Breast cancer organisations

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is one of four major breast cancer organisations in Australia. These four organisations have different roles and missions.

Wherever possible, we all work together to achieve the best outcomes for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. Working cooperatively helps us to identify where there are gaps and avoid doubling up on our activities.

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national consumer organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. We advocate for, connect support and inform Ausralians affected by breast cancer and work with our broader network to influence a stronger health care system. We are based in Melbourne and are represented by the Pink Lady silhouette.

Website: www.bcna.org.au
Phone: 1800 500 258

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that raises money for research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Since the NBCF was established in 1994, more than $200 million has been raised. This money has been used to fund over 600 world-class research projects across Australia. The NBCF is based in Sydney and is represented by the Pink Ribbon.

Website: www.nbcf.org.au
Phone: 1300 737 763

The McGrath Foundation raises money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia, including many regional and rural centres. In 2023, they have 200 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who help individuals and their families experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support, for free. The McGrath 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 was established by the Australian Government in 2006. Its role is to reduce the impact of all cancers, remove disparities in care, and improve outcomes for people with cancer. It does this by ensuring that evidence informs cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.

As the lead national cancer control agency, Cancer Australia also makes recommendations to the Australian Government about cancer policy and 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. Cancer Australia’s head office is in Sydney.

Website: www.canceraustralia.gov.au
Phone: 1800 624 973

Other organisations

Cancer Council Australia

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Cancer Council Australia is the leading independent funder of Australian cancer research in Australia. Cancer Council Australia works with the eight state and territory Cancer Councils to undertake and fund cancer research. It also works to prevent and control cancer and provide information and support for people affected by cancer.

People affected by cancer can contact the Cancer Council Helpline in each state and territory for practical telephone support from trained volunteers, who have experienced cancer themselves.

Cancer Council also provides a range of brochures and booklets for people affected by cancer.

BreastScreen Australia

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BreastScreen Australia provides free screening mammograms for women aged 40 and over, and follow up tests where necessary. Its aim is to find breast cancer early. BreastScreen Australia is targeted specifically at women aged 50–74 who have no symptoms of breast cancer. Women aged 40–49 and 75 years and older are also able to attend for free screening. BreastScreen Australia operates in over 500 locations nationwide.

It is managed at the state level, and therefore operates slightly differently in each state and territory.

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 important and fun 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 throughout Australia. See their website for a list of locations.

Familial Cancer Clinics

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 risk reduction strategies.

Family Cancer Clinics also provide genetic testing, including for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for women with a strong family history of breast cancer.

The clinics operate through the public hospital system and there is no charge for a consultation or for genetic testing for eligible families.

Breast Cancer Trials

Breast Cancer Trials (formerly Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group) conducts a clinical trials research program in Australia and New Zealand for the prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer. If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, you should discuss this with your doctor. More information about clinical trials, and how they are conducted, is available on their website.

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