BCNA_Beacon_September_FY22_Final

KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY! ALL MONTH – PINK LADY EVENTS Support BCNA by holding a Pink Lady fundraising event, whether it’s a high tea or movie night. Include a Mini-Field of Women tribute (indoor

On page 6 and 7 you’ll hear from Jenny and June who both share their experiences of living with metastatic breast cancer and how they are hopeful for the future. We’ve recently launched two new digital resources, Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next? webcast and In conversation with Kala and Emily: Living with metastatic breast cancer and continue to update My Journey with helpful articles and resources to ensure you have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions about your treatment, care and beyond. 19 OCTOBER – BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AWARENESS DAY Today we raise awareness of the importance of access to information and options available about breast reconstruction for people facing mastectomy due to breast cancer. It’s also about ensuring this information is available at the right time and explores the option to stay flat. Sign up and read articles about breast reconstruction on My Journey or watch the Breast reconstruction – Options and expectations Virtual Conference or read the Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 Report . 20 OCTOBER – MALE BREAST diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia and it’s important that men have access to information and resources to ensure they are not isolated by this diagnosis. On this day, we’ll be hosting a Zoom event for men diagnosed with breast cancer. On page 10 you’ll hear more about the event, discover the information and resources available for men and meet BCNA member Harry who shares why he wants to spread awareness about men and breast cancer. CANCER AWARENESS DAY This year, 212 men will be

and outdoor kits available) as a show of support for the people in your local community affected by breast cancer. For more details, visit the BCNA website . ALL MONTH – BERLEI AND SUSSAN Through October, our wonderful major partners Berlei and Sussan are running two very special campaigns to support BCNA. Berlei’s Pink Bra Project will again donate $10 from the sale of every product in their new Pink Bra collection. Sussan will also donate $10 from their new season pink t-shirt and $20 from every pair of specially marked pink pyjamas sold to help raise awareness of BCNA and the support we provide Australians affected by breast cancer. You can find these fabulous items instore and online at Berlei.com.au and Sussan.com.au . 10 OCTOBER – MENTAL HEALTH DAY Take a moment today to check in on yourself and those around you. A breast cancer diagnosis can take a toll on your mental health, and that of your family and friends. If you or anyone you know needs support, please contact BCNA’s Helpline on 1800 500 258 or contact@bcna.org.au . 13 OCTOBER – METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY BCNA will continue to advocate and be a voice for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer today and every day. We acknowledge the hardship and distress of a metastatic diagnosis but it’s important to know that with current advances in treatment, people are living longer with a better quality of life.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Wendy Dean (third from left) surrounded by her loved ones

O ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s a time for BCNA to highlight why it’s so important that those affected by the disease receive the very best care, treatment and support. This year BCNA will aim to raise awareness of optimal breast cancer care.

This is what we call optimal care. As part of this work, BCNA will seek to raise awareness of the Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) amongst our entire network, including those diagnosed as well as health professionals providing treatment and care to those with breast cancer. The Breast Cancer OCP describes the standard of care that should be available to you and is an important tool for you to have conversations with your treating team about what optimal care looks like for you.

As an Australian with breast cancer, you deserve to receive the best care, irrespective of who you are, where you live or your stage of diagnosis. You should have access to a healthcare system that works well for you and your treating team. Your care should be patient centred, integrated, timely and multidisciplinary. It should include both specialist and supportive care during and after treatment and you should be informed of any suitable clinical trials.

Berlei post surgery bra

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September 2022 | Issue 92

Breast Cancer Network Australia

bcna.org.au

Issue 92 | September 2022

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