Early breast cancer ‘the first three years’ BCNA information forum Sydney, NSW Wednesday 9 October 2013
BCNA hosted a community forum in Sydney on Wednesday 9 October with a focus on early breast cancer – ‘the first three years'. More than 230 women, supported by partners, family and friends attended.
Women learned about the latest in breast cancer treatment and care from medical oncologist Professor John Boyages, and ways to manage the emotional and physical impact of breast cancer from Associate Professor Jane Turner. Olympian and breast cancer survivor Raelene Boyle also spoke and shared how own story.
Women enjoyed lunch, information displays from organisation and groups supporting people with breast cancer, and had an opportunity to meet with others who have been through a similar situation.
Reflections from Linda Stengl, BCNA Community Liaison
The Sydney BCNA forum ‘Living Well beyond early Breast Cancer’ was held on 9 October.
Lisa Alwell from BCNA opened the forum, and welcomed the attendees and their partners. Since BCNA began 15 years ago it continues to inform, support, represent and link women with breast cancer. This has been achieved in many ways such as the My Journey Kit, My Care Kit, latest resources, website and online networking. BCNA also has a policy team that advocates for policy change.
This year approximately 15,000 women and 125 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
The next speaker was Professor Boyages, who commenced with discussing the journey of his book Taking control, and his desire to provide the latest information for women to make informed decisions on their treatment and care. Interestingly, he stated that approximately 160,000 women in the last 27 years are living with a diagnosis of breast cancer. We learnt about being a ‘B.A.B.E.’ (That is: B = healthy body weight, A = limit alcohol, B = bone density and E = exercise) to help maximise health and prevent a recurrence.
Dr Jane Turner, a psychiatrist working in oncology for the last 20 years, discussed the emotional impact of breast cancer on the woman and her partner. She listed some of the changes after treatment, including sexual function changes, chemo brain and medication side effects. Many women struggle with adjustment disorder, anxiety and/or depression. It is important to get help. For some, tips and the beyondblue www.beyondblue.org.au website may help, others need more support, and some people may need medication. Finding a new ‘normal’ after breast cancer is life changing. Talking and being a good communicator helps, but Dr Turner really emphasised the benefits of exercise in increasing good moods and in reducing the chance of recurrence.
After a delicious and healthy packed lunch we settled back into our chairs only to be asked to get up and join in to dance to Tina Turner, led by our Zumba instructor. This certainly was a hit and a great way to exercise!
Changing pace, Lisa Allwell, followed with a practical session of meditation. And by looking around the room, this too was a hit!
At the end of the forum, BCNA Board Member and National Living Treasure, Raelene Boyle, spoke to us. She shared her cancer journey with her trademark sense of fun and frank honesty. Her experience taught her to say no to more work commitments and to understand the importance of exercise for good mental health. She left us inspired to look forward to the future and ‘take time to smell the roses’!
A big shout out to the lovely staff at BCNA. Thank you for a professionally run forum that gave us an opportunity to gain so much information, learn about resources and connect with one another. I am proud to be a BCNA Community Liaison.