Consumer representatives

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Consumer Representatives work with committees and decision-making bodies to represent the experience and views of thousands of women affected by breast cancer.

Why involve a BCNA Consumer Representative?

The most powerful way to bring about change is to hear directly from the women who have experienced breast cancer. BCNA's BCNA Consumer Representatives are well-informed on the range of issues that are important to BCNA's members. They confidently engage in discussions with committee or group members, and contribute in a thoughtful manner, considering the views of all participants, and the impact on women with breast cancer.

BCNA's Consumer Representatives have successfully contributed to:

  • recent reviews by the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre of the clinical and consumer guidelines for women with early and secondary breast cancer
  • the Sentinel Node vs Axillary Clearance (SNAC) trial. Changes to the patient information recommended by BCNA's Advocate, contributed to SNAC being one of the fastest recruiting surgical trials ever in Australia
  • the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists -- Quality Use of Diagnostic Imaging (QUDI) Program Management Committee. For her contribution, BCNA's Advocate was awarded the College's 'Distinguished QUDI Service Award'.

Who do Consumer Representative represent?

BCNA maintains a register of women throughout Australia who have a range of experiences and are trained to represent the broad views of Australians affected by breast cancer. It is important to know that our Advocates are not just expressing personal opinions but are speaking for a defined, wider group of consumers.

Trained and supported

Consumer Representatives have completed BCNA's Advocate Training Program -- they have strong communication skills, knowledge of breast cancer issues and the ability to reflect the needs, viewpoints and concerns of Australians affected by breast cancer. Our Consumer Representatives are supported by a Program Coordinator, BCNA's Policy Team and will report back to BCNA on their involvement.

To request a Consumer Representative

BCNA must first approve your request and then select a suitable Consumer Representative. Once a Consumer Representative has been selected, we will contact you with a brief background about the Consumer Representative. You can then make personal contact to advise meeting schedules and other relevant information. 

  • download the 'Request a BCNA Consumer Representative form' and complete (providing as much detail as possible)
  • return the form to the contact address provided (see the form)
  • we will contact you when we have reviewed your request

Note: you should allow approximately four weeks for the recruitment and selection process.

Cost

There is no cost for this service, however we ask that the Consumer Representatives out of pocket costs are covered, including travel, parking, or accommodation costs.


Community Liaisons

Community Liaisons are trained women who are happy to share their personal experience of breast cancer. They can speak at fundraising events and other community activities.

Involving a trained BCNA Community Liaison in your event or activity helps to raise awareness of the real impact of breast cancer.

Our Community Liaisons are also able to provide a brief overview of the programs, information and support BCNA offers people affected by breast cancer.

Request a Community Liaison to speak at your event

  • download the 'Request a BCNA Community Liaison form' and complete (provide as much detail as possible)
  • return the form to the contact address provided
  • we will contact you when we have reviewed your request.

Note: you should allow approximately four weeks for processing.

More information

Downloads

 

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Our online network gives you a way to connect with individuals and groups of people in similar situations, regardless of location.

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