Lived Experience Reference Groups: Help shape BCNA’s work

BCNA’s Lived Experience Reference Groups bring together people affected by breast cancer. They provide insights on the issues that matter most to their communities.

These groups help us ensure our policy, advocacy and service priorities reflect the real experiences of people across Australia, especially those whose needs are often overlooked in cancer care.

You don’t need training or qualifications. You only need to be willing to share your perspective in a group setting.

Who can join

Our Reference Groups are open to people diagnosed with breast cancer who identify as part of a priority community. These include:

• People living with metastatic breast cancer
• First Nations people
• People in rural and regional areas
• LGBTIQ+ communities

You don’t need to have previous advocacy experience. We're looking for people with a willingness to speak from your own experience and listen to others in your group.

What the groups do

Each group meets online several times a year to:

• Provide feedback on new ideas, initiatives and resources
• Share experiences and emerging issues affecting their community
• Help shape BCNA’s policy and advocacy priorities
• Advise on ways we can be more inclusive and responsive

These are not peer support groups. Their focus is on informing BCNA’s strategic direction.

What’s involved

• We hold meetings online 2–3 times per year
• Members contribute ideas, insights and lived experience
• Each group follows a Terms of Reference, which outlines shared goals and expectations
• No formal training required

Participation is voluntary and flexible. BCNA provides support and guidance along the way.

Why it matters

We know breast cancer doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. People from diverse communities often face additional barriers, from access to care and culturally safe support, to being heard in research and policy spaces.

Our Lived Experience Reference Groups ensure those voices are included from the beginning, not as an afterthought.