Working Together - Australia's "big three" breast cancer organisations
We all know there is confusion in the community about the roles of the three major national breast cancer organisations, the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC), and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Each group has a very specific, and different, focus.
- The main focus of the NBCF is to raise money to fund breast cancer research, with a particular focus on research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. The NBCF's logo, the pink ribbon, is associated with a wide range of products from food items to clothing outlets to various goods and services. The NBCF is a not for profit organisation, based in Sydney.
- The NBOCC uses the latest research findings to develop and update guidelines for doctors and nurses who specialise in breast cancer. The guidelines help these health professionals to improve all aspects of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and care. The NBOCC is funded by the Australian Government, and is also based in Sydney.
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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 also provide a number of services directly to women with breast cancer. We are represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, which depicts our focus; the women diagnosed with breast cancer. BCNA is based in Melbourne.
In March 2008, BCNA convened a collaborative meeting between the NBCF, NBOCC and BCNA to discuss ways we can best work together to support each other and, ultimately, reduce the impact of breast cancer on our community. Participants at the meeting were Ms Sue Murray (NBCF CEO); Hon Ros Kelly (NBCF Chair), Dr Helen Zorbas (NBOCC Director); Dr Megan Keaney (NBOCC Chair); Dr Patricia Edgar (BCNA Chair) and Ms Lyn Swinburne (BCNA CEO).
The meeting was very successful and reached the following agreements:
- We are all committed to maintaining our focus on breast cancer rather than spreading our efforts more generally;
- Our achievements in breast cancer should be promoted as a model to other cancer groups who will benefit from our 'trail blazing' and outcomes;
- There is strength in each organisation working on its own specific mission as part of Australia's overall initiatives against breast cancer;
- Our work and activities should be informed by each other;
BCNA already works closely with both the NBCF and the NBOCC.
Examples of our work with the NBCF include:
- The NBCF invites, and funds, one BCNA representative from each state and territory to attend its annual Research Update in Sydney;
- Two BCNA representatives sit on the NBCF's Scientific Advisory Committee;
- BCNA offers national input to the NBCF on the research priorities of women with breast cancer;
- BCNA provided "consumer" input into the development of NBCF's National Cancer Strategy.
Examples of our work with and the NBOCC include:
All CEOs and Chairs agreed that there is much to be gained by increasing our collaborative efforts and that regular future meetings of the three organisations will be to the benefit of all involved.
BCNA's Programs
BCNA provides a variety of programs to raise awareness of breast cancer and provide support to survivors and their families. These include:
My Journey Kit
The My Journey Kit is a free comprehensive information kit for Australians newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Women can telephone 1300 78 55 62, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or complete their details online and their My Journey Kit will arrive within 2-5 working days. The Kit was developed over several years following input from hundreds of breast cancer survivors around the country. It is endorsed by relevant Medical Colleges in Australia including the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Seat at the Table
This program recruits, trains and supports women who have had breast cancer by offering the opportunity to speak up, get involved, represent BCNA and support our work. There are different levels of involvement that women can participate in ranging from taking part in surveys; being involved in promoting awareness of BCNA resources at a community level, to being a contributing representative on a committee making decisions about breast cancer treatment, care or services. Through this important program we have been able to influence researchers, doctors, policy makers and others involved in breast cancer treatment, care and services.
BCNA's Seat at the Table program is internationally recognised as best practice in the are of consumer involvement in health care.
The Beacon
BCNA produces and distributes a free, quarterly national magazine, The Beacon, with a circulation of over 33,000.
The Inside Story
This free quarterly supplement to The Beaconmagazine focusses on issues for women with secondary breast cancer.
Brochures and other resources
BCNA produces a range of brochures and resources for those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. Messages of Hope and Helping a Friend or Colleague with Breast Cancer are two of our favourites.
My Care Kit
The My Care Kit - containing a Berlei bra and soft form/s (if required) - is available free of charge to women in Australia who undergo surgery for breast cancer. The bra has been specifically designed by Berlei to cover the post-surgery period of up to 12 weeks and can be worn during radiation treatment. This service is currently available to newly diagnosed women via breast care nurses and community nurses in the My Care Kit program. Once enrolled, breast care nurses are entitled to order the kits via email and to give them to their breast cancer surgery patients.
Field of Women
The Field of Women, has travelled around Australia since launching BCNA in 1998. The Field of Women displays Pink Lady silhouettes to represent the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year and white silhouettes to represent the number of women who lose their life to this disease. The silhouettes are now seen internationally, with various overseas groups presenting their own Fields of Women. In addition to the major Field, each year approximately 150 Mini-Fields of Women are presented in communities across Australia.
Field of Women Live
MCG, Melbourne - 2005
Telstra Stadium, Sydney - 2007
On the evening of 6 May 2005, 11,500 women wearing pink ponchos and 100 men wearing blue ponchos stood on the Melbourne Cricket Ground before the Adelaide v Melbourne football match. It was a spectacular sight, and extraordinary mixture of celebration and sadness. We raised the awareness of breast cancer across the country, reaching people who haven’t previously known about its impact.
This event was repeated in Sydney on August 11 2007, at Telstra Stadium. To reflect the growing number of women diagnosed with breast cancer, 13,000 Australian's stood together united by a cause that affects so many in our community.
Freecall number
Our national freecall telephone number - 1800 500 258 - enables women, regardless of where they live in Australia, to make direct contact with BCNA at no cost.
Website
This website is a great one-stop shop to learn about the wide range of activities undertaken by the organisation. It includes information about all BCNA programs, some background to the organisation and contact details. You can download BCNA's brochures and back copies of The Beacon. One of the most popular sections is the collection of personal stories of breast cancer survivors.
For more information
The website contains a great deal of information about our work. A recent BCNA annual report is also available.
Alternatively ring 1800 500 258(freecall) for your own copy.
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