Annual Impact Report 2023-24

YOUR IMPACT IS MAKING A difference

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2023-24

bcna.org.au

Every day 58 Australians will be told they have breast cancer. Our role is to ensure those diagnosed today, tomorrow and the next day have a Network that understands and is there for them. That we are the voice, the connector and the one that can provide support through information. The true strength of Breast Cancer Network Australia lies in our deep understanding that every breast cancer experience is unique. Our Network recognises that someone living with metastatic disease has different needs and perspectives from those newly diagnosed, those who have completed treatment, or those who are at higher risk of breast cancer including genetic risks. This diversity of our members enriches our community and enables us to provide meaningful, personalised support at every stage. We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you — wherever you are in your breast cancer journey. When we speak, decision-makers listen. We have successfully fought to reduce the costs of cancer care, fast-track access to breakthrough treatments, and continue to transform how the healthcare system delivers care. Together, we’re reshaping the breast cancer experience in Australia. A significant milestone has been the establishment of our inaugural Consumer Advisory Group ensuring that the voices of the lived experience are harnessed and embedded across the organisation. Our Network is where people find understanding, where shared experiences become lifelines, and where new friends are found. Our trusted information empowers not just those diagnosed, but their entire support network — giving families and friends the tools to help meaningfully and confidently. Throughout this report, you’ll see the statistics of people we have reached, and you will also read about the lives we have transformed through our work. Each statistic, each quote represents a person who found strength, hope, and practical support through our Network. To everyone who has contributed to our Network — thank you. In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for genuine connection and support has never been greater. With your continued partnership, we will ensure that all Australians receive the very best care, treatment and support — no matter who they are or where they live. Dear Friends and supporters

OUR PURPOSE

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) ensures all Australians affected by a breast cancer diagnosis receive the very best care, treatment and support.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Voice: Harnessing the power of lived experience and experts to advocate for decisions and practice centred around patient care.

Connection: We enable a sense of

belonging for so many in our network. Whether through connection to others, to a group or to BCNA. Information and support: Providing trusted, accessible, and evidence-based information and support services that empower individuals affected by breast cancer to make better decisions about their care.

Kirsten Pilatti Chief Executive Officer

Kathryn Fagg AO Chair

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

You’re making all the

difference

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and our community alongside BCNA’s unwavering advocacy, access to Enhertu was expanded to include people with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. It was recomended for listing following BCNA’s call for action by the Federal Minister for Health. This significant achievement underscores BCNA’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to care and treatment for all Australians affected by breast cancer. Each year, around 1,700 people are expected to benefit from this listing — people who, without subsidy, might face costs exceeding $200,000. Now, eligible patients will pay no more than $31.60 per script or just $7.70 with a concession card. This means Australians who need this life-prolonging medication will now save approximately $12,500 every three weeks! Only with your continued support can BCNA help ensure that people like Sarah can access the breast cancer treatments they need — without the added financial burden.

Time with my family that I didn’t think I’d have. Time for hope for further medical advancements. Time to advocate for myself and others. Time to run marathons and live life to the fullest. I still have cancer, but I’m thriving. – Sarah

OUR 2023-24 IMPACT AT A GLANCE

13,558 calls and emails to the Helpline

199,890 visits to BCNA online network communities

88,955 BCNA podcast listeners

Seven

529,987

15,893 My Care Kits distributed

PBS submissions made in support of subsidised drugs, devices, and tests

website visitors accessing our information and resources

Advocacy in action With your support and the power of our Network’s voices, we drove significant changes across Australia to improve access to critical treatments and address gaps in breast cancer care.

Making metastatic breast cancer count BCNA’s round table in Canberra brought together leading experts in data, research, and government to understand why people with metastatic breast cancer were not being consistently counted on cancer registries. Within 24 hours, we had commitments to find a way forward to this decades- long problem. Within four months, the Prime Minister announced $1.5 million to set up a new national cancer data alliance that will finally make people living with metastatic disease feel visible and ensure the health system has the visibility to respond to their needs. Affordable access to critical breast cancer treatments We contributed to making innovative breast cancer treatments more affordable for those who need them the most: • Keytruda: Approved for early breast cancer for an estimated 3000 people living with triple negative breast cancer reducing their individual cost by approximately $195,000. Expanded for an estimated 490 patients living with metastatic disease saving what the government estimates is $243,000 per patient. • Enhertu: Now available for up to $30 per script for around 580 Australians with metastatic HER2+ positive breast cancer. Prior to PBS listing, this drug cost $10,000 to $15,000 every three weeks! The government predict that this will save an estimated $425,000 per person.

• Verzenio and Lynparza : Two crucial drugs to treat high-risk early breast cancer have been successfully recommended for government subsidy. Responding to local breast cancer care gaps When Queensland breast cancer patients told us they were facing unacceptable waiting times for diagnosis and treatment, we quickly generated media attention to prompt immediate response from the state government. Improving regional access to breast screening technologies By speaking up on behalf of thousands of women in regional communities who could not easily access public breast screening services: • The Victorian Government invested $4.5 million in the state-of- the-art Peta Murphy Breast Imaging Suite at Frankston Hospital. • The Tasmanian Government committed $15 million to make sure women did not have to travel interstate or attend hospitals to have a mammogram. Harnessing consumer voices Over 2,500 members and 168 healthcare professionals responded to our call for help to improve our services and resources and better tailor them to reflect the different needs, preferences, and experiences across our Network.

As someone living with metastatic breast cancer, I am incredibly excited that it is now possible to recognise those living with the disease. Until now we have been hidden in plain sight and vastly underestimated in numbers. - Lisa, BCNA Consumer Representative

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

BCNA Helpline The BCNA Helpline has been busy, with over 13,000 people affected by breast cancer. We’ve seen an increase in younger women seeking guidance, along with a significant number of inquiries related to emotional support needs and financial distress. This highlights the ongoing need for accessible support services and reinforces the important role the team plays in connecting people to the help they need. The My Care Kit, a partnership with Berlei, continues to be one of the first entry points for those newly diagnosed. Our team then help those diagnosed navigate to other resources and support that is right for them, including our trusted and up to date information in My Journey. BCNA’s free and confidential Helpline offers information, support, and referrals for anyone affected by breast cancer. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, are a carer, family member, friend, or health professional, our team is here to listen and assist. A call to our Helpline can be a simple chat or a chance to get answers to important questions. We provide trusted information, connect you with the BCNA community, and help you find the right support when you need it most.

I had no idea that this service provides so much information, thank you. - BCNA Helpline caller

Thank you for providing the space for me to be able to talk about having breast cancer, as I now realise how much I am holding. - BCNA Helpline caller

Thank you for pointing me in the

direction I need to go. - BCNA Helpline caller

Thank you for letting me know that there is support out there for me, I do not feel so alone. - BCNA Helpline caller

The power of our Community

FOR OVER TWO DECADES, BCNA HAS LED THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED SEAT AT THE TABLE PROGRAM.

The Seat at the Table Program (SATT) empowers people with lived experience of breast cancer to become Consumer Representatives, collaborating with researchers, health service providers, and policymakers nationwide. This ensures the diverse needs and preferences of patients and their loved ones is central to all decision-making processes. Our group of trained volunteer Consumer Representatives represent the broader breast cancer experience and bring a vast range of professional and personal experiences. Consumer Representatives ensure that cancer policy, research and services lead to a better experience for others. Learn more about what drives their passion by hearing directly from some of our Consumer Representatives.

After experiencing triple-negative breast cancer, I felt compelled to support others and drive change. BCNA’s Consumer Representative program gave me that chance. Recently, I contributed to research on new nanoparticle-based immunotherapy for breast cancer, reinforcing how my lived experience adds a valuable consumer perspective. - Linda, Consumer Representative

Being a BCNA Consumer Representative is a privilege. The excellent training gave me confidence to contribute to multiple research projects. I’ve been impressed by researchers’ respect for BCNA CRs and their responsiveness to our insights. Though I share their frustration with funding delays, I’m excited to see this research translate into practice. - Deborah, Consumer Representative

AT A GLANCE

Breast cancer accounts for 14.1% of all cancer deaths in Australian women and is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in Australian women after lung cancer.

The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer over a lifetime is

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

VOLUNTEER LYNNE SHARES WHY SHE HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH BCNA FOR OVER 20 YEARS

It is a privilege to volunteer at BCNA. Life is enhanced by supportive

relationships and my experiences at the many and varied Pink Lady

events have been wonderful. Working with a range of people; those affected by breast cancer, supporters, sponsors, medical practitioners, sports people, golfers, footballers, runners, bowlers, staff and other volunteers has led to friendships based on a shared vision and purpose. Thank you BCNA for welcoming me into your organisation. - Lynne, BCNA Volunteer

WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU – HEAR ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE YOU’RE HELPING TO MAKE

BCNA have been a huge support to me when going though breast cancer. Please keep up this vital work.

Thank you for supporting me and my sister through our breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and post treatment. I am grateful to you all.

BCNA empowered me to believe in myself and have a voice. They are an invaluable service.

BCNA was a great resource

when going through treatment. I always suggest to others that they reach out to BCNA for support.

I really enjoy the webinars. They provide so much valuable information and I find hearing from others with a breast cancer diagnosis inspiring.

Thank you for all the dedication & hard work you do & for advocating for those who have or have had breast cancer .

199,890 visits to the Online Network

people reached through our Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign promoting optimal care pathways 315,000

7,506 new My Journey registrations

260+ peer-to-peer online discussions

Partnership and Event Milestones

Celebrating 20 years

We celebrated our 20th Pink Bun campaign with Bakers Delight, raising a record- breaking $2.32 million.

BCNA and Berlei launched a redesigned My Care Kit recovery bra, a free resource often serving as the first point of contact for those diagnosed.

Reaching its 200,000th delivery in March, we distributed 15,000 kits in 2024, meaning we reached nearly 75% of those diagnosed. The updated bra, designed around patient feedback, features softer bamboo fabric, minimal seams, flexible closures, and inclusive sizing for maximum comfort. This beautiful bra is so comfortable—more comfortable than any bra I’ve worn. I’m very grateful, thanks for this bra. – Anonymous

of partnership with Bakers Delight FOUNDING PARTNER

24 YEARS

Since 2005, Sussan has raised over $3 million for

BCNA, funding vital resources, advocacy, and awareness initiatives, including State of the Nation, My Journey, and BCNA’s podcast series.

20 YEARS

of partnership with Berlei

of partnership with Sussan MAJOR PARTNER

19 YEARS

AFL Pink Lady Match A standout on the AFL calendar, the Pink Lady Match, played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in June 2024 with Melbourne Football Club (MFC) supporting BCNA and the 20,000 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The match marked 20 years of partnership with MFC and BCNA partner Red Energy clocked up 9 years of supporting the Pink Lady Match as a Major event partner. In a first, Zurich Financial Services Australia donated its warm-up tee logo space to BCNA, featuring names of those affected by breast cancer. For MFC and Max Gawn fan Kansas Martens, the 2021 Pink Lady Match was life-changing — seeing the game prompted her

Red Energy’s BCNA Saver Plan passed its $1 million milestone in 2024, and it will hit a huge $2 million contributed

to BCNA in 2025.

of partnership with Red Energy MAJOR PARTNER

9 YEARS

to get a lump checked, resulting in a breast cancer diagnosis at age 24.

Carman’s Fun Run in February – with event managers Sole Motive – saw over 6,000 participants lace up, nearly twice the participants of the previous year.

If it weren’t for that match, I wouldn’t have gotten my lump checked until much later, when it potentially would have been too late. Now, Kansas champions the power of sport to drive awareness and life- saving conversations.

9 YEARS

20 YEARS

of partnership with Carman’s

of partnership with MFC

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

Our Focus areas for 2025

In 2025, we will work with our consumers, sector partners, governments and researchers to: Reduce the financial costs of breast cancer treatment and support. Financial barriers should never stand in the way of access to life-saving treatment and care. Simplifying access to financial support options and new breast cancer therapies will ensure people can focus on their health and loved ones, as well as better transparency about private health care system costs. Prioritise risk-based approaches for early detection and screening. We know that early detection significantly improves survival rates, so we will advocate for prioritised access to genetic risk assessments, breast screening, and new screening technologies to ensure more Australians receive timely and accurate diagnoses. Address unmet supportive care needs for people impacted by breast cancer. Access to multi-disciplinary cancer care models, especially for people living with metastatic disease, will make sure that health services not only help manage physical side effects, but also address emotional and practical support needs that focus on quality of life. Invest in a sustainable and comprehensive cancer data ecosystem. Ensure all those living with metastatic breast cancer are counted. Work to ensure better linking and reporting of state and federal cancer data will reduce gaps in cancer care pathways, treatment access, and drive improvements in patient outcomes. Monitoring how quickly people with genetic risks of breast cancer can access life-saving preventative surgery is also needed to direct investment in equitable and targeted health system responses. Through these priorities, BCNA remains committed to removing barriers, improving access, and ensuring every Australian affected by breast cancer receives the care they need—when they need it most.

Please join us to achieve these important goals in 2025

Financial summary

BCNA remains committed to strong financial management to ensure sustainability and transparency. This year’s results reflect responsible stewardship, allowing us to invest in key programs while maintaining stability.

REVENUES FROM CONTINUING ACTIVITIES

26 %

Corporate Partnerships

including Bakers Delight Pink Bun Campaign

41 %

4 %

Donations and Fundraising

Interest and Dividends

29 %

Government Funding/Other Grants

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

2023

AT YEAR END JUNE 30

2024

REVENUE

12,682,323

9,746,827

EXPENSES Program Delivery Expenses Event and Fundraising Expenses

6,258,239 1,699,646 3,416,433 558,825 938,395 200,592

3,127,439 536,992 4,624,859

IT Expenses*

Cost of Merchandise Sold

378,568

Administration and Governance

1,070,906

Amortisation and Depreciation expense

226,656 28,048

Finance expenses

25,372

GAIN/LOSS FOR THE PERIOD

(415,178)

(246,641)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Revaluation on available for sale financial assets

262,190

166,031

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE GAIN/LOSS FOR THE YEAR (80,610) *BCNA is investing in a three year digital transformation program. These costs are included in IT Expenses. (152,988)

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

We’d like to thank all our generous supporters, we couldn’t do it without you

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements

Thank you to all the organisations and individuals who supported BCNA’s work throughout the year. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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Thank you to all the organisations and individuals who supported BCNA’s work throughout the year. Foundation Partner Thank you to all the organisations and individuals who supported BCNA’s work throughout the year. Foundation Partner Thank you to all the organisations and individuals who supported BCNA’s work throughout the year. Foundation Partner

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Acknowledgements

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Nine Network One Small Step Collect SEN Seven Network Star Packaging Solutio Product Partner Boob Armour Fella Hamilton Goodman Wine Gray-Nicolls (Gilbert Ne Just Hockey Momentum Foods My Breast Friend Ref Warehouse Ritchies Supermarkets Russell Corporation (Sh Showcase Jewellers Vevoke Yabby Lake Zena Major Donors Thank you to our supp more than $5,000 to B Gaudry Foundation Gillespie Foundation P Belinda, Lauren and N Manildra Foundation Maureen Stevenson Thomas Cook Boot & C Gaudry Fo Gillespie F Belinda, L Manildra F Maureen S Thomas C Ros Thom Anonymo Ros Thompson Anonymous x 4

Foundation Partner Thank you to all the organisations and individuals who supported BCNA’s work throughout the year. Foundation Partner

Nine Network One Small Step Collective SEN Seven Network Star Packaging Solutions Product Partnerships Boob Armour Fella Hamilton Goodman Wine Gray-Nicolls (Gilbert Netball) Just Hockey Momentum Foods My Breast Friend Ref Warehouse Ritchies Supermarkets Russell Corporation (Sherrin) Showcase Jewellers Vevoke Yabby Lake Zena Major Donors

Major Partners Major Partners

Major Partners

Partners

Major Partners

Advanced Traders (99 Bikes) Alliance Airlines Carman’s Fine Foods Collins Foods Limited Estée Lauder Companies HWL Ebsworth John Cotton connect decision-making and lived experience and our incredible office and event volunteers who help make it all happen. Konica Minolta Manildra Group Melbourne Football Club Middy’s Electrical Nak Hair Opal ANZ (Mini Field of Women Principal Partner) Vic Mix Supporting Partner Konica Minolta Manildra Group Melbourne Football Club Middy’s Electrical Nak Hair Opal ANZ (Mini Field of Women Principal Partner) Vic Mix Supporting Partner Advanced Traders (99 Bikes) Alliance Airlines Carman’s Fine Foods Collins Foods Limited Estée Lauder Companies HWL Ebsworth John Cotton Thank you to our wonderful advisory and reference groups for their role in helping BCNA Accurate Road Profiling Services Bolle Safety Brand Services Australia Gaudry Foundation Gillespie Foundation Pty Ltd Belinda, Lauren and Nicole Hazelhoff Advanced Traders (99 Bikes) Alliance Airlines Carman’s Fine Foods Collins Foods Limited Estée Lauder Companies HWL Ebsworth John Cotton Accurate Road Profiling Services Bolle Safety Brand Services Australia

Sarah Donnelly Partners Sarah Donnelly Thanks to our Board members, all of whom have a personal or professional experience of breast cancer, for their expertise, guidance, and governance. Advanced Traders (99 Bikes) Alliance Airlines Carman’s Fine Foods Collins Foods Limited Estée Lauder Companies HWL Ebsworth John Cotton Board of Directors Kathryn Fagg AO Chair Professor Jacinta Elston Stuart Diver Sarah Donnelly Dr Melissa Naidoo Clare Power Emma Warnecke

Consumer Advisory Group Emily Duncan Co-Chair Kym Berchtenbreiter Sue Dowe Kellie Larsen Lisa Tobin Sue Woodall Strategic Advisory Group Dr Susan Fraser Mrs Jenny Gilchrist Dr Belinda Kiely

nnelly

Konica Minolta Manildra Group Melbourne Football Club Middy’s Electrical Nak Hair Opal ANZ (Mini Field of Women Principal Partner) Vic Mix Supporting Partner

Entertainment Golden Green Hockey Victoria Melbourne Vixens Netball Victoria First Peoples Advisory Group LGBTIQ+ Lived Experience Reference Group Metastatic Lived Experience Group Rural and Remote Lived Experience Reference Group Entertainment Golden Green Hockey Victoria Melbourne Vixens Netball Victoria Seat at the Table Consumer Representatives

Konica Minolta Manildra Group Melbourne Football Club Middy’s Electrical Nak Hair Opal ANZ (Mini Field of Women Principal Partner) Vic Mix Supporting Partner

Dr Gillian Lamoury Prof. Bruce Mann Assoc. Prof. Vivienne Milch Ms Kerry Patford Assoc. Prof. Michael Penniment Prof. Kelly Phillips

Thank you to our supporters who have donated more than $5,000 to BCNA this year.

o Clare Power oo Clare Power

Manildra Foundation Maureen Stevenson Thomas Cook Boot & Clothing Company Pty Ltd Assoc. Prof. Wendy Raymond Prof. Christobel Saunders AO Assoc. Prof. Joanne Shaw Dr Magdalena Simonis AM Dr Michelle White Ros Thompson Anonymous x 4

Accurate Road Profiling Services Bolle Safety Brand Services Australia

Entertainment Golden Green Hockey Victoria Melbourne Vixens Netball Victoria

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