There are three major breast cancer organisations in Australia, including Breast Cancer Network Australia. These three 'sister' organisations have different roles and missions, and work together to achieve the best possible treatments and care for women diagnosed with breast cancer. This partnership enables us to work where there are gaps and avoid duplication of our activities, to achieve the best results for women.
A fourth organisation, Cancer Australia, also plays a major role in breast cancer work.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. We work to ensure that Australians diagnosed with breast cancer and their families receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible, no matter who they are or where they live. We are based in Melbourne and represented by the Pink Lady silhouette.
website: www.bcna.org.au
freecall: 1800 500 258
National Breast Cancer Foundation
The Sydney-based National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is a leading community-funded organisation in Australia raising money for research into the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Since the NBCF was established in 1994, more than $55million has been awarded to Australian-based researchers across every state and territory to improve the health and wellbeing of those affected by breast cancer. The NBCF is represented by the Pink Ribbon.
website: www.nbcf.org.au
phone: 1300 708 763
McGrath Foundation
The McGrath Foundation raises funds to place Breast Care Nurses in Australian health care settings, particularly in rural and regional areas. More than 50 Breast Care Nurses have been placed in communities across Australia in recent years to help co-ordinate treatment and provide support to women and their families. The McGrath Foundation also has an educative role, working to raise breast awareness amongst young women.
The Foundation was established in 2005 by Jane and Glenn McGrath and is located in Sydney.
website: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
phone: 02 8962 6100
Cancer Australia
In July 2011, National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) and Cancer Australia were amalgamated to form a single national agency to provide leadership in cancer control and improve outcomes for Australians affected by cancer. The new Cancer Australia will coordinate cancer initiatives at a national level and deliver the Australian Government’s broader cancer programs and research priorities.
Cancer Australia develops and distributes clinical guidelines for 'best practice' health care to improve the diagnosis, treatment and support of women with breast cancer. It produces a number of information resources for health professionals and people affected by breast cancer, including the Guide for women with early breast cancer, which is included in BCNA's My Journey Kit.
Cancer Australia’s head office is in Sydney.
website: www.canceraustralia.gov.au
phone: freecall 1800 624 973
Other organisations
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council Australia is the umbrella organisation which brings together Australia's state and territory Cancer Councils. They work together towards preventing and controlling cancer. People affected by cancer can contact the Cancer Councils Helplines in each state and territory for practical telephone support from trained volunteers, who have experienced cancer themselves.
website: www.cancer.org.au
phone: 13 11 20 - Cancer Helpline
BreastScreen Australia
BreastScreen Australia was established by the Federal Government in 1991 and provides free mammographic screening to asymptomatic women over the age of 40. BreastScreen is managed at the state level and therefore can operate slightly differently in each state and territory.
website: www.cancerscreening.gov.au
phone: 13 20 50
Dragons Abreast Australia
Following a Canadian research project into the benefits of upper limb exercise for women following breast surgery, Dragon Boating has become an integral part of many survivors' recreation and personal support network. Dragons Abreast Australia is a national organisation offering breast cancer survivors the chance to participate in the sport of dragon boating, providing women with exercise, fun and support. There are dragon boat clubs around Australia. See their website for a list of locations.
website: www.dragonsabreast.com.au
Familial Cancer Centres
Family cancer clinics provide counselling and information for families with a history of cancer, including breast cancer. This can include information on inheriting cancer, screening for cancer, individual risk of developing cancer and strategies to reduce this risk. They also provide genetic testing where appropriate, including for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for women with a strong family history of breast cancer. The clinics are conducted through the public hospital system and there is no charge to women for a consultation or for genetic testing.
website: www.cancer.org.au/Healthprofessionals/FamilyCancers/familycancerclinics.htm
Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group
The ANZ Breast Cancer Trials Group conducts national clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of all stages of breast cancer. Clinical trials provide an opportunity for access to new treatments or combinations of treatment under controlled conditions. A list of current and pending trials is included on their website. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, you should talk to your doctor.
website: www.anzbctg.org
Breast Cancer Institute of Australia
The Breast Cancer Institute of Australia raises funds, including through public campaigns, to support the clinical trials conducted by the Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group.
website: www.bcia.org.au
freecall: 1800 423 444
Cancer Voices
Cancer Voices Australia was established in 2007 and provides a national, independent voice for people affected by all types of cancer. It links and collaborates with state Cancer Voices in ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, SA and TAS.
website: www.cancervoicesaustralia.org.au
phone: 02 8063 4191
Australian Cancer Network
The Australian Cancer Network (ACN) aims to improve cancer management in Australia by linking professional bodies and societies with an interest in cancer. Established in 1994 by Cancer Council Australia and the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA), ACN develops and disseminates evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of cancer, which are used in Australia and internationally.
website: www.cancer.org.au/HealthProfessionals/AustCancerNetwork.htm
