Letter CEO FROM THE
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CONTENTS
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Letter from the CEO
NEWS
I t’s a privilege to be welcoming you to this special edition of The Beacon – celebrating 25 years of BCNA. After 17 years with
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BCNA News
this year donning pink either on the field or on the sidelines in support of Australians affected by breast cancer as part of our Pink Sports Day campaign. Check out all our pink on page 19. One of the most joyous parts of my role is to travel the country for our Living Well with Breast Cancer Information Forums. This year we have been to Port Lincoln, Warrnambool and Darwin. We know that these events not only provide up-to-date information, they are also a place for our Network to connect and Watching friendships blossum is pure magic. In June we are looking forward to meeting more communities in Western Australia and I know the team have many more planned, so please keep an eye out for email invitations and social media posts. This month saw the launch of season 2 of BCNA’s podcast series What You Don’t Know Until You Do: Unlimited with Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman. In just its first 24 hours, the podcast was listened to by 3,500 people, filling an unmet need, particularly for those on health psychologist wait lists, those living in remote areas and those who feel their post-treatment adjustment isn’t a priority in the mental health system. Across 10 episodes Dr Tottman uses her unique speciality in cancer-related distress and lived experience to identify, discuss and offer strategies on what she calls ‘FONEBO’ – fear of negative evaluation by others – and how it leans into many other concerns including anxiety, behaviour change, pain and partner perspective. Read more on page 11. In a wonderful full-circle moment, BCNA is heading back to Canberra in August where our advocacy journey began 25 years ago. We will be holding a national roundtable to bring together key policy makers, cancer sector stakeholders and consumers to develop a set of recommendations to highlight the need for routine collection and reporting of breast cancer stage and recurrence data across all states and territories. In 1998 the inaugural Field of Women was planted on the lawns of Old Parliament House, Canberra, at the launch of BCNA. Read more on page 12. This edition truly reflects this milestone year and what better way to show who we are and what we do – together. Sadly, there is still much to be done and we want you to know that we will be here to ensure all Australians receive the very best care, treatment and support. So if you need help, we are here.
PODCAST SERIES
STORIES
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Pink Bun 2023
What You Don’t Know Until You Do - Unlimited with Dr Charlotte Tottman
BCNA myself, I still find it incredible that it all started because our founder Lyn Swinburne dared to not only question a system that was not there for people with breast cancer,
6–13 Our People and 25 Years of Impact
14–15 Timeline
but then dared to do something about it. We asked Lyn to reflect on that journey and the achievements she is most proud of. Her passion to ensure we continue to drive change is still so palpable in these pages, particularly when she talks about BCNA’s first successful political campaign to have the drug Herceptin listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). It was the first group of women who were strong enough and united enough to make it happen, she recalls. It demonstrated that BCNA was influential and powerful and could bring about real change. And in 2023 that commitment and passion to influence and bring about change is as strong as ever. In this edition we will take you on our history so far to becoming a strong voice in influencing the health care system by using the power of lived experience to inform, influence and drive change. Our voice in action has led to several key reports and issues papers, including our State of the Nation report and Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count , calling for improved treatment, support and care for Australians affected by breast cancer. Our story has also seen the building of a safe place where people can come for trusted and credible information, including podcasts, webcasts, the Online Network and My Journey. And, of course, our Helpline provides compassionate and practical support. In August this year we will be shining a spotlight on the impact of breast cancer at the Field of Women – BCNA’s most powerful and visible message. The statistics are overwhelming, but each silhouette makes its own statement about the real people who are impacted, highlighting the need to focus on the person diagnosed and their family, not the disease. On page 4 you can find out how you can stand with us at the MCG. This year’s Pink Bun campaign has been another remarkable success. Not only does it take the hundreds of franchisees to bring this campaign to life, it takes our communities generosity to make this a powerful Australian statement of good will. We cannot thank everyone involved enough. After 23 years this campaign stands out as one of the most successful and meaningful partnerships in the not-for-profit space. It’s also been great to see so many sports teams
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Workplace Giving and Tax Appeal
Getting through the first few weeks Managing stress (and mindfulness) Your new normal after breast cancer treatment Information Forums on-demand Port Lincoln Information Forum on-demand Warrnambool Information Forum on-demand Resources for people in rural areas Breast cancer information for people in rural areas Financial supports for people with breast cancer in rural and remote areas
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Pink Sports Day
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BCNA resources
Breast Cancer Network Australia Level 1, 293 Camberwell Road, Camberwell VIC 3124 1800 500 258 contact@bcna.org.au bcna.org.au Editor: Sophie Findlay Designer: Justin Dymott Contributors: Jeanie Watson, Lisa Berger, Mel Roome and Ruth Williams
Managing stress and improving wellbeing with mindfulness and meditation Prioritising me – setting healthy boundaries
Kirsten Pilatti Chief Executive Officer
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June 2023 | Issue 95
Breast Cancer Network Australia
bcna.org.au
Issue 95 | June 2023
News BCNA
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