Tasmanians with a breast cancer diagnosis will have the chance to hear from expert guest speakers on a variety of topics next week.
The two free Information Forums – one in Devonport (Tuesday 30 April) and the other in Hobart (Thursday 2 May) – will be hosted by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer and advocacy organisation.
BCNA know that equity of access is a significant issue for those who live rurally and regionally in Tasmania. The Information Forums are a chance for people to engage with experts they might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear from, close to where they live.
The forums will be an opportunity for attendees to learn more about breast cancer, find out about BCNA’s information and support services, connect with each other and hear about local services from local health professionals.
These forums lead into this year’s Pink Bun Campaign in May, in partnership with Bakers Delight, with its theme of supporting all Australians with a breast cancer diagnosis.
In addition to providing information and support to those diagnosed with breast cancer, BCNA advocates for better health and support services for people affected by breast cancer.
As part of this advocacy, BCNA was in Tasmania in February this year calling for improved access to public diagnostic mammography services.
BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services Vicki Durston – who will be speaking at the Information Forums – said BCNA has been highlighting the lack of access to diagnostic imaging in the public system in the south of Tasmania for six years.
“We know there are significant issues affecting Tasmanians with breast cancer, that’s why we wrote an open letter in February voicing our concerns because breast cancer doesn’t wait,” she said.
Ms Durston encourages people affected by breast cancer to come along to the Information Forums to hear from experts including a medical oncologist, an oncology social worker, exercise physiologist and a breast care nurse.
Registrations are free and open right up until the start time via BCNA’s website:
Devonport – register here
Hobart – register here
Dates:
Devonport – Tuesday 30 April
Hobart – Thursday 2 May
Locations:
Paranaple Convention Centre, Market Square, 137 Rooke St, Devonport
RACV Hobart Hotel, 154-156 Collins St, Hobart
Time: for both events: 9.00 am for 9.30 am start – 3.00 pm
Guest speakers – Devonport:
Medical oncologist: Dr Michelle White
Oncology Social Worker: Dr Carrie Lethborg
Exercise Physiologist: Dr Katie Jane Brickwood
Lymphologist: Neil Piller (appearing via video)
Breast Care Nurses: Sandra Carter, Gill Slater and Amy Cole
BCNA member panel discussion.
Guest speakers – Hobart:
Medical oncologist: Dr Michelle White
Oncology Social Worker: Dr Carrie Lethborg
Exercise Physiologist: Jess Pearce
Lymphologist: Neil Piller (appearing via video)
Breast Care Nurses: Monica Werner, Val Smith, Sharon Carey and Stacey Regan
BCNA member panel discussion.
BCNA staff will be in Tasmania next week, if you require comments or interviews please reach out to our media team who are able to coordinate this for you.
About us:
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation. BCNA provides information and support to those diagnosed and their supporters, opportunities to connect with others going through a similar situation and work to influence a stronger healthcare system to ensure all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment, and support.
Contact details:
