Breast Cancer Network Australia

Giving Tuesday is LIVE! Donate now and see your impact double*, while helping to raise $58,000 in support of the 58 Aussies diagnosed every day. "When you are diagnosed, you feel alone. We can have friends and family helping us but they don't know what we are going through...when I connected with others through the BCNA Online Network I thought, someone understands me. I’m not alone” - Monika, Online Network user This is why your support today truly matters. Please donate now and know that your gift will DOUBLE thanks to the generous support of Konica Minolta, Village Roadshow and a group of passionate supporters. 💖Donate now https://ow.ly/sXBa50UiJ3H *Or until our matching funds run out, so please hurry to ensure your donation is matched! #christmasappeal #bcnagivingtuesday #breastcancerawareness #GivingTuesday #SupportAussies #DonateNow #MakeADifference #DoubleYourImpact

Did you know that our trained Consumer Representatives (CRs) play a key role in shaping BCNA’s policy submissions? Recently, BCNA CR, Pat Hancock supported BCNA submission to the draft National Cancer Data Framework by responding to questions relating to the strategic objectives and implementation plan, reviewing the submission and more. BCNA is working on another submission with our CRs for the draft National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control. The vision of this framework is for genomics to be integrated into clinical practice as the standard of care, ensuring cultural safety and accessibility across the cancer care continuum, improving equity in cancer care and outcomes for all Australians. Could your work benefit from the involvement of one of our trained CRs? Submit an EOI via the link https://ow.ly/JhKo50UiKRk #ConsumerAdvocacy #GenomicsInCancer #HealthEquity #PatientEngagement #HealthCareInnovation #AustralianHealth #CancerPolicy #CulturalSafety #Seatatthetable #consumerrepresentatives

It’s official – Giving Tuesday starts 3 December! For a limited time only, you’ll have the chance to double your impact and support all Australians affected by breast cancer. A heartfelt thank you to Village Roadshow and Konica Minolta Australia who will match every dollar you give – but only until our matching funds run out. Help us raise $58k in support of the 58 Australians who are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Set a reminder for next Tuesday 3 December or get in quick and donate now to double your impact. Donate now https://ow.ly/jKY150Uhcw1 #christmasappeal #bcnagivingtuesday #breastcancerawareness #GivingTuesday #DoubleYourImpact #SupportBreastCancer #BreastCancerSupport

The most common genetic mutations linked to breast cancer are in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other genetic mutations are in the ATM, BARD1, CDH1, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51 and TP53 genes. Information about inherited risk factors can help people make informed decisions about their future and that of their family. For some, this information has supported their decision to have risk reducing surgery such as prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction. If a close family member has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be eligible for publicly funded genetic testing. Read more about genetic risks of breast cancer and the things you can do now at https://lnkd.in/grh4CGrG #inheritedhighrisk #prophylacticmastectomy

In June 2023, 33-year-old Madeline found out that she’s a carrier of a PALB2 mutation. Once Madeline received her genetic test results, she decided right away to get a prophylactic mastectomy. She was put on her public hospital’s surgery waitlist in December 2023. Madeline has been waiting almost an entire year now, and there is no telling when she will have her surgery. Currently, risk reducing surgeries aren’t consistently classified as semi-urgent elective surgeries in public health services. “I’d take a preventive mastectomy every time over a 60% risk of breast cancer. I’m ready to take control of my future—when will the system be ready to let me? Read BCNA’s joint position statement with Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Inc. and Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons calling on governments to prioritise and consistently classify prophylactic mastectomies for individuals at inherited high risk of breast cancer at https://ow.ly/rbfT50Ugrow #inheritedhighrisk #prophylacticmastectomy

BCNA is proud to have collaborated with an international group of experts to understand inequalities in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) care globally. Together we have developed a series of policy briefs that examine how MBC care can be more equitable, offering opportunities and actionable policy recommendations to improve MBC care at a system level. The first brief, “Achieving Equity in Metastatic Breast Cancer Care: An Overview,” identifies three critical areas for action: 1. Addressing structural and systemic barriers: Evidence-based policies are essential to dismantling the barriers that prevent people with MBC from accessing the high-quality care they deserve. 2. Ensuring access along the care pathway: Tailored, patient-centered care that addresses unique needs and reduces disparities. 3. Enhancing patient experience, involvement, and empowerment: Supporting those with MBC in decision-making and prioritising their voices to reduce stigma and foster empowerment. BCNA’s involvement in this project reaffirms our commitment to being a strong voice and thought leader, advocating and driving health equity for Australians and people worldwide impacted by MBC. Three subsequent policy briefs are due to be published later this month, so keep an eye out for upcoming announcements. Read the brief and share it with your network https://ow.ly/luXj50UgsaV #bcsm #breastcancerawareness #metastaticbreastcancer #Iamcounted #BCNA

Meet Monica. After being diagnosed with early breast cancer at age 39 and enduring four years of treatment, Monica decided to prioritise her own care. Watch to find out what it took for her to live well with and beyond breast cancer. Your support is needed to help provide support, care and resources that empower people like Monika to live well, with and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. Donate today at https://ow.ly/bYCR50Ubv42 #christmasappeal #BreastCancerAwareness #SupportCancerPatients #LivingWithCancer #Empowerment #HealthAndWellness #DonateForACause #CancerCare #BreastCancerSupport

BCNA would like to thank and acknowledge Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Inc. Melanie Walker and Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Brigid Corrigan for their leadership in the Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group (AABRCG). We know change comes when consumers work with health professionals to not only identify issues for consumers but importantly find the solutions and steps we need to bring about a better system for all. Review our joint position statement on prioritising access to risk reducing surgery for people with inherited high risks of breast cancer at https://ow.ly/qh3M50UevTj #inheritedhighrisk #prophylacticmastectomy Kirsten Pilatti Vicki Durston

This is why we do what we do – the experiences of those like Linda living with the uncertainty is real. BCNA with clinicians are calling for change to prioritise access to risk reducing surgery for people with inherited high risks of breast cancer. Click the link to read about providing timely access to risk reducing surgery for your patients and share this post with your network to help us make an impact https://ow.ly/qKOI50UbuBo #inheritedhighrisk #prophylacticmastectomy #BreastCancerAwareness #HighRiskBreastCancer #BreastCancerSupport #GeneticMutations #BreastHealth #PatientAdvocacy

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is proud to have its Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten Pilatti, appointed as a member of the newly formed Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Implementation Advisory Group (IAG). The HTA was announced today by the Albanese Government and marks a significant step toward generational reform in Australia’s healthcare system. “The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a vital system that must ensure all Australians have access to the best possible treatments in a timely manner. For decades, BCNA has called for reform to the HTA process, and we feel deeply privileged to have a seat at the table. I am committed to ensuring that the consumer voice is heard and that lived experience shapes our healthcare system at every level.” - BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti You can read more information about the announcement at https://lnkd.in/gBCWwjYk #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthTechnology #HealthcareReform #AustralianHealthcare #HealthEquity #PatientAdvocacy