Inherited Cancers Australia

Yesterday, our CEO Sarah represented the inherited cancers community at the AusBiotech 2024 conference in Melbourne, joining a panel on “Precision medicine: Ensuring equity of access to timely diagnoses and treatments, while saving precious health budgets.” Sarah was honoured to speak alongside panellists Prof David Thomas, CEO of Omico, and Duncan McIntyre, First Assistant Secretary, Technology Assessment & Access Division, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. She spoke on behalf of the inherited cancers community about the challenges they face after genetic testing, the lifelong impacts and how patients need to be at the heart of all innovation when it comes to genomics. Special thanks to Rob McBride at Illumina for the kind invitation and for facilitating this important discussion. #advocacy #conference #community #inheritedcancersaus Inherited Cancers Australia

Knowing your normal through regular self-breast checks is all about early detection for breast cancer – EVERYONE should get on this habit! Swipe to learn some basic tricks and why this habit can be lifesaving regardless of your gender. Sign up for our breast check reminder so we can help you stay on top of your breast health: https://lnkd.in/g49kCfvG Need some extra guidance? Access our resources to watch our self-breast check video guide and learn what symptoms to look for: https://lnkd.in/gGbBjwC6 #KnowYourNormal #education #selfbreastcheck #inheritedcancersaus

A huge thank you to Mitcham Private Hospital, Imaging Associates and Melbourne Pathology for dedicating their GP education evening to support Inherited Cancers Australia. We are grateful for the opportunity to share what we do for people navigating inherited breast cancer and its risk. Your donation fuels our mission to provide education, support, and advocacy for the inherited cancer community – thank you! Special thanks to Julia from Ramsay Health Care and Louise from Imaging Associates for facilitating this fundraiser! #fundraiser #advocacy #inheritedcancersaus

Robyn, our Programs & Advocacy Manager, and Lisa, our Partnerships & Community Manager, are at the Leura 2024 International Breast Cancer Conference! During this 3-day conference, our team will interact with healthcare professionals, researchers, and organisations to present our national inherited cancer risk survey results and showcase the vital work of Inherited Cancers Australia for the inherited cancer community. They will also hear from experts sharing insights on treatment advancements, research, and care for breast cancer. A special thank you to Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI), the Australasian Society for Breast Disease (ASBD), and Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Inc. (BreastSurgANZ) for the kind invitation. #advocacy #breastcancer #Leura2024 #inheritedcancersaus

"There is no good cancer — every cancer is bad." Thank you, Mamamia, for featuring Tracey’s story and helping spread the word about how calling early breast cancer (eBC) a 'good cancer' minimises the experiences of those living with it. And a big thank you to Tracey for sharing her story and advocating for this important message. #advocacy #personalstory #breastcancer #inheritedcancersaus

We’re excited to share that Inherited Cancers Australia has received a $10,000 grant from Tour de Cure Australia and Commonwealth Bank to support our work translating essential resources for our inherited cancer community. A huge shoutout to our ambassador, Corinne, who represented us at the Can4Cancer Melbourne Run to speak about the difference it will make for families across Australia. This grant allows us to translate our evidence-based resources, helping people access potentially life-saving information in the language they understand. We’re grateful for the support in helping us create a more inclusive and informed future for those impacted by inherited cancers. #grant #programs #support #translation #inheritedcancersaus

Our national inherited cancer risk survey uncovered an alarming reality: of the 378 people who had their tubes/ovaries removed for cancer or risk reduction, 76% did not access a menopause specialist. Many had no idea that support was available to them or how they could access it. On #WorldMenopauseDay, we're amplifying the voices of our community and pushing for better support. As part of our Medically Induced Menopause Support Project, with support from Jean Hailes for Women's Health, we're hosting focus groups and creating a national survey to shape better resources and support for people going through medically induced menopause. Stay tuned for more on how you can get involved in our project.  In the meantime, let’s keep the conversation going – tell us your experience, share our post, and help us advocate for better support for medically induced menopause. #menopause #advocacy #inheritedcancersaus  Inherited Cancers Australia

Words matter. Referring to breast reconstruction after a mastectomy as a ‘boob job’ is not only inaccurate but can also contribute to harmful stigma around cancer risk management. On #BreastReconstructionAwarenessDay, we’re sharing Meg’s experience to highlight the importance of language and understanding.  When Meg’s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at 50, it revealed a BRCA2 gene mutation, which prompted Meg to get tested at 22. After discovering she had the same mutation, she started having annual MRIs and ultrasounds by 23, leading to conversations about her surgical options. “I knew a preventative double mastectomy could lower my breast cancer risk by up to 90%. That brought me relief and eased my anxiety while waiting for screening results, so I decided to go ahead with the double mastectomy.”  Decisions about managing inherited cancer risk are deeply personal, and the language we use shapes understanding. The best decisions are informed ones, visit our website to #KnowYourOptions: https://lnkd.in/gapZ25p9   #BRCA2 #personalstory #advocacy #breastreconstruction #inheritedcancersaus 

Language shapes our conversations and influences how we understand and support one another. This #InternationalFlatDay, we invite you to join us in reshaping the narrative about aesthetic flat closure after a mastectomy. Swipe to discover how. Questions about mastectomy and breast reconstruction should always be approached with respect, empathy, and care. But don’t let that stop you from asking – questions are essential for understanding the experiences and choices available after a mastectomy. #KnowYourOptions #BreastReconstruction #advocacy 

Thank you, Australian Payments Plus, for helping spread the word about the work we do. And a special thanks to Jon for all his efforts, both at our parliamentary event and beyond, in supporting our advocacy for the inherited cancer community!