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Minister for Health David Davis and Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge take part in BreaCan’s 10th Anniversary celebrations

Minister for Health David Davis launched a new initiative to help women with breast cancer, as part of BreaCan’s 10th Anniversary celebrations.

Minister Davis, who was joined at the launch by Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge and Parliamentary Secretary for Health Georgie Crozier said the BreaCan Information Navigator app and website was a great new resource for women diagnosed with early breast cancer.

“Ensuring women have access to current, up-to-date and reliable information is very important,” Mr Davis said.

“And, with more and more people accessing information about their health online, we need to make sure that women have access to this information when and where they need it.

“The BreaCan Navigator is that conduit – an accessible, on-line tool to find relevant information on a range of support and other services for women with cancer.

“This tool, which was developed as part of a cancer survivorship project in partnership with the Royal Melbourne and Women’s Hospitals and Western Health, will facilitate access to a range of existing information on a range of topics.

“Importantly, the topics were chosen and prioritised by women.

“The navigator takes the uncertainty and strain out of searching the internet for quality information.”

BreaCan Manager Lee Kennedy said the navigator was a great, practical example of how to support women living with breast cancer through their cancer journey.

As part of the day’s celebrations, Minister Wooldridge accepted BreaCan’s 10th Anniversary Quilt.

“I am so pleased to be able to accept such a stunning quilt that not only looks beautiful but represents such a significant cause that means so much to so many,” Ms Wooldridge said.

BreaCan peer support volunteers, Chris Struck and Nikki Davis, women with a personal experience of cancer, have overseen the Quilt project, collecting and putting together almost 100 squares.

Women from all over Victoria, living with breast or a gynaecological cancer and supported by BreaCan contributed to the Quilt.

“This has been a true labour of love” said Chris, “the quilt powerfully shows how women feel about BreaCan and its role in their personal cancer journey.”

Nikki Davis said: “we were overwhelmed by donations, first of fabric and then of squares. Many came with heart felt stories of loss, or joyful stories of survival. The quilt has grown and grown as the squares came pouring in.”

BreaCan provides support through its unique peer support program, volunteers speak face-to-face or via phone with women who are newly diagnosed with cancer or needing support beyond treatment.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Georgie Crozier, acknowledges BreaCan’s Cancer Support Volunteers

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Georgie Crozier joined BreaCan and thousands of organisations around the nation to mark the 24^th anniversary of National Volunteer Week in Australia. This year’s campaign theme “Thanks a Million” is all about celebrating the work of volunteers across the nation.

BreaCan hosted a morning tea to recognise the valuable contribution of its peer support and program support volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for over 10 years. The BreaCan peer support volunteers share more than their time, they share their personal lived experience of breast or a gynaecological cancer. Without them the organisation would not be able to support women diagnosed with cancer to live well during and beyond their cancer treatment.

MLC for the Southern Metropolitan Region, Georgie Crozier was suitably impressed by the dedication of the volunteers, acknowledging in her speech “the tremendous contribution of all volunteers to this service. You all do such an amazing job to support women going through traumatic times with all the expertise you bring. Congratulations to you all.” Georgie then presented specially designed framed certificates to each of the 10 year volunteers. At the conclusion of the presentations, attendees mingled while reflecting on the 10 years in which BreaCan has made positive differences to the lives of Victorian women affected by cancer.

One long time peer support volunteer commented that “even after 10 years of volunteering at BreaCan I have never taken for granted what it feels like to be diagnosed with breast cancer and how it feels to help support the women I meet and talk to on the phone.”

Kellie Holland, BreaCan Volunteer Coordinator said: “It’s great to be a part of National Volunteer Week 2013. It is a moment in time where all organisations like ours celebrate the exceptional and dedicated volunteers who give up their time and skills to help our organisation provide the services and support we do to people affected by breast, uterine, ovarian, cervical and other types of gynecological cancer.”

The State’s peak body for volunteering, Volunteering Victoria’s CEO, Sue Noble, commended BreaCan’s event to recognise the work of their volunteers: “There are more than 1.5 million volunteers in Victoria and six million nationally. We simply could not have the rich community life we do without them.”

BreaCan Celebrates 10 Years of support and information

A crowd celebrate and release party poppers as Minister for Health, the Hon. Bronwyn Pike, launches BreaCan in 2003.

The 2003 Launch of BreaCan

BreaCan is today marking 10 years since the first woman touched by cancer walked through our door seeking support.

Established in 2003 by Women’s Health Victoria, the Breast Cancer Action Group and a consortium of Women’s Health Services and funded by the State Government, this fledgling service grew out of the voices of women with breast cancer advocating for support outside of the hospital environment.

“Over the past 10 years BreaCan has provided access to information and support to thousands of Victorian women learning to live their ‘new normal’ after a cancer diagnosis” says Lee Kennedy, BreaCan Manager.

BreaCan provides, amongst other services, support through its unique volunteer peer support program, women diagnosed with breast or a gynaecological cancer speak face-to-face or via phone with a woman who is also living with cancer. Mary, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, has volunteered every month for the past 10 years at BreaCan and says, “Each day at BreaCan is as rewarding as the next, I never take for granted the ability of being able to make someone’s journey through breast cancer a little bit easier, a lot less frightening. It is a gift to be able to lighten someone’s load through sharing, understanding and empowering.”

“Better screening, increased personal awareness and better treatment outcomes means more and more women will be living with cancer. This makes community based services like ours, that focus on supporting women to live well, even more important over the next ten years” comments Lee.

Help us celebrate and support us into the next decade Make a Donation today.

New Factsheet For Women Living With Gynaecological Cancer in Victoria

BreaCan and Ovarian Cancer Australia are proud to have produced the first edition of a factsheet for women living with gynaecological cancer in Victoria. It has been produced as part of a collaborative project between BreaCan and Ovarian Cancer Australia during 2012, funded by the Victorian Department of Health, that looked at information and support needs and preferences for women living with gynaecological cancer.

The content of the factsheet was developed through a consultation process with women living with a gynaecological cancer who identified services and supports that they would have found helpful at the time of their diagnosis or treatment. Many women expressed a preference for having the information in a concise format and being able to access services at a time of their choosing.

The factsheet provides an overview of a comprehensive range of community based supports available in Victoria. The electronic version has active hyperlinks to the various support organisations and services.

The factsheet can be downloaded from our publications page.

BreaCan Year in Review 2011-2012

Our annual Year in Review has been produced and it highlights the achievements and work of the service for the financial year 2011 to 2012.

This year’s publication reflects on what is the ‘fabric of BreaCan’ – the things that make the service special and unique, alongside the many achievements reached in the past financial year. Of note are the four personal stories of women who have used the service, their words describe the many elements which make up BreaCan’s fabric.

You can download the document from our publications page. If you would like to request a printed copy please contact our Resource Centre by phoning 1300 781 500 or emailing [email protected].

BreaCan is now on Facebook and Twitter

There are new ways to stay connected with BreaCan! You can like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news, upcoming events and other relevant news and information.

BreaCan and Western Health provide an introduction to gentle exercise

BreaCan in partnership with Western Health are offering women from diverse backgrounds, living in the Western suburbs and affected by breast or a gynaecological cancer an opportunity to be involved in a gentle exercise session. The session is one of the many identified activities to be piloted, that form part of the Cancer Australia funded project, which looks at increasing the access of CALD women to support and information services.

The introduction to gentle exercise is an opportunity for women to ‘taste’ what would be involved in a more detailed and ongoing program that is set to be offered later in the year. It is hoped that many of the women who attend one of the two introductory sessions will be motivated to become involved in the detailed – Steps for Fun and Fitness program.

The Hon Mary Wooldridge MP honours the invaluable contribution of the volunteers of BreaCan

In the spirit of National Volunteer Week 2011 – “Inspiring the Volunteer in You” – Victorian Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services, The Hon. Mary Wooldridge honoured the invaluable contribution of the volunteers of BreaCan, a service for women with breast and gynaecological cancers.

Commenting on the contribution of volunteers at BreaCan during National Volunteer Week the Minister said:”Volunteers contribute millions of hours across the state every year, giving to so many people and so many communities. I congratulate BreaCan for creating an environment where volunteers can thrive. Their contribution is so substantial and so greatly appreciated”.

A peer-support volunteer at BreaCan for eight years, Mary Neofitou spoke on behalf of approximately thirty other volunteers who work alongside BreaCan Information and Support Officers who offer help and comfort during a time that can be distressing and isolating for many people.

“For the volunteers it seems natural to want to share our experiences and knowledge to help others as they embark on a journey we too have travelled. Our work at BreaCan can be challenging and confronting, however, it is all made worthwhile when you hear a woman after having spoken to a volunteer say, ‘I never thought I would laugh again,” Mary said.

BreaCan provides information sessions that are both medical and wellness focused, looking at the many areas of a woman’s life that can be affected by a cancer diagnosis. Other services include a fortnightly exercise program and reflexology treatments. BreaCan also features a walk-in resource centre and information library. Information is available by phone (for the cost of a local call) and on BreaCan’s website for people who are unable to visit the centre.

BreaCan services are available to all women who have been diagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancers with no referral necessary.

Acknowledging BreaCan’s unique model of supportive care, Rita Butera, Executive Director, Women’s Health Victoria said:“BreaCan offers valuable support and information in a welcoming and safe environment. Many women have told us that this service has been extremely complementary to their medical treatment and at times crucial to their recovery. It is important that services in the cancer sector work together and spread the word about what is on offer so that women can have access to the best available care and support at times when they need it the most”, Rita Butera added.

BreaCan recieves $40,000 towards its Bridge of Support Program

BreaCan has received a grant of $40,000 from the Department of Health to contribute to the resourcing of conducting the Bridge of Support pilot program in partnership with the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH). This innovative program, is providing support to women undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Each week, BreaCan volunteers are available to talk to women undergoing chemotherapy, surgery or attending the outpatient clinic. The trained volunteers have each experienced cancer and by drawing on these experiences, they can make a remarkable difference to the health and wellbeing of women with a breast cancer.

A mid term review of the program is underway and BreaCan is currently receiving evaluation questionnaires back from women who have accessed the service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Supporting Women with Gynaecological Cancer – Free Forum 14th May

BreaCan in collaboration with the Mercy Hospital for Women are holding a free information forum on Saturday the 14th of May. The aim of this forum is to bring together women living with a gynaecological cancer. The information day will include a range of speakers talking about the services available to support women living with a gynaecological cancer.

The program will include a presentation from Assoc. Prof. Peter Grant, Gynaecological Oncologist on the latest diagnosis and treatment options for women living with a gynaecological cancer. A special feature of the day will be the opportunity for women to participate in a creative session in the afternoon.