Speak out

Community Liaisons in training to represent BCNA

BCNA was founded by a group of breast cancer survivors who were passionately commited to making a difference for those women who would follow. They wanted to empower women to become active participants in ther own health care and recovery. 

BCNA believes that women who have experienced breast cancer should have the opportunity to take a 'seat at the table' where decisions about breast cancer treatment, care or services are made, in order to ensure that the experiences of women are heard and included.

This is achieved through an internationally recognised program which empowers women and enables them to work with key decision makers, to improve the system for all women with breast cancer.

How you can participate

There are four ways you can get involved, each with a different level of commitment:

1. Submit a story to be included in The Beacon magazine
2. Join the Review and Survey Group
3. Become a Community Liaison
4. Represent other women with breast cancer by becoming a Consumer Representative


1. Submit a story to be included in The Beacon magazine

We are currently seeking articles and ideas of 200 - 300 words (about half a page), on 'communication' for the Winter 2012 edition of The Beacon:

This is about communicating with doctors, friends, family or even strangers. What sorts of things have people said to you that have helped you? Has anyone said anything outrageous that’s made you laugh or cry? Perhaps your doctor had a great bedside manner, or perhaps you changed doctors because you didn’t feel understood.

To submit a story for consideration, just email beacon@bcna.org.au by the end of March 2012. Please also include a high-resolution digital photo, or post your photo to us, and we will return it to you.


2. Review and Survey Group

BCNA’s Review & Survey Group allows women to help solve some of the breast cancer puzzles that researchers are trying to figure out.

 For those wanting to be involved with the group, all you need is an email address and a willingness to participate in breast cancer research. As a Review & Survey Group member you will receive emails inviting you to participate in various research projects. The choice to participate is entirely up to you. BCNA won’t know which projects you decide to get involved with and which ones you don’t.

Review & Survey Group members have been invited to get involved in a wide range of research in the past including:

  • Chemobrain
  • Lymphoedema online survey
  • Acupuncture to reduce fatigue post breast cancer treatment
  • Breast lymphoedema
  • Reviewing breast reconstruction resources
  • Impact of a parents cancer diagnosis on children
  • New models of follow up care
  • The role that GPs play in the cancer care team.

"After I'd been through my breast cancer journey I wanted to do something more, but raising two children and working part time means I don't have a lot of time. BCNA's Review & Survey Group has given me this chance and it's so easy, I decide what I want to do and I can do it in my own time." - Review & Survey Group member


3. Community Liaison

Community Liaisons speak about their own personal experience with breast cancer and represent BCNA in their local communities. Activities may include:

  • speaking at a community fundraising event
  • being the face of a local media story
  • staffing a BCNA information table
  • visiting our sponsors to let them know how much we appreciate their support
  • liaising with local health professionals. 

These activities will usually occur during the week, so spare time is useful to ensure your involvement. Community Liaisons are also required to provide feedback about their involvement to the Community Programs team.

"I find it so rewarding being a Community Liaison. Raising awareness of breast cancer in my community is important to me. I'm now connected with an amazing network of women around Australia who I met during the training -- it's inspiring meeting others who want to give back as much as they can. BCNA has also been great in providing support when I've needed help preparing for an activity."

Trained and supported by BCNA

To represent BCNA effectively, and feel confident in your role, a one day training program is offered to help you understand BCNA and how best to present your story. Ongoing support is provided by the Community Programs team to keep you up-to-date and help you prepare for various involvements.


4. Consumer Representatives

Consumer Representatives represent BCNA in a wide range of forums including national, state and territory, and local committees, working parties and conferences. They also provide critical reviews of resources being developed for women with breast cancer.

Women who are currently trained as Community Liaisons may be invited to participate in a further Training to become BCNA Consumer Representatives.

To find out more about how to request a Consumer Representative, see the Consumer Representatives page.

More information

  • The overview of involvement document (below) provides examples of the type of work for each position
  • Judy's story is an example of how much she enjoys being involved with others.

Downloads

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Our online network

If you would like to share your experiences with others, then you might like to join our online network.

The online network gives you the ability to find individuals and groups of people in similar situations, regardless of location, who you might like to connect with.

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