Breast Cancer Network Australia

BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services Vicki Durston recently joined Pancare Foundation, Rare Cancers Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia on the Omico podcast ‘Cancer meets its match’ to discuss ‘Where to find precision oncology support’. Have you heard of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP)? CGP analyses the entire makeup of a tumour to help match the most effective treatment to a person’s specific cancer subtype. This is different to genetic testing, which looks at specific genes for mutations that might cause cancer. Genomics has the potential to revolutionise cancer care by improving access to personalised medicine, earlier diagnosis, and clinical trials. Vicki says 'awareness and access to information about genomic profiling is important as we face the changing landscape and evolution of genomic medicine.' We want to see equity of access to comprehensive genomic profiling, and we need to ensure that information is readily accessible and in plain language. Listen to episode at https://ow.ly/plz050VkwTS Cathy Slattery Anne Savage Sue Hegarty #PrecisionOncology #GenomicProfiling #CancerCare #PersonalisedMedicine #CancerAwareness #Genomics #OncologyResearch #CancerSupport #HealthEquity #ClinicalTrials

Did you know BCNA’s Consumer Representatives (CRs) complete our Seat at the Table (SATT) training program to become a CR? There’s a significant difference between the individual lived experience perspective and that of CRs who are trained to understand the Australian healthcare system and represent the wider breast cancer community, not only their own experience.  The hybrid SATT training model combines online and in-person approaches. CRs complete pre and post evaluations to drive continuous improvement in training outcomes and are provided ongoing opportunities for development through research, mentoring and conferences to keep CRs informed, skilled and actively engaged in evolving health and cancer discussions. After the 2024 CR intake 92% reported high knowledge of the Australian health system and key cancer control organisations and 90% reported high knowledge of the Australian health system and key cancer control organisations. We recently presented a poster of our Seat at the Table (SATT) training program at the National Cancer Survivorship Conference in Melbourne. You can check it out at https://ow.ly/RJmh50VjCBX #BreastCancerAwareness #ConsumerRepresentatives #AustralianHealthcare #PatientAdvocacy #SATTTraining #CancerSurvivorship #BreastCancerSupport

📣Two Weeks to Go📣 We’re thrilled to let you know that in just two weeks we will be launching a new-look My Journey platform that will enhance your experience with us. Watch this space for more! #MyJourney #PlatformLaunch #UserExperience #TechUpdate #ComingSoon #NewFeatures #StayTuned #DigitalExperience #LaunchAnnouncement

In September 2024, the government acknowledged the need for stronger protections but fell short of delivering a promised legislative ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance underwriting this parliamentary term. Now, as part of the next steps, the government has called for further consultation —and 107 organisations have united to provide a unified response, thanks to the leadership of Dr Jane Tiller. BCNA stands with these organisations in urging the next government to commit to delivering this within the first 100 days after the election. The fear of discrimination should never stop people from accessing life-saving genetic testing. It’s time to end genetic discrimination once and for all. Vicki Durston Kirsten Pilatti Jane Tiller (PhD)Paul Lacaze Australian Medical Association Danielle McMullen David Lloyd Heart Foundation Tiffany Boughtwood Australian Genomics Megan Varlow Cancer Council Australia Financial Rights Legal Centre Julia Mansour Human Genetics Society of Australasia - HGSA Daniel MacArthur Garvan Institute of Medical Research Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) John Christodoulou Anthony Brown Health Consumers NSW Christine Cockburn Rare Cancers Australia Mark Brooke Lung Foundation Australia Johanna Barclay Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics Elizabeth de Somer Medicines Australia Simon von Saldern Healthy Male Emma Bonser Genetic Alliance Australia Sarah Powell Inherited Cancers Australia Nicole Millis Rare Voices Australia Justine Cain Diabetes Australia Dr Erin Evans #GeneticFairness #NoMoreDiscrimination #First100Days #GeneticDiscrimination #GeneticTesting #HealthEquity #HealthcareAdvocacy #PolicyChange #HealthRights #LifeInsuranceReform

When BCNA Speaks, People Listen. For 27 years we have made it our mission to amplify the voices of those affected by breast cancer. BCNA is at the forefront of every discussion, every decision about breast cancer care, treatment and support in Australia. We continue to command the attention of decision-makers and influence change at national and international levels. Together we are accelerating action. As the largest consumer-led cancer organisation in Australia, we ensure those with a lived experience of breast cancer have a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect those with a diagnosis. This International Women's Day, we're accelerating action for women's health by pledging our commitment to: 👉Reduce the financial costs of breast cancer treatment and support 👉 Prioritise risk-based early detection/breast screening programs 👉 Address the unmet supportive care needs for people impacted by breast cancer 👉 Investing in a sustainable and comprehensive cancer data system. Thank you for being part of our Network, our collective voice is creating meaningful change. Together, we're not just advocating—we're accelerating action for all Australians affected by breast cancer. 💖 #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #CancerAdvocacy #BreastCancerCare #BreastCancerAwareness #WomensHealth #CancerSupport #AdvocacyInAction #HealthEquity #InternationalWomensDay

That’s a wrap!    The National Cancer Survivorship Conference has come to an end after three days of workshop, poster, panel discussions and presentations on the work that is happening across the cancer survivorship space. It was an opportunity to learn and contribute consumer perspectives to the conference program   We loved connecting with consumers, those with lived and living experiences of cancer, clinicians and researchers to hear about the current survivorship landscape. There lots to unpack from the conference. We’re looking forward to the collective insights informing the future direction survivorship care and research to ensure people in Australia are living well with and after cancer. #surv25 #breastcancerawareness

We’ve wrapped up day one of COSA’s National Cancer Survivorship Conference. Today we shared the work we’re doing to improve outcomes for those living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and the importance of routine collection of stage and recurrence data to address the unmet needs of those living with metastatic cancer. We’re proud to be a gold sponsor for the conference for and to have sponsored the attendance of BCNA’s Seat At The Table consumer representatives and consumers from Ovarian Cancer Australia and Melanoma Patients Australia Vicki Durston #breastcancerawareness #surv25 #breastcancer #cancerresearch #oncology #consumerengagement #mbc

Hear from BCNA Consumer Representative (CR) and member of our Consumer Advisory Group Sue Woodall about the poster we have displayed at today’s National Cancer Survivorship Conference. Sue along with CRs Naveena Nekkalapudi, Jodie Lydeker and Emma partnered with us to develop the abstract submission and poster design. BCNA was thrilled to be selected as one on the posters for discussion in the conference program. #surv25 #cancerconference #breastcancerawarness #breastcancersupport #cancersupport #oncology #consumerengagement

Yesterday we hosted our workshop “From Patient to Partner’ ahead of the National Cancer Survivorship Conference tomorrow in Melbourne.
 
We were joined by individuals with lived and living experiences of cancer including BCNA Consumer Representatives, researchers, and members from other cancer organisations. We discussed best practices and approaches of engagement from consumer and researcher perspectives to enhance future partnerships in cancer research.
 
We’re looking forward to the conference kicking off today and continuing the valuable discussions about the importance of advancing survivorship care from the individual to the health system perspective. The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Australia Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Marie Malica Fran Doughton Dr Anna Singleton Michael Jefford Naveena Nekkalapudi Dr Jodi Steel Jodie Lydeker Kirsten Pilatti Vicki Durston Gill Stannard Victoria LeQuesne (Turner) Allison Ogden Jane Synnot Georgie McKenzie Dr Jennifer Cohen https://lnkd.in/gk5FkKz4

Did you know that lymphoedema after breast cancer is caused by damage to or removal of lymph nodes from the armpit or breast area? Lymphoedema can affect people during active breast cancer treatment, or even months or years after active treatment has finished. It may be ongoing, but it can usually be managed, particularly if diagnosed early. Professor Bogda Koczwara is the lead researcher on the ‘LeaN On’ study developing an online tool to help people with lymphoedema better manage their symptoms and live well after a breast cancer diagnosis. Watch the video to find out more about lymphoedema and this research. For peer-to-peer support join our Online Network page for people living with lymphoedema at https://ow.ly/7XT050VaHuw #lymphoedemaawarenessweek #worldlymphoedemaday #BreastCancerAwareness #LymphoedemaManagement #CancerCare #LymphoedemaAwareness #Lymphoedema