Breast Cancer Network Australia
Case for Support 2024
Our goal: People with an inherited high risk of breast cancer can access life-saving preventative surgery
Our goal: Stronger evidence-based approaches for local and global cancer reforms
With our focus on reducing risk of breast cancer, we are leveraging our network and collaborations with others in the sector to push for the reclassification of preventative surgeries and improved access. We are leading advocacy through our partnership with the Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group, with Breast Surgeons ANZ and others to improve access for those at high risk who are seeking surgery that reduces their risk. We will continue to do this nationally. How your investment can help Better access to preventative or risk reducing surgery will result in fewer breast cancer diagnoses for those with higher genetic risk. With your support, we can focus on our collaborative partnerships and the advocacy activities that will lead to improvements in timely access to risk reducing strategies for those that need them.
As a consumer-driven organisation, we are uniquely positioned to lead sector collaboration and share learnings that improve outcomes for people impacted by breast cancer and other cancers. In the past year, we have showcased our successes in advocating for more equitable cancer care, delivering consumer-led initiatives, and creating research partnerships at major sector events including the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s (COSA) annual scientific conference, the Multi-Association Supportive Service Conference (MASSC), and the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia. Our presentations, particularly those by trained consumers, build health professional and researcher knowledge, encourage collaboration with consumers and raise our profile as a leader in consumer-led advocacy. Our presence at these events has promoted our work in co-design with consumers in the development of our member and health professional surveys, the utilisation of our Helpline and other resources that lead to more optimal cancer care. We have built strong partnerships with leading Australian universities, addressing issues like First Nations people's fear of cancer recurrence, and informing new models of cancer care. Our Metastatic Breast Cancer Roundtable and Roadmap highlights our ability to lead cross-sector collaboration in the broader cancer community. It also ensures lived experiences are represented in clinical practice, research and policy decisions. Globally, we play a key role as President of the European-based Advanced Breast Cancer Global Alliance. This allows us to share Australia's progress in MBC advocacy and learn from worldwide best practices. We also contribute to initiatives that improve the lives of those impacted by breast cancer in lower socio- economic countries, in partnership with the World Health Organisation. This cements our position as a respected international voice.
Continuing our strong presence at national and global forums enables us to actively contribute to evidence-based approaches in cancer care. Our consumers and staff also contribute to research and benefit by learning about international approaches, establishing new shared learning networks. Our broader advocacy and content priorities can then match emerging research and ideas about innovative supportive care tools and new treatments. How your investment can help Over the next 12 months, we plan to expand our conference participation with targeted presentations and submissions, and dedicated exhibition booths that raise awareness of our services and our leadership role. Upcoming national opportunities include: • International Breast Cancer Conference – Leura, NSW, in October 2024. The focus will be on promoting our services and strengthening relationships with Australian and global cancer sector leaders. • Mammographic Density Conference – Melbourne, VIC, in October 2024. Aligning with our advocacy efforts around improving access to breast screening for people at high risk of breast cancer, including breast density. • COSA Annual Scientific Meeting – Gold Coast, QLD, in November 2024. • COSA Survivorship Conference – Melbourne, VIC, in March 2025. • Cancer Nurses Society of Australia – Adelaide, SA, in June 2025. We are also seeking to attend the international conference of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) in Seattle USA in June 2025, with a focus on informed decisions in supportive cancer care.
Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited genetic conditions. Some individuals face up to an 80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Preventative breast surgery (mastectomy) can significantly reduce this risk, but access is severely limited. Our 2021 Breast Reconstruction in Australia report also highlighted the need for better access to breast reconstruction following mastectomy. This vital advocacy issue has significant potential impact as more Australians are becoming aware of their hereditary cancer risk through advanced genetic testing and counselling. In the public health system, these surgeries are not classified as urgent, leading to unacceptable wait times of a year or more. Tragically, some people with inherited genetic risks are diagnosed with breast cancer while they are waiting for their preventative surgery. Surgery delays have significant impacts on mental health and quality of life. For those seeking alternative pathways through the private health system, surgery can cost over $20,000, making it an unfeasible option for many.
Investment opportunity: $50,000
Investment opportunity: $75,000
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