Governor of Victoria the Honourable Linda Dessau will host a reception to acknowledge the network that was founded by breast cancer survivor Lyn Swinburne AM in 1998 and now has more than 130,000 members.
Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy will be among the dignitaries to join Olympic legend, breast cancer survivor and BCNA ambassador Raelene Boyle at Government House in Melbourne this evening. Also in attendance will be the BCNA board, supporters and volunteers who have been instrumental in the network’s growth.
The network continues to develop and distribute groundbreaking, quality information for women and men affected by breast cancer. BCNA has provided almost 145,000 My Journey Kits free of charge to Australians diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as almost 10,000 Hope & Hurdles kits to people living with metastatic breast cancer.
BCNA hosts information forums around the country and an innovative online network for members to connect and keep informed. Advocacy campaigns led by BCNA have also improved access to lifesaving and life extending drugs such as Herceptin and Tykerb.
This year it is estimated that 18,087 women and 148 men will be diagnosed with the disease and while the numbers are increasing, so too is the rate of survival. BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti says though there is much to be proud of, there is still a lot to do.
"The impact of breast cancer lasts long after treatment finishes. It’s so important that people know that BCNA is where they can turn to. Today 50 women will be diagnosed. Our foundations of advocacy, support and connection are as relevant today as they were 20 years ago." ---
