Connecting people

Bringing statistics to life

The Field of Women is BCNA’s most powerful and visible message. In 1998, to launch BCNA, an inaugural Field of Women was planted on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra with 10,000 Pink Lady silhouettes that represented the women diagnosed that year and 2,500 white silhouettes to remember the women we would lose.

Since then, Mini-Field of Women tributes have been held in hundreds of locations across the country to raise awareness of breast cancer and provide support to communities.

In 2005 we brought the Field of Women to life on the biggest stage – the MCG in Melbourne.

More than 11,500 people wearing pink ponchos formed the Pink Lady silhouette in a moving and inspirational tribute.

This moment catapulted BCNA into the spotlight and united the network in a powerful and meaningful way.

The 2023 Field of Women was held on Sunday 20 August.

Creating meaningful connections

Our network is formed and strengthened by connecting people and communities affected by breast cancer. Our members benefit from connecting with others who understand what they are going through. Whether it’s through our Online Network, attending a BCNA information forum or reading the personal stories in The Beacon, these connections can make a real difference to people’s experiences and make them feel not alone.

To join, visit Online Network.

Coming together to connect, learn and share

Connecting with our network face-to-face around the country is an important way that we provide information and support and hear first-hand our member’s experiences.

This has been the case since 1998, when 300 women from across Australia gathered at Old Parliament House in Canberra for the first National Breast Cancer Conference for Women.

Over the past 25 years, BCNA’s Conferences, Summits and Information Forums have provided face-to-face support to more than 18,000 people.

To find out about upcoming events, see Information Forums.

The ripple effect

Local community organisations are often the heart of a personal support network that extends beyond the immediate family, close friends and medical treating team throughout someone’s breast cancer experience. For 25 years, local community groups have been connecting with BCNA for ways to show and extend support to those around them. Some host PLAY4BCNA Pink Sports Days or Pink Lady events. Others participate in activities like fun runs or head shaves. Every dollar raised for BCNA helps us continue to be here every day for those who need us.

You can find out more about how your community can get involved to support BCNA and those around you at Community fundraising events.