choice affect my recovery and daily life? What are the long term follow up needs? How might reconstruction or going flat fit into this decision? There is no rush to have all the answers at once. It is okay to take time, reflect, and seek support. Don't forget our Helpline is here to chat through anything that might help make this easier for you - call us on 1800 500 258.đExciting News for the breast cancer community - newly released Optimal Care Plans!
We are so excited to share this news with you all! đ For those who might not be familiar, an Optimal Care Plan (Optimal Care Pathway) is a nationally endorsed guide that outlines bestâpractice cancer care across the entire journey, from prevention and early detection through diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, survivorship, and endâofâlife care. These plans are designed to support clearer pathways, more consistent care, and better outcomes for people affected by cancer. Whether youâre a patient, carer, health professional, or community supporter, these resources help make the cancer care journey more informed, connected, and empowering. đ November 2025 saw the release of the very first Optimal Care Plan for older Australians with cancer, developed by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), to improve cancer care and outcomes for older Australians affected by cancer. This new OCP aims to improve cancer care and outcomes for older Australians affected by cancer. It maps the unique needs and best practice approaches for older people with cancer, from prevention and early detection through to treatment, survivorship and end-of-life care. đ Yesterday on January 21st, we saw the release of the new and improved (2nd edition) Optimal Care Plan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. This important tool designed to support culturally safe, communityâcentred care for anyone working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - whether in clinical, community, or outreach settings - this handbook offers practical guidance to help strengthen conversations, improve understanding, and support early detection and treatment pathways. Stay tuned, we hear the Optimal Care Plan for people identifying as LGBTIQ+ is coming next! âš Why these new Optimal Care Plans matter: Brings the latest evidence-based guidance into one accessible place Helps people understand what to expect at each stage of care Supports more coordinated conversations with healthcare teams Strengthens confidence and self-empowerment during a challenging time. Thank you to everyone whose expertise, lived experience (including some in our very own network!), and collaboration helped shape these resources - this is a real step forward for the breast cancer community â€ïž Check them out, share with anyone who might benefit and let us know your thoughts on these in the comments below! đOptimal care pathway for older people with cancer đOptimal care pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer đ Learn more about optimal care plans hereLaunch of the Australian Cancer Plan
Hello Online Network members, We heard from our BCNA staff members attending the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Annual Scientific Meeting, that the 'Australian Cancer Plan' has been launched today. To learn more about the new Australian Cancer Plan, which aims to improve prevention, screening, treatment and management of all cancers for all people across Australia see Australian Cancer Plan website.Friday Update - 5th of May 2023
Hello members, There is quite a lot of BCNA activity to share in this update; new cancer treatments recommended for PBS subsidy; Season 2 of the Dr. Charlotte Tottman podcast; 'Prioritising me â Setting healthy boundariesâ webcast and more! Also, Bakers Delightâs Pink Bun campaign is back! Head into your local Bakers Delight between 11 May to 31 May, where 100% of the sales from every Fun Bun sold will go to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). I will share more details about the history of the campaign and how you can be involved. Community Highlights Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the past month, you can check them out via the links below: Her 2 for the second time Ways to lower cortisol. HRT (Estrogen and Progesterone Hormone Replacement Therapy) After cancer for menopause? Awaiting bone scan results... Letrazole effects Posts by 'Category Name' 1 April - 30 April 2023 Community News BCNA News 19 April 2023 - Bridging the gap in mental health support BCNAâs unique podcast, What You Donât Know Until You Do with Clinical Psychologist and breast cancer survivor, Dr Charlotte Tottman has launched a second series â What You Donât Know Until You Do: Unlimited CLICK HERE to read more BCNA News 24 April 2023 - New breast cancer treatments recommended for subsidy The recommendation of three breast cancer drugs for subsidy on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a significant step forward for all Australians affected by breast cancer CLICK HERE to read more. BCNA News 24 April 2023 - New alert for scam door knockers Itâs recently came to our attention people claiming to represent Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) are knocking on doors in NSW asking for donations CLICK HERE to read more. BCNA News 04 May 2023 - BCNA welcomes pharmacy prescription changes for breast cancer medications The financial impact for many who require hormone therapy following a breast cancer diagnosis will be lessened thanks to changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) CLICK HERE to read more. Darwin Information Forum BCNA is hosting an Information Forum in Darwin on the 17th of May 2023 for everyone affected by breast cancer, including their supporters, covering a range of vital topics CLICK HERE to register. Pink up your May! Between 11 May and 31 May 2023, 100 per cent of the money from sales of all Fun Buns sold in Bakers Delight bakeries around the country (not just pink ones) will be donated to BCNA. Over the last 23 years, Bakers Delight has raised nearly $23 million for BCNA. Your support ensures BCNA continues to provide free services and resources to the 20,741 people expected to be diagnosed this year as well as their families and supporters. If you do not wish to purchase a pink bun you can also support the campaign during the 11 May - 31 May period by: Purchasing a Tote bag for $7 or collecting all 3 Fun Bun Friends for $5 each Purchasing a BCNA Field of Women Beanie or Bucket Hat for $25 each, only available online https://pinksportsday.bcna.org.au/store or at selected bakeries Asking the friendly Bakers Delight staff to add a donation to your purchase when visiting a bakery Scanning the donation QR code on the Pink Bun Donation tins at Bakers Delight stores making a donation online Visit https://bcna.grassrootz.com/pink-bun-parties-2023/donate and donate to BCNA online A Pink Bun party is another wonderful way to get involved together with friends, family, or work colleagues. Read more via the link https://pinkbunparties.com/ Counterpart - workshop Counterpart are holding an âChair Yogaâ online workshop on the 31st May 2023 for women affected by cancer. The session is designed to leave you energised and relaxed CLICK HERE to read more about âWhatâs onâ at Counterpart. Webcasts Did you miss last weekâs webcast? Have you had trouble setting healthy boundaries with those around you during and beyond your breast cancer experience? Our Prioritising me - Setting healthy boundaries webcast is now available for viewing on demand via the following link https://bcna.live/PrioritisingMeWebcast (If you have not previously registered, you will need to register to watch recording). We had 168 registrations and the session went overtime with great viewer questions and subsequent chats from the panel! Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries Last Mondayâs ABC Australian Story featured actress Heather Mitchell, who shared the dramatic twists and turns in her life; including her breast cancer diagnosis: Taking the Lead | Heather Mitchell - ABC News Hope you enjoyed the update and if you have any feedback please feel free to comment below or send a private message. @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEST), alternatively you can email [email protected] The mod team - Mez, Carissa, Jenny and Pat "Walls keep everybody out. Boundaries teach them where the door is." - Mark GrovesMy Care - Understanding Best Timeframes for Treatment
Hi members, During October for breast Cancer Awareness Month, BCNA will shine a light on optimal breast cancer care. The aim is to raise awareness in the community, the health sector and amongst the BCNA network about what optimal care means. I know not all of you are on other social platforms so I thought this would be a good idea to share the key October social media posts through the online network that relate to the theme of 'understanding my care'. The third of the five key areas of the Optimal care pathways for people with breast cancer is: 'Best Timeframes for Treatment ' We know being diagnosed with breast cancer can be overwhelming. You receive a lot of information, attend many appointments, and have to make decisions about the treatment and care that is right for you. The optimal care pathway for people with breast cancer outlines the timeframes in which you can expect tests or procedures to happen. They are only a guide, but can assist you in asking the right questions to help make informed decisions about your care. If you would like more information about timeframes for your treatment or the the optimal care pathway, you can visit our website https://bit.ly/BCNA_BCAM_ or call BCNA's Helpline on 1800 500 258 between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm AEST Monday to Friday
Online Q & A Event - Breast Cancer 2021: Research, Risks and Recovery - Thu, 4 Feb 6:00 PM â 7:00 PM
Join Breast Cancer Trials and Australia's top breast cancer experts for a virtual Q&A to discuss the latest in breast cancer research. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breast-cancer-2021-research-risks-and-recovery-registration-132884618471 I registered for this event. The previous one was interesting.
Dense Breast info - which USA states advise their women .....
This is a map of the USA - where the 'pink' currently show states that already advise 'some' of their women that they have dense breast tissue and may require further assessment by Ultrasound and/or MRI ..... but even the 'pink' states don't tell ALL the women! This article Below indicates that the FDA is proposing to make it mandatory to advise women if they have dense breast tissue! I can only hope that Breast Screen Australia follows suit, when it comes thru in the USA. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/dealing-with-high-density-breasts Late last year, I actually received a letter from Breast Screen NSW telling me NOT to post on their Facebook page about the need for those with Dense Breast Tissue to be advised & to ask for an ultrasound ..... I was also posting the fact that Mammograms are available free of charge to all women in Australia aged 40 plus (NOT 50 plus as is in most of their advertising on TV and online.) They asked me to stop doing that too. But I am keeping on doing the "Free from 40" bit, anyway!! ;) So once the FDA comes thru and makes it compulsory for their breast screeners to advise women of their breast density - it should be a BIG kick up the arse for our own Breast Screening to do the same.
Research study - Share your views about how cancer treatment and care can be improved
If you've been diagnosed with breast or any other cancer and want to have a say about how cancer care can be improved, you are invited to share your views about how cancer treatment can be improved via an online survey being conducted by All.Can. All.Can is an international initiative which has been set up to identify common issues people affected by cancer experience around the world and identify how cancer care can be improved. This survey is part of a global research project to better understand people's experiences of cancer treatment, what barriers exist which are preventing people from receiving the best cancer treatment and care and what improvements can be made. The survey takes about 10-40 minutes to complete. You can find out more information about the research project and participate in the online survey here: http://www.myonlinesurvey.co.uk/allcan_ENAU/. Thanks very much for taking the time to consider this opportunity!
