Fact Sheets

BCNA produces a range of fact sheets for women with breast cancer, and their families. These currently include:

Fact sheets can be downloaded below, but if you would like a hardcopy of any fact sheet call 1800 500 258 (freecall) and we will send it to you in the mail. If you would like to provide feedback about any of these fact sheets, email beacon@bcna.org.au or call 1800 500 258 (freecall).


Breast cancer pathology

We know pathology reports can be confusing, and that sometimes doctors don't discuss them with women. You may not have seen your pathology report or had a chance to ask questions about it. The comprehensive breast cancer pathology fact sheet provides information on:

  • what is included in a pathology report
  • what the terminology means
  • how you can obtain a copy of your report, even years after your treatment has finished
  • you can also download and read the Glossary of Pathology terms.

The Breast Cancer Pathology Fact Sheet was produced in partnership with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA). You can find out more about them on the RCPA website.


Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies that involve patients to help find better treatments. In breast cancer, there are clinical trials for a range of treatments (including prevention). The clinical trials fact sheet looks at why we need clinical trials, who runs them, how patients are protected and how you can get involved.


Depression and breast cancer

Breast Cancer Network Australia and beyondblue, the national depression initiative, have developed a fact sheet on depression, detailing its links with breast cancer, available treatments and how to help yourself or someone close to you.


Family history

Only 5% to 10% of breast cancer can be strongly linked to inherited factors. Most breast cancer has no association with a family link. The family history fact sheet explains when family history may be important in breast cancer risk and the options available if you have concerns about a strong family history.


Hair loss

Because it's visible to others, hair loss (alopecia) can be one of the more distressing aspects of your treatment for breast cancer. The hair loss fact sheet looks at how to prepare yourself for hair loss, and steps you can take to reduce its impact.


Lymphoedema - Reducing your risk and Travel tips for reducing your risk

As part of the treatment of breast cancer, you may have lymph nodes removed from your armpit (axilla) during breast cancer surgery. This puts the arm on that side of the body at risk of developing lymphoedema (swelling of the arm).

The lymphoedema fact sheet provides information on lymphoedema, including how to reduce your risk and how to manage symptoms.

Travel tips for reducing your risk of lymphoedema

Some people have reported that lymphoedema is exacerbated by air travel and long car, bus or train trips. The reducing your risk of lymphoedema during travel fact sheet looks at theories about why travel may lead to the development of lymphoedema and how you can reduce your risks.


Lymphoedema - Compression garment subsidies

Subsidies for lymphoedema compression garments provide people diagnosed with lymphoedema with financial assistance towards the costs of their garments. The schemes are run by states and territory governments, and cover some or all of the cost of compression garments. Unfortunately there is no subsidy program offered in Queensland or South Australia. The Lymphoedema compression garment subsidies fact sheet provides information about the schemes and how they operate.


Patient Assisted Transport Schemes (PATS)

Patient Assisted Transport Schemes provide people in rural areas of Australia with financial assistance towards the costs of travelling to specialist medical services for treatment. The PATS fact sheet provides information about the schemes and how they operate.


Tax free superannuation payments for people with a terminal illness

Accessing superannuation early is a sensitive and complex decision for you and your family. The superannuation payments fact sheet provides up-to-date and straightforward information to assist you in making the decision that's right for you and your family.


Travel insurance

These fact sheets provide information on obtaining travel insurance for women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer.

There is also a fact sheet if you want to make a complaint about your travel insurance.


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My Journey Kit

My Journey Kit is a free, comprehensive information resource for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

You can order the kit online, or by phoning 1800 500 258.

National Conference



Strength to Strength:
National Conference 2012

BCNA is delighted to be hosting a two-day national conference in Sydney for women with breast cancer on 25 and 26 October as part of the Sydney International Breast Cancer Congress. Registrations are now open.

A limited number of women and health professionals from rural areas are eligible to apply for financial support to attend the national conference. Support is available as part of the Supporting Women in Rural Areas Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Program funded by the Australian Government.

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