🌱Wednesday Wellness - 10Jun26 - The Restorative Power of Yoga🧘♀️
This week, we’re focusing on the restorative and healing potential of yoga 💛 For many people affected by breast cancer, yoga can be more than gentle movement. It can become a way to reconnect with your body, rebuild strength, and create moments of calm in the midst of treatment, recovery, or ongoing uncertainty. Importantly, yoga designed specifically for cancer care recognises that your body has been through a lot and meets you exactly where you are ✨ 💛 How yoga can support your body during and after breast cancer Research continues to show that yoga can play a valuable supportive role alongside medical care, helping manage both physical and emotional side effects. 🌼 Supporting lymphatic health and lymphedema After surgery or lymph node removal, the lymphatic system can be affected. Gentle, guided yoga movements may help stimulate lymphatic flow, reduce swelling, and ease discomfort, supporting long-term self-management. 🌼 Improving shoulder movement and flexibility Tightness, reduced range of motion, and discomfort in the chest, shoulder and arm are common. Yoga has been shown to improve shoulder mobility and upper body flexibility after treatment, helping restore functional movement over time. 🌼 Reducing fatigue and boosting energy Cancer-related fatigue can be persistent and overwhelming. Studies show that gentle yoga and mind-body practices can help reduce fatigue and improve overall wellbeing, even during ongoing treatment. 🌼 Easing stress and supporting emotional wellbeing Breathwork and mindful movement can help regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Yoga has also been linked to reduced stress hormones and improved mood and resilience 🌼 Rebuilding strength and confidence Over time, yoga can gently rebuild strength, flexibility, and balance, helping you feel more at home in your body again 🌿 It’s not about perfect poses Yoga in cancer care looks different to what you might see in a typical class. It can be: ✨ Slow and supported ✨ Done seated, lying down, or standing ✨ Focused on breath more than movement ✨ Adapted to your energy levels each day Even small, mindful movements can have a meaningful impact. 🌼 A gentle moment to try today If you feel up to it, you might like to try this simple, supportive movement: 🌿 Sit or stand comfortably 🌿 Slowly lift your shoulders toward your ears 🌿 Gently roll them back and down 🌿 Repeat a few times, moving with your breath This can help release tension across the chest and shoulders, an area many in our community hold tightness. 🌟 Explore Yoga 4 Cancer with Counterpart If you’re curious about trying yoga in a safe, supportive way, BCNA partners with Counterpart to offer a Yoga 4 Cancer series 💛 These sessions are specifically designed for people affected by breast cancer, with a focus on: 🌼 Safety and accessibility 🌼 Managing side effects like fatigue and stiffness 🌼 Supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing 🔗 Learn more or explore the series here: https://counterpart.org.au 🤍 A gentle reminder There is no “right” way to care for yourself. Some days movement feels good, other days rest is what you need. Both are valid. 💬 We’d love to hear from you Have you tried yoga, or are you thinking about it? What has helped your body feel supported recently? Sending you a moment of calm and care this Wednesday 💕🌱Wednesday Wellness - 03Jun26 - The Impact of Community Strength 💪
One of the most powerful things about being part of our wonderful BCNA community, is that no one has to face breast cancer alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in the middle of treatment, navigating life after treatment, or supporting a loved one, this space reminds us that shared experiences can bring comfort, understanding, and genuine connection 💞 Community isn’t just about being in the same space, it’s about being seen, heard, and supported. It’s the quiet reassurance of someone saying “me too,” the kindness of practical advice from those who’ve been there, and the encouragement that helps carry you through tough days As many of you know well, even small interactions can make a big difference to someone who needs some extra love today 🌟 🏐 A beautiful example of this was last weeks community engagement activity at the State Netball Centre. BCNA staff connected with some of our amazing netball club and association PLAY4BCNA hosts, along with members with lived experience. It was such a warm, uplifting gathering filled with smiles, shared stories, and genuine connection 💞 💖 Moments like this truly highlight the strength and spirit of our community. If you’re looking to connect with others with lived experience in person, don’t forget about the Counterpart Cancer Meet-up Hubs. These gatherings are a great opportunity to meet others who understand, share stories, and feel supported in a safe and welcoming space. You can check online here for upcoming sessions and find one near you 📍 Here in our Online Network, everyone’s story matters 🌟 There is strength in vulnerability and courage in reaching out, whether you’re asking a question, sharing an update, or simply reading along and finding reassurance in others’ words. Let’s continue to; 💕Lift each other up 💕 Celebrate the wins big and small 💕Hold space for the hard moments too You never know how much your words might mean to someone else. If you feel comfortable, share what community means to you or a moment when support made a difference in your journey. We’re stronger together 💪🌱Wednesday Wellness - it’s OK to Ask: Breast Cancer and Breaking Taboos - 21May26🌱
Asking questions about breast cancer can be harder than it sounds. Even when something is worrying you, it’s common to hold back or try to downplay how you are feeling. You might not want to seem difficult, feel embarrassed, worry about taking up time, or simply not know how to put what you’re feeling into words. It's a story we hear far too often. Breastcancer.org recently released a video called: It’s OK to Ask: Breast Cancer and Breaking Taboos, which aims to gently reinforce a simple but powerful message: your questions matter, and it’s okay to ask. We recommend watching this video for anyone who has left an appointment thinking that you wished you had asked more about: 💗 Sexual health and intimacy 💗 Body image and confidence 💗 Mental health and emotional wellbeing 💗 Long-term and ongoing side effects 💗 Fear of recurrence and survivorship 💗 Financial stress and practical concerns These are real issues that affect daily life long after treatment begins, and sometimes long after it ends. Yet they are often the things people hesitate to raise with their care team. If you’re looking for reassurance, validation, or encouragement to speak up, It’s OK to Ask is well worth watching. You deserve to be heard, supported, and fully cared for, in every sense of the word. 🎥 Click here to watch the video, or click here to check out a helpful list of questions we have compiled to help you have those conversations with your treating team. Please reach out to us on the Helpline if you need any extra support with preparing your questions for your healthcare appointments on 1800 500 258 - we are here to help you ❤️🌱Wednesday Wellness - 20May26 - Be Kind to Your Mind 💛
Midweek can be a lot, physically, mentally and emotionally. And for many in our community, it is not just about getting through the week. It is about navigating an ongoing journey that can feel like a rollercoaster some days. The truth is, there is no “right way” to feel. Some days might bring strength and clarity, others may feel heavy or uncertain. Both are completely valid. So today, let’s pause and check in gently with ourselves: 💭 What do I need right now? 💭 Am I speaking to myself with kindness? 💭 Can I give myself permission to take things one step at a time? You do not have to carry everything alone. Reaching out to a friend, this community, or our Helpline on 1800 500 258 for support is a powerful act of self-care. If you're looking for wellness tips & resources, our previous Wednesday Wellness posts available here have a breadth of topics covered, or you might find some of the following resources from BCNA useful: ✨Emotional wellbeing - article ✨Physical wellbeing - article ✨Sexual wellbeing - article ✨Managing stress and improving wellbeing with mindfulness and meditation - webcast ✨Sexual wellbeing after breast cancer - podcast Today’s gentle reminder: Talk to yourself like someone you love. If you feel up to it, share one kind thing you can say to yourself today 💛🌱Wednesday Wellness - 13May26 - Living with & beyond cancer🌱
When we think about going through breast cancer, we often think about the time between diagnosis and treatment. The reality for many, is that this remains ongoing, involving huge lifestyle changes, particular for those in our metastatic community. 🌿Living with breast cancer often means navigating a whirlwind of appointments, treatments, side effects, and emotions that don’t always make sense. Some days you may feel strong and hopeful, and others exhausted in ways that go far beyond the physical. It can feel like your world has shrunk, while at the same time the emotional challenges keep building. 💫For those who no longer need treatment, people often expect a quick return to “normal.” But the truth is, life doesn’t go back to the way it was, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Many people discover a new perspective, a deeper appreciation for small moments , a redefined sense of purpose, or a quieter, stronger version of themselves. What often goes unspoken is that survivorship can be just as complex as treatment. There may be fear of recurrence, lingering physical impacts, or the emotional process of rebuilding confidence, identity, and trust in your body. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t follow a straight line. ✨If you're interested, you might find this VCCC webinar helpful in navigating this stage. Led by experts in the field, this event brings together insights from clinical care, research, and lived experience to help shape better outcomes for people affected by cancer. 🗓 Date: 22 June 2026 ⏰ Time: 1:00–2:00pm 📍 Where: Online This session will explore: The growing impact of cancer survivorship What high-quality survivorship care really looks like How multidisciplinary collaboration can improve long-term health and quality of life 👉 Register here 🌼If you’re walking this path, please know: It’s okay to not have it all figured out It’s okay to grieve what was lost while still feeling grateful It’s okay to move forward at your own pace, one step at a time And if you're supporting someone living with or beyond cancer, one of the greatest gifts you can offer is simply presence, listening without trying to fix, and standing alongside them in both the highs and the hard days. Living with and beyond cancer is not just a story of survival, it’s a story of resilience, adaptation, and quiet courage. It’s about learning to hold both vulnerability and strength at the same time. Wherever you are in your journey, you are not alone, our wonderful little community is here walking beside you 💛🌱Wednesday Wellness - 06May26 - Sleep Health😴
Rest • Restore • Recharge This week, we’re focusing on something essential for overall wellbeing, including during and after cancer treatment: quality sleep. Sleep is not just switching off. It is a vital process that supports how your body heals and your mind copes. Good sleep helps with energy, mood, concentration, and recovery, all of which are especially important for people living with cancer. 🌙 Why Sleep Matters For people affected by cancer, sleep can often be disrupted. Factors like treatment side effects, stress, anxiety, or changes in routine can all play a role. When sleep is impacted, you may notice: Low energy and fatigue Difficulty concentrating or remembering Feeling irritable or emotionally overwhelmed Reduced ability to cope day to day Sleep is a key part of supporting both physical healing and emotional resilience. Many people affected by cancer experience insomnia. This may include: Trouble falling asleep Waking during the night Waking too early and not getting back to sleep Feeling fatigued but unable to sleep 💙 It is important to know that these challenges are common and support is available. 🌱 Small Changes, Big Impact While sleep challenges can feel overwhelming, small steps can support better rest: ✨ Keep a consistent sleep and wake time where possible ✨ Create a gentle wind down routine before bed ✨ Limit caffeine, alcohol, and screen time in the evening ✨ Make your sleep space as comfortable and calming as you can ✨ Allow yourself time to relax both physically and mentally Even small, consistent changes can help improve sleep over time. 🧠 Support and Resources If sleep is a challenge, you are not alone, and there are trusted resources available: Sleep Health Foundation (CAN-SLEEP) https://can-sleep.org.au/patient-resources/introduction/ THIS WAY UP insomnia support https://thiswayup.org.au/what-we-treat/insomnia These resources provide practical, evidence-based strategies to better understand sleep and manage insomnia. 💬 Take a Moment Check in with yourself today: 👉 How has your sleep been recently? 👉 What is one small change you could try this week? Sleep is not a luxury. It is part of caring for your body and mind, especially during challenging times. Be gentle with yourself this week and know that it is okay to prioritise rest where you can 😴🌱Wednesday Wellness - 29Apr26 - Looking after your immune health🌱
When you’re going through breast cancer treatment, looking after your immune health can feel like just another thing to think about. We wanted to share some gentle thoughts and practical tips that may help support you along the way 🌿 Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy can affect the immune system in different ways, and it’s very normal to find yourself feeling more fatigued, run down, or a bit more vulnerable to illness. There’s no one “right way” to support your body, but small, consistent steps can make a meaningful difference over time. 🌼 Some practical ways to support your immune health: 🥗 Nourish your body regularly Aim for a mix of protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats where you can Keep easy options on hand for low-energy days, like soups, yoghurt, eggs, smoothies or pre-cut fruit Eat small, frequent meals if your appetite is reduced 💧 Stay hydrated Sip water throughout the day rather than all at once Herbal teas, broths, and infused water can be helpful if plain water feels unappealing 😴 Prioritise rest and recovery Try to build in rest breaks, even on “better” days Listen to your body rather than pushing through exhaustion Gentle routines can help with sleep, like winding down at the same time each evening 🚶♀️ Keep movement gentle and consistent Short walks, stretching, or light movement can support circulation and wellbeing Even a few minutes counts, especially on low-energy days 🧼 Reduce your exposure to infections where possible Regular handwashing Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell Keeping up with recommended vaccinations (check with your care team) 🧠 Support your emotional wellbeing Stress can impact how we feel physically, so small calming practices help This might be breathing exercises, journaling, music, meditation, or quiet time Staying connected in ways that feel comfortable is just as important 💊 Check before taking supplements Some vitamins or herbal products can interact with treatment Always have a quick chat with your medical team before starting anything new, or stopping anything current. 🌸 And most importantly, be kind to yourself There will be ups and downs, and energy levels can change from day to day. Supporting your immune health isn’t about being perfect, it’s about gently caring for yourself in whatever way is possible in that moment. 💬 If you feel comfortable, you’re very welcome to share what has helped you. Even small tips can make a big difference for someone else walking a similar path 💛🌱Wednesday Wellness - 22Apr26 -Informed Decisions Reduce Anxiety🌱
🧠 Anxiety rises with the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the uncertain. But the flipside is that anxiety comes down with good quality information. – Dr Charlotte Tottman One of the strongest tools to support you through breast cancer is good, trustworthy information. It does not remove uncertainty entirely, but it can make decisions feel stronger and anxiety around the unknown more managable. At BCNA, information and resources sit at the heart of everything we do, because being informed helps you feel more confident when making decisions about your body, your treatment, and your wellbeing. 📚 What information can I access? BCNA's Information and Resources hub brings together a wide range of evidence‑based information to support people affected by breast cancer at every stage of their journey. This includes clear explanations of different types and subtypes of breast cancer, treatment options and therapies, and what to expect before, during and after treatment. You will also find practical guidance on managing side effects, looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing, navigating life during and after treatment, and understanding topics like genetic testing and clinical trials. Resources are available in multiple languages and formats, including booklets, fact sheets, articles and podcasts, so you can choose what works best for you and access information at your own pace. All content is designed to help you feel informed, supported and confident when making decisions. ☎️ Support when information feels overwhelming As you move through making your important decisions, whether they feel big or small, remember that you are not expected to know everything. Information can be explored at your own pace. If things start to feel overwhelming, BCNA's Helpline is always here. No question is too big, too small, we are here to help. We are available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AEST on 1800 500 258, and will listen first, then help guide you towards the information, support, or next steps that feel right for you. 💭 Gentle reflection for today... We invite you to share below what information helped you feel more confident making decisions during your experience with cancer, or simply have a think and take a moment for yourself today. 💗🌱Wednesday Wellness - 08Apr26 - Self-care tips when living with breast cancer🌱
Breast cancer can affect your body, emotions, routines, relationships and sense of self. Self‑care is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about finding small, caring ways to support yourself through a challenging time. 🌸 Be kind to your body Rest when you need to. Fatigue is common during treatment and recovery. Eat what feels manageable. Gentle nourishment is enough. Move your body in ways that feel okay, such as stretching or short walks. Tell your healthcare team about pain, side effects or discomfort. Support is part of your care. 🧠 Look after your emotional wellbeing Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Take breaks from cancer talk, news or social media when it feels overwhelming. Use grounding activities like breathing, music, journalling or time in nature. Reach out for emotional support through counselling, peer groups or helplines. 🤍 Stay connected in ways that work for you Lean on trusted people when you can. Accept offers of help with meals, transport or errands. Set boundaries and say no when your energy is low. 🌿 Honour culture, spirituality and what gives you strength Connect with culture, country, spirituality or faith in ways that feel meaningful. Creative activities such as yarning, art, music or storytelling can be comforting. Keep routines or rituals that remind you of who you are beyond cancer. 🛠 Create a simple self‑care plan Notice what helps on both good days and hard days. Keep a short list of comforts or supports you can return to. Gently replace unhelpful coping habits with supportive ones, one step at a time. Review your plan as your needs change during treatment or recovery. 🩺 Ask for help when you need it Talk with your GP, nurse, oncologist or care team about physical and emotional concerns. Seeking support is a strength and an important part of caring for yourself. The Black Dog Institute has created this handy self-care workbook - while it's not tailored for people with cancer, it forms a great basis to create your own self-care plan tailored to your circumstances. 👉 You can access the workbook here 💗 Small acts of self‑care, repeated over time, can make a meaningful difference during breast cancer.🌱Wednesday Wellness - 01Apr26 - Simple Nourishing Snacks During Treatment🌱
When you’re going through treatment, eating can feel like a challenge. Fatigue, nausea, taste changes or reduced appetite can make full meals difficult, and that’s completely okay. What can help is keeping small, gentle, nourishing snacks on hand so you can eat when it feels right. Here are some easy, comforting snack ideas that offer steady energy and nutrition without feeling overwhelming. 🍌 Soft and Simple Fruit Options Sliced banana with a drizzle of honey Stewed apples or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon Berries or melon cubes for something refreshing 🥛 Protein Rich Little Boosts Greek yoghurt with a spoon of jam or puréed fruit A small smoothie made with milk or a milk alternative, banana and oats Cottage cheese with soft fruits or crackers 🧀 Easy Bites for Energy Cheese slices with wholegrain crackers Peanut butter on toast or rice cakes Avocado mashed on crackers with a pinch of salt 🥣 Gentle, Warm Comfort Foods A small bowl of creamy soup Plain scrambled eggs Instant oatmeal with soft fruits 🥜 When You Need Something Quick Handful of nuts or trail mix if tolerated Muesli bars with simple natural ingredients A boiled egg or chopped cucumber sticks for grab and go options 💗 A Gentle Reminder - Every day is different. Some days you’ll feel like eating more and some days less, and that’s completely okay. Celebrate the little wins, and let these moments of nourishment be a reminder that you’re supporting yourself in the ways that matter most. You've got this 💪 👇Let us know how you go with these snack ideas in the comments!
