Living Well, Your Way

BCNA's Pink Promise this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 1 marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and at Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) our theme is "Living Well, Your Way". With 20,458 women and 217 men expected to receive a diagnosis in 2023, raising awareness around the different support and resources available to help people live well with or beyond breast cancer is essential.

Our theme recognises that many people struggle to 'live well' following a diagnosis of breast cancer and that a quality lifestyle looks different for different people.

"Living well looks different for everyone, and it is likely that people affected by breast cancer will require different types of support at different times," said BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti. "It means seeing the whole person, rather than the disease."

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Australia's leading consumer breast cancer organisation BCNA will share information about different resources available, across topics such as psychosocial support and exercise. We will also share personal stories from members of our network about what helps them to live well.

"Living well with and beyond breast cancer includes everyone and focuses on thriving rather than just surviving," Ms Pilatti said. "Everyone deserves the right to a healthy and fulfilling life after a breast cancer diagnosis."

BCNA offer trusted information and a variety of resources – from a free Helpline, podcasts/webcasts, My Journey, Service Finder, and an Online Network to connect with others – which can all be accessed when and where they are needed via BCNA's newly refreshed website at www.bcna.org.au.

Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don't Know Until You Do Season 2: Unlimited with Dr Charlotte Tottman is available now and focuses on her clinical experience while exploring topics such as anxiety in a cancer context, managing behavioural changes, and the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. The podcast was so popular it got 3,500 listens within 24 hours of release. Listen via BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer website page, SoundCloud, Apple podcasts and Spotify.

BCNA will also be launching our BCNA Experience member and health professional survey in October, which ensures our offering continues to reflect the needs of those we serve.

We've teamed up with our foundation partner Bakers Delight and major partners Berlei, Sussan and Red Energy, to strengthen the word. Bakers Delight support BCNA all year-round by donating $1 from every Tote Bag sold. Berlei have released a new Pink Bra collection, with $10 from each bra sold in the collection donated to BCNA. Sussan have launched their latest BCNA collection for Sussan with a generous portion of proceeds going to BCNA. Red Energy continues its support through the Red BCNA Saver plan, which has so far raised over $700,000. 

BCNA is Australia's leading breast cancer consumer organisation, advocating for the very best care, treatment, and support, and ensuring their voices for change are heard.