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 treatments and care for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Working cooperatively helps us to identify where there are gaps and avoid doubling up on our activities. This means better outcomes for women.
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Breast Cancer Network AustraliaBreast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national consumer organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. We work to ensure that Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their individual needs. We are based in Melbourne and are represented by the Pink Lady silhouette. Website: www.bcna.org.au |
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National Breast Cancer FoundationThe National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is a community-funded Australian organisation that raises money for research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Since the NBCF was established in 1994, more than $105 million has been raised. This money has been used to fund over 370 Australian-based research projects across every state and territory. The NBCF is based in Sydney and represented by the Pink Ribbon. |
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McGrath FoundationThe McGrath Foundation’s mission is to ensure that Australian families experiencing breast cancer have access to a breast care nurse no matter where they live or their financial situation. More than 100 breast care nurses have been placed in communities across Australia. The McGrath Foundation also takes on an educative role, working to raise breast awareness among young women. The McGrath Foundation was established in 2005 by Jane and Glenn McGrath and is located in Sydney. Website: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au |
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Cancer AustraliaCancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006. Cancer Australia’s role is to reduce the impact of all cancers and improve the wellbeing of those diagnosed. 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. It produces a number of information resources for health professionals and people affected by breast cancer, including the Guide for women with early breast cancer, which is included in BCNA’s My Journey Kit. Cancer Australia’s head office is in Sydney. Website: www.canceraustralia.gov.au |
Other organisations
Cancer Council Australia, 13 11 20
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 Councils also provide a range of brochures and booklets for people affected by cancer.
BreastScreen Australia, 13 20 50
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.