Breast Cancer Network Australia

Take a look at our highlights from the National Cancer Survivorship Conference 2025! BCNA was proud to be involved in the National Cancer Survivorship Conference as Gold Sponsor of the event and to deliver the pre-conference workshop ‘From Patient to Partner’. This engaging and interactive workshop provided an opportunity to understand consumer engagement and foster collaborations between lived experience, health professionals, researchers and cancer organisations. “Being in a room where everyone is so motivated and willing to collaborate to shine a light on the value of consumers was amazing” - Sarah, BCNA Consumer Representative The energy over the few days was incredible, filled with valuable discussions and meaningful connections, all aimed at galvanising the sector in collective efforts to see improved outcomes for people affected by cancer. 🔗You can learn more about BCNA’s Seat at the Table program including how to request a Consumer Representative for your project at https://ow.ly/b33O50VpsPj The Content Engine #CancerSurvivorship #ConsumerEngagement #HealthCollaboration #CancerAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #OncologyConference #SurvivorshipSupport #HealthProfessionals #CancerCommunity

Yesterday, amid the federal budget announcements in Canberra and in the lead-up to the upcoming election, BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti and Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Support Services Vicki Durston participated in pivotal discussions with Health Minister Mark Butler and Shadow Health Minister Senator Anne Ruston at Parliament House. Our engagement underscores our commitment to advancing key priorities for those affected by breast cancer. The discussions focused on critical areas such as breast cancer risk, risk-stratified screening, early detection, breast density, supportive care, metastatic breast cancer, health technology assessment, digital health technology, data and AI, and prophylactic mastectomy for high-risk individuals, amongst other important issues. As the federal budget announcements unfold, it is vital that breast cancer remains a national health priority. Our involvement in these discussions highlight our dedication to addressing the pressing needs of those impacted by breast cancer. Read more about BCNA's policy priorities at https://ow.ly/Klt950VoFFr #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthPolicy #CancerSupport #BreastCancerResearch #HealthAdvocacy

A new blood test is a wonderful innovation to complement mammograms for women with very high breast density. It will allow earlier cancer detection for those whose cancers are harder to detect. While not yet widely accessible, it represents an important advancement. BCNA stresses the importance of women with very high breast density having informed discussions with their GPs about their screening options. Breast density is just one of many factors to consider when determining the need for further interventions or screenings. This development underscores the need for standardised breast density reporting and access to risk assessment and supplemental screening and intervention as required. We remain committed to advocating for comprehensive approaches that address individual risk factors for breast cancer so it can be detected early. https://lnkd.in/gNM3wjmW #BCNA #BreastDensityAwareness #PolicyAdvocacy #BCNAPinkLady

Katie Thorpe is 33 years old and living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). She describes managing medically induced menopause as feeling like a pinball—“I feel lost in a system that can’t help me.” Women with early and metastatic breast cancer face significant challenges related to medically induced menopause. Medically induced menopause can occur due to hormone-blocking treatments, chemotherapy, or surgical interventions, leading to sudden and often debilitating symptoms. While some women may have mild or manageable side-effects, for some the side-effects are debilitating and can significantly impact on their quality of life. At BCNA, our goal is to raise awareness and foster conversations about the realities of medically induced menopause, ensuring that those affected receive the support they need and that healthcare professionals have the tools to help their patients effectively. We are committed to highlighting this important issue and will work to improve our information and resources. Listen to Katie's conversation with BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston, at the ‘So Hot Right Now - Redefining Menopause’ event in Sydney, where they discussed the challenges and available support for managing medically induced menopause. Vicki Durston #MetastaticBreastCancer #BreastCancerAwareness #MedicallyInducedMenopause #WomensHealth #CancerSupport #MenopauseAwareness #HealthcareAdvocacy #PatientSupport #CancerAwareness

One Week to Go! 📣 We’re thrilled to let you know that in just one week we will be launching a new-look My Journey platform that will enhance your digital experience with us, including an easier-to-navigate format with content tailored to you. Keep your eyes peeled for updates 👀 #MyJourney #DigitalExperience #PlatformLaunch #TechUpdates #UserExperience #DigitalTransformation #SaveTheDate #cancerresources #cancersupport

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