For consumers

Your experience matters

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your experience matters. You can help shape better outcomes for others.

At BCNA, we believe that the voices of those affected by breast cancer are essential in improving care, support, services and policy. We partner with people from all walks of life to make sure lived experience is at the heart of everything we do.

There are a few different ways you can get involved. Whether you want to contribute to research, help improve services, or influence health policy, we have a path for you. Some opportunities involve formal training and longer-term roles. Others are flexible, low-commitment, and open to anyone who wants to help.

There’s no one right way to share your experience — it depends on your interests, your time, and how you’d like to contribute.

Below are three ways you can get involved with BCNA’s work. Some people choose just one, while others take part in more than one group over time. Whether you're interested in shaping national policy, helping design better health services, or sharing your views in a survey, there’s a place for you here.

Consumer Representatives

Best for people who want to influence decisions and be part of long-term projects

What you’ll do

• Join research teams, advisory groups or health committees
• Contribute to and shape policy and service design
• Participate in training and regular virtual sessions

 Time commitment: Moderate to high

 Learn more about Consumer Representative training

Review and Survey Group

Best for people who want to participate in research without long-term commitments

What you’ll do

• Receive invitations to participate in surveys and studies by email
• Choose what to participate in

Time commitment: Flexible

Learn more about the Review and Survey Group

Lived Experience Reference groups

People from priority groups (First Nations, LGBTIQ+, metastatic breast cancer, rural & remote) who want to shape BCNA’s direction

What you’ll do

• Share feedback in group discussions
• Help shape BCNA’s advocacy and services

Time commitment: Moderate, group meetings held online

Learn more about our Lived Experience Reference groups