Webcast - Managing your fear of breast cancer recurrence 11 February 2021
Managing your fear of breast cancer recurrence Many people who have been treated for early breast cancer feel anxious and worry that their cancer may one day come back (recur). Fear of cancer recurrence is the term used to describe these worries and anxieties. This webcast will assist in providing you with the techniques and strategies to support reducing such fears. We will explore the facts around how likely it is that your breast cancer will recur, what you need to look out for (what are the red flags) and how to manage the emotional triggers and challenges. Participants will hear from Prof Bruce Mann, Breast Surgeon, Dr Charlotte Tottman, Clinical Psychologist, and Kathy Bell, Consumer. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions online. Event details Date: Thursday 11 February 2021 Time: 7.00 - 8.00 pm (AEDT) Where: online - from your computer, laptop or tablet Your local time WA: 4.00 - 5.00 pm NT: 5.30 - 6.30 pm SA: 6.30 - 7.30 pm QLD: 6.00 - 7.00 pm ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 7.00 - 8.00 pm Click here to registerWebcast tonight Thursday 6 June 2019 - Hormone blocking therapy - is it worth it?
Webcast tonight Breast Cancer Network Australia’s hormone-blocking therapy webcast will explore the challenges women with breast cancer face taking hormone-blocking therapy including ways to manage the side effects and reduce impacts on quality of life. This is an interactive information session where you will hear from leading experts, as well as a woman dealing with the challenges of hormone-blocking therapy and have the opportunity to ask questions online. Speakers include: Dr Richard de Boer, Medical Oncologist Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne Ms Kate Keogh Murray (BCNA member) What Time: 7.00 - 7.45 pm AEST Local Times: - WA: 5.00 - 4.45 pm - NT, SA: 6.30 - 7.15 pm - QLD, ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 7.00 - 7.45 pm Click here to register for tonight's Webcast. If you are not able to view the webcast live tonight, it will be available to view on demand in the the next few days and can be accessed via the BCNA website.
Breast Reconstruction – Options and Expectations, Virtual Conference - Tuesday, 12 October 6 - 9pm
Good morning everyone, BCNA are holding a virtual conference on Tuesday 12 October, 6.00 - 9.00m AEST on Breast Reconstruction - Options and Expectations. Choosing whether to have a breast reconstruction is a very personal decision and it is important to do what feels right for you. Some women decide to have reconstruction to restore their confidence, or prefer to wear a breast prosthesis, while some women choose not to have reconstruction or to wear a breast prosthesis. Alternatively, you can also choose to have delayed reconstruction to consider your breast reconstruction options at a later time. There are different options available for breast reconstruction and much to consider. Your breast surgeon and Breast Care Nurse can explain the options that may suit you best. It is important that you take time to understand your options and be involved in discussions with your specialist team to ensure you feel confident in your decision. Join us for BCNA’s virtual conference to explore the different options of breast reconstruction that may be available to you, managing expectations, the important considerations, the emotional and physical impacts of breast reconstruction as well as key findings from BCNA’s recently launched Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 Report which was a result of a survey of 3,350 respondents about their breast reconstruction experiences. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to the speakers at the end of each session. Register for the conference now via: Breast Reconstruction Virtual Conference (rdbk.com.au) Event Details Date: Tuesday, 12 October Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm AEDT Where: Online – from your computer, tablet, or laptop Your Local Time: WA: 3.00pm NT: 4.30pm SA: 5.30pm QLD: 5.00pm ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 6.00pmManaging the cost of breast cancer webcast: tips and resources 16th Sept 7-8pm AEST
Hi everyone, BCNA are holding a webcast on Thursday 16 September, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm AEST on managing the cost of breast cancer: tips and resources. For many people with breast cancer, the financial costs associated with treatment and care can be substantial. General day-to-day expenses continue, while you may also have to pay for specialist appointments, tests and scans, medicines and other treatments, counselling, travel and so on. If you're unable to continue in paid work, the loss of income can also contribute to financial pressure on you and your family. Even when treatment is finished, you may still struggle financially, or you may face the longer-term impacts of ongoing care. For some people, getting by financially is no easy task, even at the best of times. Money worries can have a big impact on how you and your family cope. Informed financial consent requires people to have information about costs and support to make informed decisions about their care. We will hear from Financial Counsellor at Cancer Council Victoria, Antony Mitchell who has a community focus and experience with working with a number of not for profits, and BCNA Consumer Representative Jodie Lydeker who was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer 3 years ago, and detected again in 2021. Jodie will share insight into her lived experience of the financial stress associated with the disease. In this webcast we will explore managing the costs of breast cancer including informed financial consent, public vs private healthcare, hidden and common out-of-pocket costs, questions to ask your healthcare provider, financial wellbeing, career impacts, issues for those who live in rural and remote areas and the resources and support available to you. To register, please follow this link, https://www.bcna.org.au/webcasts-new/managing-the-cost-of-breast-cancer-webcast-tips-and-resources/ Event Details When: Thursday, 16 September 2021 What Time: 07:00 PM AEST - 08:00 PM AEST Local Times: - WA: 5:00 PM - NT, SA: 6:30 PM - QLD, ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 7:00 PMWebcast: Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next?
Hello everyone! We have just launched our next webcast, which will be hosted online on the 11th of August. If you'd like to register, please click here. Please find below further information on the digital event. In 2022, it is projected that over 20,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those diagnosed, it is estimated about 5 to 10 per cent will have metastatic disease at presentation, often referred to as de novo metastatic breast cancer. For people who have had a previous breast cancer diagnosis, hearing that your cancer has spread can be devastating, and for others, it might be their first breast cancer diagnosis. It’s common to experience feelings of shock, distress and fear. Having a clear understanding of what it means to have metastatic breast cancer and the treatment options available to you can help you feel more in control when making decisions about your care. It’s important to know that with current advances in treatment, people are living longer and with a better quality of life. In this webcast, we will hear from Medical Oncologist Professor Fran Boyle, Metastatic Breast Care Nurse Alice Gibson, BCNA Consumer Representative Ros Casperson and BCNA member Cybele Orton. Fran practices at the Mater Hospital in Sydney and is a professor at Sydney Medical School. Her research focuses on breast cancer treatment, supportive care and health professional communication. Alice has been a breast care nurse since 2018 and supports her patients and their families as they navigate the complexities that come with their diagnosis. Ros is a young mum who has lived with metastatic breast cancer for over five years and Cybele was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2010. Genetic testing showed Cybele had the BRCA2 gene mutation, prompting her to have a double mastectomy and hormone-blocking treatment. Then, in 2017 she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The webcast will address what is important to know in those first few weeks after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer including navigating the health system, treatment options, identifying key members of your treating team, and the support and care available to you. Event Details Date: Thursday 11 August 2022 Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm AEST Where: Online – from your computer, tablet, or laptop Your Local Time: WA: 5.00pm NT, SA: 6.30pm QLD, ACT, NSW TAS, VIC: 7.00pmLiving well with breast cancer online Information Forum
BCNA will be hosting an online Information Forum for people living with breast cancer and their supporters - Living well with breast cancer online Information Forum (bcna.org.au) The Information Forum will cover a range of topics including the latest in breast cancer treatment, managing your emotional wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis, and how you can live well during treatment and beyond. It will also be an opportunity to hear about what BCNA does and the services and resources we have available to support you. Please note that this forum will explore the insights and perspectives of people affected by breast cancer living in Wagga Wagga, with some of the content tailored to the local support available in and around this particular area. Guest speakers will include Medical Oncologist Dr Belinda Keily, Wagga Wagga Breast Care Nurses Sue Munroe and Monica Jessop, Director Supportive Care Services at Cancer Council Tasmania Sarah De Jonge, Exercise Physiologist Samantha Jones, and Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Therapist Stuart McKenzie. There will be three information sessions – one for people with early breast cancer, one for people with metastatic breast cancer and one about maintaining health and wellbeing during a breast cancer diagnosis and beyond. Living well with early breast cancer Date: Monday 29 August Time: 6.00pm - 8.15pm AEST Registration: Please register via Redback Living well with metastatic breast cancer Date: Tuesday 30 August Time: 6.00pm - 8.15pm AEST Registration: Please register via Redback Living well with breast cancer: Health and wellbeing Date: Thursday 8 September Time: 6.00pm - 8.15pm AEST Registration: Please register via RedbackWelcome New Members - 15th August 2024
Welcome to our newest members of the Online Network: @Cindy74 @caz84 @Shinewithhope @BreaMee24 @hdahm @AndreaW @julzb2509 @wave @BJp47 @amyf798 @Kelki @LVeibataki @28007842 @zarhnie @KKrish33 @Caroran000 @Gazgin12 @DaisyGirl @Bear04 @theviewisclear @Pocketdiva @Miah @Em78 @sadeface48 @msarao @debraf @Dutchy1_kim @Hiker123 @LisaR @Geneenrita @Netty50 @Mmbunchy @FiJane @Positivejac @Alijjj @Xrisoula @imy65 @sheriecheers @Elisek @kh_sarika @happy007 @tootie @Inspiration @red_sleep @Chrisnsw @ShellH @Lorii @Gill_L @KimR @bonniedog @healwithme @Tripletwice @ST_Brissy @mirad @betteb @Desiree72 @Mcn0 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 [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm AESTDid you miss the Webcast: Managing long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment?
Hi all, If you missed the webcast on Tuesday night, you can now watch on-demand via the following link https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/73f44c.html The webcast was well received and a topic that is relevant to many people navigating the side effects of breast. This webcast addressed common long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment and how you can manage them, explain why ongoing support and follow-up care is important, explore the role of survivorship care plans and why you might need one, and let you know about support and resources available to you. Registrations exceeded 3,000 and more than 1,000 people watched the webcast live. We welcome feedback from those who have already watched the session.Friday update 22 October 2021
Friday update 22 October 2021 Hello members, It is a nice welcome today for Victorians as the lockdown restrictions lift today - Enjoy your greater freedoms! BCNA continue their October breast cancer awareness campaign, highlighting issues that impact those diagnosed and advocate to drive change. Thankyou to all of our members who have shared their stories, resources and support. Community highlights Reminder Private Groups Given that in October we have had ‘Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day’ and ‘Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day’, I wanted to remind members of the Online Network’s private groups if you are seeking greater peer-to-peer support: Living with metastatic breast cancer men living with breast cancer Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum credit @ChezaH 2. COVID booster shots 3. Night Howlers - Jump on to chat if you are awake 4. Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics? Community News BCNA NEWS 13 Oct 2021 - When an Employee Needs Leave for Cancer Treatment ‘Don’t come back’ were the words Liz Tapping heard when she asked if she could take leave from her job to receive treatment for breast cancer. Her employer of 5 years sacked her on the spot. A recent ruling in the Federal Circuit Court found this action contravened the Fair Work Act. CLICK HERE to read full details of Liz’s story and also access BCNA resources to educate and support employees. Cancer Australia - The Impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020 Cancer Australia today released a new report, The impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020: Examination of MBS claims data for 2020, nationally and by jurisdiction, which shows an overall sustained reduction in cancer services in 2020. BCNA has also been working with Cancer Australia, providing consumer insight and feedback into the development of communications about the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and the impact on those with a diagnosis of breast cancer. You can find frequently asked questions in BCNA’s My Journey and on the Cancer Australia website. If you have any information that you’d like to share about how COVID-19 has been impacting your patients, please email the Policy Team on [email protected]. “Don’t Delay and just hope it’ll go away.” – Male Breast Cancer Awareness Perth Channel 7 news featured Pieter and highlighted Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in a fantastic segment. Pieter's full story is available to watch on our IGTV on Instagram. Head over to https://www.instagram.com/bcnapinklady/ to view his story and more. “There is also a lot of misunderstanding about metastatic breast cancer and what this means in terms of your treatment and survival.” – Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Mother-of-three Andrea Smith knows she will lose her life to an incurable form of breast cancer. But she is determined to help other sufferers while she can. Read Andrea’s story CLICK HERE The Pink Bra Project Continues This breast cancer awareness month show your support for those affected by breast cancer and the people around them. $10 from every Pink Bra sale from Berlei's Pink Bra collection will go to BCNA. Hear BCNA member’s stories and ambassadors Stuart Diver, Aunty Pam, Raeleen Boyle and Sophie Conway https://www.berlei.com.au/pink-bra-project Webcasts and conferences you may have missed Breast Reconstruction Options and Expectations The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · Access to resources · Should you have radiation before or after an implant · The impact of COVID-19 on wait times · Breast implant illness · Breast cancer recurrence after a reconstruction · Discussions around the option of not having a reconstruction Metastatic Breast Cancer -Thriving together- Living Longer, Living Stronger The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · How to manage resistance treatment with hormone blocking therapies · Immunotherapies and triple negative breast cancer · How to reduce the risk of fractures from bone metastasises · New drugs that enhance the action of chemotherapy in the cell · Uncertainty and fear of what might happen in the future · Support groups are a really important way to connect with others and reduce feelings isolation Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast Have you checked out our new 10-part podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman? Each episode explores Charlotte’s lived experience, provides explanations of psychological triggers and responses and practical strategies that may help you or someone you know on their breast cancer journey. All episodes are available to stream now across all podcast platforms. To listen visit https://bit.ly/3oD0S0C BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Anna Wilson from our Member Support Team: Anna joined BCNA In 2012, after a friend told her there was a position available on the helpline. Originally a primary teacher and with three young kids, she decided to take a leap and move into this space. While Anna knew little about BCNA’s role, from the moment she started her role she loved it! Anna felt like she could really make a difference being part of the organisation and found many ways to contribute both on the helpline and then in the fundraising and the sponsorship team. Anna loves to hear the stories of the people who call the helpline and see how BCNA can really make a difference. She loves her colleagues at BCNA and enjoys collaborating with them each day “They are all so professional, knowledgeable and they care deeply for all those women, men and their families who are experiencing breast cancer”. Outside of work, Anna loves gardening and especially loves spring. Her two helpers Maggie and Billy are never far away! Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries Have you seen the My Journey article about ‘The Library’? https://myjourney.org.au/article/3497 The Library provides names of some books you might find helpful or interesting to read. Books in the 'about breast cancer and DCIS' and 'live well' sections have been reviewed by BCNA staff and are recommended as reliable information. Personal stories have not always been reviewed by BCNA, but may have been recommended to us by others diagnosed with breast cancer or sent to us by the author (often a BCNA member). If there is a book you would like to suggest for this list, please email us at [email protected] or post here in the discussion and I will pass on. Hope you enjoy this update and I always welcome feedback. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email [email protected] (We will be back on deck Monday). Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle "Awareness is all about restoring your freedom to choose what you want instead of what your past imposes on you" - Deepak ChopraFriday update 10 September 2021
Friday update 10 September 2021 Hello members, Welcome to the revival of the Friday community update. My name is Mez and I am part of the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Member Support Team/Helpline. I have had the pleasure of connecting with some of you in the past four weeks and want to thankyou for your feedback, support and guidance, as I explore the functions of the Online Network. I hope you enjoy the update. Community highlights New groups 'LGBTIQ+ Breast Cancer Network' – This is a private group which has been created for people who identify within the LGBTIQ+ communities and have also been affected by breast cancer to connect. The group currently has 11 members, and we look forward to watching it grow. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum 2. what to take to chemo treatments? 3. Arimidex brand now has a $5 surcharge on top of PBS fee! 4. A bit naughty - but funny!!! Show us your 'naughty ones'! Please note some posts may offend I picked out a post by @Sue_w below (hopefully not too offensive) Community News The Beacon magazine (Issue 88 – Aug 2021) The latest copy of the free mazagine can be accessed via the website or PDF as per below: Link to the website here: http://beacon.bcna.org.au/ Link to the PDF file: https://www.bcna.org.au/media/8177/bcna_beacon_august21.pdf Key topics include: re-learning the language of sexuality after a breast cancer diagnosis, preserving fertility and knowing your options, Andrea Smith’s experience of living with metastatic breast cancer and peripheral neuropathy. BCNA NEWS 16 Aug 2021 - Breast Cancer wont pause for COVID – screening is essential The temporary closure of BreastScreen services across NSW is NOT as excuse to ignore symtoms warns Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) – Check out the full article below https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2021/08/breast-cancer-wont-pause-for-covid-screening-is-essential/ BCNA CAMPAIGN Pink Tradie 2021 For the months of August and September, BCNA is putting a call out to tradies across Australia, asking them to pull on a Pink Tradie beanie and a pair of BCNA pink socks to support the 20,030 Australians expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year - Check out this campaign raising funds for BCNA https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/hold-an-event/pink-tradie-2021/ Webcast REGISTER NOW! Don’t miss out on the webcast Managing the cost of breast cancer webcast: tips and resources on the 16th September 2021 07:00 PM – 8:00 PM - Explore managing the costs of breast cancer including informed financial consent, public vs private healthcare, hidden and common out-of-pocket costs, questions to ask your healthcare provider, financial wellbeing, career impacts, issues for those who live in rural and remote areas and the resources and support available to you. Webcasts and conferences you have have missed Integrative Health Webcast – complementary therapies enhancing wellness for people affected by breast cancer Fertility and Breast Cancer - Knowing Your Options Webcast Treatments for Breast Cancer – Options and Considerations If you missed any of the webcasts above, you can still register and watch on demand. Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast If you haven’t already, subscribe to BCNA's Fortnightly Podcasts . Podcast 35 coming up in the last week of September will be in relation to ‘Young Women & Sexuality’. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries I thought it would be a nice idea to invite you to share recent books, movies, TV series/documentaries that you have enjoyed over the past few weeks. I recently started reading the book ‘The Brain That Changes Itself’. Well that’s all from me this week! I hope to evolve the Friday update and have had great suggestions already, for example introducing my colleagues from the BCNA Member Support Team. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email [email protected] Take care, The mod team Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle ‘Part of being a person is about helping others.’ – Regis Murayi
