the BEACONBreast Cancer Network Australia’s Magazine Issue 26 Summer 2004

INSIDEIssues of Concern 5Research 6My Story 8Our Representatives 10Dragons Abreast 11Resources 12Upcoming Events 14

After 25 issues of The Beacon,we have decided to freshen upits look with a new format, whichwe hope you will like.

For those readers who havegrown to look forward to thearrival of your magazine, pleasebe assured that the changes arenot too substantial and that the‘old favourite’ sections havebeen retained.

You may have guessed by thephoto below that this issue

looks at pregnancy followingbreast cancer.

For some of us, this was nevera consideration. However,especially for younger women,the ability to have any children,or to have more children, is amajor concern when they areadvised to have chemotherapy.

We are delighted to announcethat two of our BCNA StateReps, Megan James (NSW)and Deb Martin (SA), have

both given birth to healthy sonsin recent months.

Inside this issue, Megan willshare her thoughts with us onpregnancy and the miracle ofher new life with baby Griffin.

We know Megan’s experienceswill inspire others.

In years gone by, theexpectation was that womenshould never get pregnant afterexperiencing breast cancer, butrecent research hasdemonstrated that this is nolonger the position, as you willread inside.

National ConferenceFinally, you will find lots ofinformation this time about ourNational Conference, to beheld in Melbourne in August.

A tear-off registration form isincluded on the back page foryour convenience.

I urge you to join us for whatwill be an action-packed,stimulating and empoweringthree days.

We’d love to see you there!

Lyn Swinburne,Chief Executive Officer

My JourneyKit launchWe are delighted to announcedthat our My Journey Kit will belaunched at the beginning ofMay.

The My Journey Kit is acomprehensive informationguide for women newlydiagnosed with breast cancer.

The Kit was been developedover several years and bringstogether the importantmessages that hundreds ofwomen have shared with usabout their journeys withbreast cancer.

We aim to get the Kit towomen within two weeks oftheir diagnosis.

The Kit will be availablethrough a dedicated 1800number that will be announcedat the launch. Women will alsobe able to order it via a directlink on our website.

We are currently developing adistribution strategy and willbring you more information onhow you can spread the wordabout the My Journey Kit in thenext issue of The Beacon.

Welcome toour new-lookBeacon!

Megan James with her new son, Griffin,and husband, David.

Don’t

miss the

news about Australia’s

2nd National Breast

Cancer Conference

for Women and

the registration

form on

pages 15 and 16.

At numerous times in the past10 weeks, while sitting on thecouch at night with my husband,David, it suddenly dawns on methat we have a baby and thatwe are parents.

I’m sure most new parents gothrough this feeling, although Ifeel it might be a little morespecial for us.

After being diagnosed withbreast cancer in December1996, we were not sure if wewould ever be lucky enough tohave a baby.

I was 31 years of age, there wasno family history of breastcancer, and I was healthy and fitas a fiddle – I’m sure you allknow the deal.

After a lumpectomy, followedby the removal of my lymphnodes, I was told that I wasgoing to have to have a rangeof treatments includingchemotherapy.

My oncologist said I couldfreeze some eggs as the chemomight affect my fertility, but wedecided not to do that for afew reasons:

• I’d had two operations withina short period and we didn’tthink it would be good to ‘gounder’ again.

• We wanted to focus on thenow and the priority was toget me better.

• We’d throw the decision intothe lap of the gods and if itwas meant to happen itwould.

We are happy to say that, sevenyears on, we have a healthybaby boy, Griffin ThomasHutchins.

My pregnancy was textbook. Ididn’t have a day of sickness. Iwas well the whole waythrough and in the last few

weeks, when most women getfed up with it all, I seemed toenjoy it the most – the thoughtof meeting our little baby, theway he was moving in utero,the anticipation of what wewould have, what he/she wouldlook like and be like.

Seven years on and the lastthing on my mind was breastcancer. I had a pregnancy towork through. David and I weregoing to bring a life in to thisworld – what an amazing thing.

My experience with breastcancer has never left my mindcompletely, however, for manyyears now it had been in theback section and somethingthat I had not thought of daily.Now it was even less apparent.

I even stopped worrying asmuch about taking care of myarm where I had the lymphnodes removed. I had to stopthe vitamins that I had takenreligiously since breast canceras they were potentially

harmful to our baby – and theyhad always been a bit of asecurity blanket. I stoppedseeing my naturopath.

I kept on with my relaxationexercises, yoga and generalhealth regime. It was great togive myself a break – I couldclear my mind of all thingsbreast cancer related. I couldturn off that tape at the veryback of my mind that liked toplay every now and then.

During my pregnancy, I enjoyedgoing to see my doctors. Ienjoyed the ultrasounds. Ienjoyed all the positive andencouraging news every time Isaw a medical professional. Ididn’t need to get nervous thatthey were going to findsomething; I knew they werenot looking for nasties. What achange for us.

On October 21, Griffin cameinto our world. I wasn’t surehow well I would be able tobreast feed or for how long,

but there was no reason why Icouldn’t feed from one breast.

Latching him on the first timewas just amazing – this waswhat my breast was for – tofeed our child.

We had much success. My milkcame in right on time and therewas plenty for him.

I was quite worried aboutnipple damage, as I didn’t haveback up, so it was important tospend the time trying to get thefeeding right from the start.

I had wonderful support fromthe lactation consultant and themidwives at the Mater Hospitalin Sydney. Some of them wentway beyond the call of duty inhelping me.

I used a nipple shield for twoweeks which worked well, thentransitioned off and continuedto feed au natural, which wasmuch nicer for both of us.

My breast cancer happened inDecember of 1996, right beforeChristmas. Since then I havebeen diligent in having my testsand doctors’ visits beforeChristmas, so I could celebrateanother year clear.

Christmas since breast cancerhas been a different experiencefor me, one where I reflectedon the unwell and lonely peopleI came across during my journey– a yearly reminder of manythings not all worth celebrating.

This year was our son’s firstChristmas. We bought a tree,wrapped presents, sang songsand I felt Christmasy for thefirst time in a long time.

I’m pleased to say I haven’t evenrung my oncologist for areferral for my tests yet, but Iwill in good time – funny howlife changes.

Megan James, NSW

A reason to celebrate Christmas

Megan James’ little miracle, Griffin, was bornin October 2003, almost seven years after her

breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Network Australia2

We posed these mostfrequently asked questions aboutpregnancy after breast cancer toSydney oncologist, Dr Fran Boyle.

1. What is the current clinicaladvice given to women aboutfalling pregnant after theyhave had breast cancer?

There has never been (andnever will be) a randomisedtrial, where half the womenare made pregnant and halfare not after breast cancer,so all the data we have isimperfect.

The existing informationcomes from matching womenwho became pregnant withthose with similar tumourswho did not. This does notpoint to a higher risk ofrecurrence for those who didand is reassuring overall.

It’s a good idea to giveyourself some time to recover

from any treatment effects(such as fatigue) and someemotional space as well.

Tamoxifen is not contraceptiveand it is recommended that youdo not take it if you couldbecome pregnant, as it mayeffect the foetus.

2. Does one have to wait fiveyears?

There is evidence that fiveyears of tamoxifen is betterthan two at preventing arecurrence and some womenwill want to wait, but your agewill clearly be a factor here.

The risk of breast cancerrecurrence is highest at2-3 years, so we generallyrecommend waiting until youare through that period, butit does not magicallybecome safe on the dot offive years.

3. Is the advice very specific tothe individual? For example, isthe advice based on whetherthe woman’s tumour wasER+ or any other features ofher cancer?

It is specific to the individual– to do with the risk ofrecurrence, more than thehormone receptor status.

If you have ER (oestrogen-receptor) negative cancer andhormone treatment is notneeded, tamoxifen is not acomplication, but ER is onlyone of the factors thatidentifies the risk of relapse,so can’t be taken out ofcontext.

4. What percentage ofpre-menopausal womenregain fertility afterchemotherapy? What factorsare relevant in this?

Age is most important – 30%menopause at 30 years, 50%at 40 and almost all at 50.

Chemotherapy that includesanthracyclines (Adriamycin) isless likely to induce menopausethan CMF and shorterchemotherapy is better thanlonger.

Your previous history offertility is important. If youhave had several childrenwithout difficulty and are 40years old, another one is morelikely than if you have hadproblems with irregular cycles,never been pregnant andare 40.

5. Is it possible to breast-feed ababy from a breast that hasbeen irradiated?

This varies – the breast andnipple may be scarred andexpand less on that side,but there is no danger intrying.

6. Any other comments?

One of the confronting issuesfor anyone deciding to have ababy includes thinking throughthose ‘What if ’s’. What if thecancer came back and youwere to leave a small child –who would be around tosupport and care for the childin your absence or duringprotracted illness? Whatpractical, financial and

Questions and answers aboutfalling pregnant after breast cancer

Dr Fran Boyle

Plant aMini-Fieldof WomenMini-Fields of Women areconducted all over Australia inthe week of Australia’s BreastCancer Day (October 25).

Last year, we had 54 Mini-Fieldsacross Australia and we areaiming for more in 2004.

We provide Mini-Fieldco-ordinators with acomprehensive ‘how to’ kit, aswell as 100 silhouettes to plantin your chosen field.

Phone us on 1800 500 258 ifyou would like moreinformation about running aMini-Field.

BCNA gratefully acknowledges ourpartnership with Bakers Delight.

emotional platforms need tobe built for the child’s safety?

It’s my view (as a workingmother of twins, now nearly10 years old), that it takes anetwork to raise a child,whether you have cancer ornot. Making those links toother adults who providesupport is vital for your sanityand the child’s future. Goingit alone is a hard road.Neighbourhoods and peers caninfluence children’s achievementas much, or more, than parents.

So, if you are reading TheBeacon, you may be off to aflying start as a skillednetworker already!

www.bcna.org.au 3

Only a small number of breastcancer survivors becomepregnant.

In WA, we have been studyingall breast cancer survivors whobecame pregnant and foundthat only 4% of these womenconceived after a diagnosis ofbreast cancer.

This is similar to overseasfindings and we estimate thatabout 100 breast cancersurvivors become pregnant inAustralia each year.

The overall pregnancy rate inWA is 7-8% and the lowpregnancy rate in young breastcancer survivors may be due totheir treatment causinginfertility or perhaps becausethey choose not to, or are toldnot to, become pregnant.

Breast cancer survivors whobecome pregnant are thoughtto have a better prognosis thanthose who do not.

We have found that breastcancer survivors in WA whoconceive have a better five-yearsurvival rate (92%) than thosewho do not (75-85%).

The women in our study whoconceived had larger tumoursat diagnosis than other breastcancer survivors, but were lesslikely to have cancer spread totheir lymph nodes; that is, theyhad a better prognosis or whatis called the “healthy mother”effect.

Most of these women were

managed by the combination ofbreast-conserving surgery andradiotherapy; some of themalso had chemotherapy, butvery few had hormone therapy.

Most doctors recommend thatyoung breast cancer survivorswait at least two years aftertreatment before they attemptconception.

This is to avoid womenbecoming pregnant anddeveloping an early recurrenceat the same time, and to allowwomen to get over the initialtreatment.

There is no evidence to suggestthat postponing pregnancy willalter the outcome of the breastcancer or pregnancy.

In our WA study, the timing ofthe pregnancy did not affectsurvival for these breast cancersurvivors. In fact, 60% of thewomen who did becomepregnant did so within twoyears of their diagnosis.

The reason for this isn’t clear,but we think contraceptionissues may be a factor –many women are told to stoptaking the oral contraceptivepill when diagnosed with breastcancer.

More of our women hadhealthy babies than terminatedtheir pregnancies.

Most of the women who choseto terminate their pregnancyconceived when they were still

undergoing treatment.Whatever the pregnancyoutcome, it had no effect onthe women’s survival.

The decision to attemptpregnancy is ultimately thewoman’s (and her partner’s).

An informed decision can onlybe made if fertility issues arefully discussed at an early stagein the management of thebreast cancer – and this is notan easy thing to do.

With continual improvementsin breast cancer managementand, therefore, womensurviving longer, more womenmay want to keep theiroptions open, so that they canconsider pregnancy in thefuture.

Favourable prognostic featuresobviously do play a part insurvival, but chemotherapytreatments can be adapted togive women a better chance ofremaining fertile.

We, therefore, recommendthat young breast cancersurvivors be able to make aninformed decision aboutwhether they becomepregnant and should besupported in their decision.

Christobel Saunders,Professor of Surgical

Oncology, School of Surgeryand Angela Ives, Research

Associate, School ofPopulation Health

University of WA

Pregnancy after breast cancer

BeliefJayne Lilford is a talentedyoung woman from countryVictoria.

Inspired by her aunt, abreast cancer survivor, andher mother, a breast carenurse, Jayne wrote a beautifulsong, Belief, to perform at abreast cancer forum inShepparton in 2003.

Her performance provedsuch a success that sheproduced a CD single.All profits from its sale goto BCNA, and already morethan $2500 has been raised.

Our thanks go to Jayneand everyone involved,particularly DillmacEntertainment, Jayne’smum, Loretta, JudyShepherdson from BCNAand Anthony Tenance ofAT Studios.

If you would like topurchase a copy, send acheque or money orderpayable to ‘Breast CancerNetwork Australia’ to:

‘Belief ’ CDDillmac EntertainmentPO Box 791Kyabram, Vic. 3620.

Or, phone(03) 5852 1358 or e-maildillmac@theoffice.net.au

The cost is $10, plus $3.50postage and handling.

Include your name, addressand contact phone number.

Please allow up to four weeksfor delivery.

Loretta and Jayne Lilford

If you have participated in aScience & Advocacy TrainingCourse, or have representedBCNA on any committees,please note in your diaries that

March 30 is the tentative datefor a meeting about any issuesto be taken to the StateRepresentatives’ Think Tank inApril.

Contact: Anna, e-mail wbfamily@homemail.com.au, or Elspeth,e-mail humphries44@ozemail.com.au, who will confirm thedate, time and place.

Calling all members in the ACT

Breast Cancer Network Australia4

Issuesof concern ...

At BCNA, we continue to getcalls from women who have haddifficulties getting travelinsurance following a diagnosisof breast cancer.Last June’s insurance surveyshowed us the size of theproblem. Of the 750 womenwho responded, 181 said theyhad difficulty obtaininginsurance. We then rang 80 ofthose women to ask moredetailed questions and found:

• most calls concerned travelinsurance;

• 15 women had been refusedtravel insurance totally;

• some women could get travelinsurance, but only if breastcancer-related events wereexcluded;

• others could get travelinsurance that covered theirpre-existing breast cancer,but had to pay a higherpremium; and

• others who applied wererefused cover for their pre-existing breast cancer, butwere still charged a higherpremium.

Issues identified by the callsincluded:

• women were unsure whetherto apply for cover for theirpre-existing breast cancer;

• some travel insurers usedinconsistent and inadequaterisk assessment methods –some insurers use a medicalassessment group (doctorsor nurses), while othersassess all cancers togetherregardless of type, prognosis,time since diagnosis and

current health status;

• insurers were not consistentin how they granted cover,e.g. some women were bothgranted and refused cover bythe same insurer;

• some travel agents putwomen off applying for coverif the agent was aware of thebreast cancer diagnosis; and

• many women experiencedanxiety and felt they werereliving the diagnosis becauseof the approach of some ofthe insurers.

Having identified these issues,we are:

• reviewing the insurancepolicies and application formsof a range of travel insurers;

• asking insurers what type ofassessment they carry outand the factors they take intoaccount in deciding whetherto grant cover; and

• looking at developing a list oftravel insurers whose policiesand risk assessmentprocesses are the mostappropriate for breast cancersurvivors.

BCNA has also appearedbefore the ProductivityCommission’s inquiry into theDisability Discrimination Act,where we presented oursurvey results. A furthersubmission is being prepared.

In future issues of The Beacon,we will update you on theresults of our review andenquiries. In the meantime,we would like to share thesepractical hints for readersapplying for travel insurance:

• Before submitting anyapplication forms, speak to aninsurance broker and havethem phone insurers on ano-names basis. This avoidsyou receiving a letter ofrefusal or limited cover. Thisis important, as mostinsurance applications askwhether you have beenrefused cover and considerthis when deciding whetherto grant cover.

• If you do not want to use aninsurance broker, makeinquiries without revealingyour identity and beforesubmitting the applicationform. Ask if the insurer uses amedical risk assessmentgroup to review applicationsfor pre-existing conditioncover. If so, phone themedical assessment groupand ask about the likelihoodof cover being granted, givenyour medical status.

• Check the wording of theinsurance policy carefully,particularly for exclusions, assometimes the insurer willnot pay claims even if thecover has been granted. Forexample, some policies state“that the insurer will not payany claim for travel bookedor undertaken after aterminal illness has beendiagnosed (where terminalillness is defined in the policyas any medical conditionwhich is likely to result indeath)”.

Sue Timbs,BCNA NationalPolicy Manager

Travel insurance troubles

Sue Timbs

GeneticDiscriminationProjectA research project is nowunder way in Australia aboutdiscrimination based upon realor perceived genetic status.

The Genetic DiscriminationProject is being funded by agrant from the AustralianResearch Council (2002-04).

The research team is seekingto explore the nature andextent of any geneticdiscrimination in Australia,particularly through theperspective of three keystakeholder groups:

• consumers (particularlythose who are assumed orknown to have a geneticpredisposition to a specificcondition, whether on thebasis of family medicalhistory or a genetic test);

• third parties (especiallyinsurers and employers); and

• legal authorities (such as anti-discrimination boards andother bodies dealing withgenetic discriminationcomplaints).

For more information, orto register an interest inparticipating, phone1800 554 000 (FreeCall) orvisit www.gdproject.org

www.bcna.org.au 5

The KConFab Psychosocial Studyis examining the role of lifeevent stress, social support andother common psychologicalstates, such as anxiety anddepression, in the developmentof breast cancer.

The study is being led byProfessor Phyllis Butow, atthe University of Sydney.Dr Melanie Price co-ordinatesthe project from theDepartment of PsychologicalMedicine at Sydney’s RoyalNorth Shore Hospital.

The National Health andMedical Research Council ofAustralia has provided fundingfor 2001-06. On-going fundingwill be sought for 2007-10.

This research has grown from acommon belief that stress andother psychosocial factors mayaffect the risk of developingcancer, particularly breast cancer.

It is unclear from existingresearch whether psychosocialfactors, such as stress, can and

KConFab Psychosocial Study

Prof. Phyllis Butow

of receiving genetic testingresults.

As part of the study, weinterviewed 47 womenwithout breast cancer abouttheir experiences of receivingresults for hereditary breast/ovarian predisposition genesbetween one month and fiveyears ago.

We asked about:

a. the impact the results hadon them, and theirimmediate and extendedfamily relationships;

b. any advantages and/ordisadvantages of receivingresults; and

c. any changes in lifestyle madeas a consequence of the testresult.

Initial responseWomen described varyingresponses when they firstreceived the results, includingintense feelings of shock, guiltand distress, while for others itwas relief and acceptance.

The initial emotional impactwas surprisingly similar forboth a positive and a negativeresult, although the thinkingbehind the reaction wasdifferent. For example, relieffor women with a mutation-negative result was forthemselves and their children;whereas relief for women witha mutation-positive resultrelated to the removal ofuncertainty, having their ownself-image of being at riskvalidated and feeling a greatersense of control.

A proportion of women withinboth groups expressed, eveninitially, a strong sense ofacceptance, based on having

do change cancer risk; and, if so,over what sort of timeframe.

The Psychosocial Study is animportant opportunity for usto understand more about howthese factors may influence riskand provides the potential foridentifying specific risk factorsthat may be modified to reduceindividual cancer risk.

Women currently withoutcancer, but who are membersof high-risk breast cancerfamilies and are alreadyparticipating in the KathleenCuningham Consortium forResearch into Familial BreastCancer (KConFab), areparticipating in the study.

KConFab was established in1996 to co-ordinate thecollection of genetic,demographic, and clinical datain Australian and New Zealandfamilies with multiple cases ofbreast and/or ovarian cancer.

More than 1050 women havebeen recruited for the study. It ishoped to involve a further 2000.

Participation involvescompleting a questionnaireabout emotional responses,thoughts and feelings, and socialsupport. A telephone interviewis also requested, during whichwe ask about recent situationsof stress or change.

KConFab is planning tointerview participants everythree years, to make sure it isup to date with what is goingon in people’s lives.

While the outcomes of themain study questions are yearsaway (we plan to followeveryone for at least 10 years),we do have some results of asmall survey about the impact

Research

seen other family members copewith cancer. Thus, any test result (positive ornegative) resulted in a shortperiod of emotional turmoil formost, but not all, women.

Longer-termresponseMost women confirmed long-term advantages and cited nodisadvantages to knowing theirmutation status.

Those with a mutation-positiveresult were reassured that theycould take decisive steps toreduce their risk (i.e. screening/surgical options). Knowing theirmutation status was describedas empowering, and as providingan opportunity to prepareemotionally and mentally for apotential cancer diagnosis.

Indeed, some women, particularlythose who were younger,reported the mutation testingexperience had generatedimportant and positive lifechanges. Moreover, they feltfuture generations could benefitfrom this knowledge.

Most women who received amutation-negative result felt anew peace of mind and a senseof normality. As one womansaid, “I now feel part of thenormal population.” However,some women who weremutation-negative, said that theresults had not changed theirsense of being at risk andreported that they had goneahead with prophylacticmastectomy regardless. Otherwomen reported that they felt aneed for continuing carefulscreening.

Varied reactions were reportedfrom the family, and this addedanother layer of complexity.

Breast Cancer Network Australia6

Two recent Australian studieshave shown that women aremissing out on breastreconstruction followingmastectomy.

A study by the National BreastCancer Centre found that only8% of mastectomy patients hadreconstruction surgery inAustralia.

High GAP fees for privatelyinsured women and logisticaldifficulties in organising theprocedure were cited as themain reasons.

In addition, the availability ofthe procedure was limited bynegative attitudes to breastreconstruction in some publichospitals.

A second study by theUniversity of Western Australiafound that only 9.1% of womenhad reconstruction surgeryfollowing mastectomy, half therate of the US.

This study found that thosemost likely to have surgerywere younger women living inthe metropolitan area, privatelyinsured and treated at a privatehospital.

BCNA’s responseBCNA’s Chief Exective Officer,Lyn Swinburne, responded tothese reports with a letter that

was published in The Agenewspaper (20/10/03), stating.

“You report that researchshows Australian women aremissing out on reconstructionsurgery after losing a breast tocancer because of costs anddifficulties in organising theprocedure. Whilereconstruction is not foreveryone, women certainlyshould be informed that it is alegitimate option and theatretimes made available for thispurpose.

In a world where cleavages areconstantly thrust at us frombillboards and in the media, it isno wonder that some womenretreat from society until theycan be made to appear‘womanly’ again.

Breast reconstruction is not afrivolous cosmetic exercise, butmust be offered as an integralpart of a woman’s treatmentand recovery process.”

Member feedbackBCNA member, Lea Chapuis,responded to Lyn’s letter withthe following:

“I couldn’t agree more with thesentiments expressed. I wasone of the lucky ones who hada breast surgeon and plasticsurgeon who work closely

Breast reconstruction accesstogether at the StrathfieldBreast Centre in Sydney.Although I live in Canberra, mymedical family contacts said thiswas the best way to go interms of treatment.

“Two years down the track,the more I read and hear, themore I realise how lucky I wasto get constructed, not only onthe mastectomy side, but inmatching the other one as well.

“My breast surgeonencouraged me to have tissueexpanders inserted into bothbreasts at the same time as themastectomy operation, whichonly necessitated one moreoperation, four months later,with the plastic surgeon, tohave these expanders removedand replaced with siliconimplants.

“Each implant had to be adifferent size and shape foreach breast, but the overalleffect was a matching pair andit feels great to look and feel anew woman.

“I’ve yet to make up my mindabout going for the last stageof nipple reconstruction, but Ido appreciate how fortunateI have been and feel for otherwomen who haven’t been ableto access such good-qualitymedical advice and care.”

HRT afterbreastcancerFew studies have been doneto tell us whether or nothormone replacementtherapy (HRT) is safe after abreast cancer diagnosis.

A recent Scandinavian study(HABITS) on the effect ofHRT on breast cancersurvivors produced an“unacceptably high risk” ofthe cancer recurring.

The study was stopped earlyafter the results showed thatwomen who took HRT hadmore new breast cancerevents (such as a recurrence)than women who did not.

There were 365 women inthe study and after two yearsthe investigators found that26 women who took HRThad a new breast cancerevent, compared with onlyseven women who did nottake HRT.

However, a similarScandinavian study,conducted at the same timedid not find an increased riskof recurrence.

The research material thatBCNA has reviewed statesthat there is not enough datato explain the difference inthe findings.

However, combining theresults of both studies showsa significantly increased overallrisk for breast cancer with HRT.

Both studies have now beenstopped.

The results of the HABITSstudy have implications forthe management ofmenopausal symptoms afterbreast cancer. BCNA believessurvivors need full, clearinformation about the risksof HRT, so they can makeinformed decisions.

According to researchpublished in the Journal of theNational Cancer Institute,women who smoke may havea higher risk of breast cancerthan those who do not, orthose who have quitsmoking.

Peggy Reynolds and her teamat the California Department ofHealth Services studied 16,544

women between 1996 and2000.

During that time, 2005 of thesewomen were diagnosed withinvasive breast cancer.

Women who describedthemselves as current smokershad a 30% higher risk of beingamong the cancer patients.

There was a higher incidenceamong those who started

smoking before age 20, whobegan smoking at least fiveyears before their first full-termpregnancy, and who smoked themost or the longest.

Women who had once smokedbut quit did not have a higherrisk of breast cancer,Dr Reynolds’ team found.

Passive smoking did not seemto increase breast cancer risk.

Smoking and breast cancer

www.bcna.org.au 7

My Story

It is a little daunting putting pento paper (and, subsequently,fingers to the keyboard) to recallmy breast cancer journey. Thejourney has been interestingbecause it has taught me somuch about myself!

It was almost three years agowhen I noticed my left breastwas a little sore. A week later,after a range of tests, it wasdecided the lump was to beremoved for furtherexploration.

A slight complication was that Iwas due to go overseas forthree weeks, but my specialistagreed to the travelling.

I spent time in Turkey, Italy andFrance, touring with goodfriends and feeling that theoutcome of the upcomingsurgery would rate at the lessserious end of the scale.

I agreed to participate in aclinical trial in chemotherapy. Itwas important to me to dosomething that might improvetreatment for breast cancerpatients in the future.

Losing my hair was a shock; itseemed so much a part of my‘femaleness.’ Before I beganlosing my hair, I sought theskills of a wig-maker. She sawhow I wore my hair and thebasic colour, and the wig shemade amazed all I met – if Itold them!

What of my job? Over manyyears, I had accumulatedhundreds of ‘sick days’, soduring chemotherapy andradiotherapy I was on sickleave, but worked in a schoollibrary on a voluntary basisfour days a week.

This arrangement provided thestimulation I needed andmaintained the connectionwith children and educationthat had been my entireworking life. It also gave meflexible working hours thataccommodated chemotherapyand radiotherapy sessions, andmeant I could sleep-in or leaveearly if I needed.

A year after surgery, I made anappointment with the plasticsurgeon to discuss nipplereconstruction. This wascompleted in a day-surgeryprocedure.

Recovery was quick and theresult amazing.

I then had a permanent make-up artist colour the nipple toclosely match the other. Now Iwas confident that I couldremove my clothes in the

change-room at the gymwithout anyone noticing mybreasts were different.

It may seem odd that I describemy journey as a positiveexperience. Once, at anappointment with my surgeon, Idescribed my nature as stoic – acharacteristic inherited from myfather. He smiled and explained Iwas very positive and saw theglass as half full, rather than halfempty.

The people in my life havehelped me greatly during thisexperience.

My family has been a greatsource of encouragement andcare. The younger membershave coped well with me havinghad cancer because ‘you werenever miserable.’

I know I am loved and admired,and have amazed family, friendsand colleagues.

Previously, I may not have beenaware of my particular strengths.It has taken a diagnosis of cancer,the treatments and my approachto my new life, to get a betterperception of myself.

Since completing my treatment,I have spoken by phone to anumber of women. They havebeen open, asked manyquestions and have wanted adescription of my experiences. Iam now an advocate/consumerrepresentative for women withbreast cancer.

After years of difficulty withbody image (real or imagined) Inow look at myself in themirror and see nothing but themiracle.

Kerry Parker, Victoria

On my return, the lump wasremoved and I was later toldmore surgery would be needed– the cancer was more seriousthan I had imagined.

By this time, my positiveoutlook was crumbling a little,but I was fortunate to have aspecialist who realised I was apotential candidate for alatissimus dorsi flapreconstruction. An appointmentwas organised with a plasticsurgeon, who agreed.

Quite quickly I was back inhospital for the removal of thenipple area of my left breast,tissue excision, and the lymphnodes under my left arm.

The surgeon and plasticsurgeon worked together inthe same operation and thereconstruction was successfullycompleted.

Some time later, when I lookeddown on my chest, it did notlook any different. I felt I wouldbe able to cope with whateverthe future held.

After my recovery fromsurgery, I undertook six monthsof chemotherapy and six weeksof radiotherapy.

From the initial discovery ofthe lump, throughout thesurgery, tests, chemotherapyand radiotherapy, I metdedicated, skilled, considerateand empathetic people withinthe medical profession. I hadthe support of a wonderfulbreast-care nurse. Each onegave me the time I needed todiscuss treatment, answer myquestions openly and beavailable when I needed to talk.

Kerry Parker

Breast Cancer Network Australia8

We are delighted to announcethat BCNA’s WA State Rep,Carol Bishop, was awarded anOrder of Australia in the generaldivision of this year’s AustraliaDay Honours. The citation read:“For service to the community,particularly through a range ofbreast cancer supportorganisations and initiatives”.

It is pleasing that Carol’scontribution over a longtimespan has beenacknowledged in this way.

Carol is a registered nursewho trained at the PrincessMargaret Children’s Hospital(PMH) in Perth.

After marrying and raisingthree daughters, she returnedto nursing and worked in theoncology ward at PMH for fiveyears.

She was diagnosed with breastcancer around 15 years ago,and had a mastectomy and sixmonths of chemotherapy.

In 1990, she joined the CancerFoundation of WA as its BreastCancer Support ServiceCo-ordinator, providingsupport for women and theirfamilies.

She has served on several

Congratulations Carol

Carol Bishop

boards and committees,including the NationalBreast Cancer Centre’sManagement Committee,WA’s BreastScreen AdvisoryCommittee and theLymphoedema Association ofWA. She was also a foundingboard member of BreastCancer Network Australia andhas been BCNA’s StateRepresentative in WA since1997.

Some years ago, Carol lost herhusband to cancer and,although devastated by hissudden and untimely death, shecontinued with her work,particularly focusing on helpingpeople with cancer in palliativecare.

She is a worthy recipient ofsuch a fine honour and we areall proud of her and herachievements.

A BCNAwedding ...Two of BCNA’s Boardmembers, Mary Wooldridgeand Andrew Barling (above),were married at the NationalGallery of Victoria onDecember 29, 2003.

Mary and Andrew asked theirguests to donate money toBCNA in lieu of wedding gifts– a generous gesture thatexemplifies their commitmentto us. These funds will be usedfor initiatives on behalf ofwomen in rural and remoteareas who have breast cancer.

... and aBCNA babyMany of our readers will beinterested to learn that GilPaulsen, BCNA’s ProgramManager for three years,delivered a son, Mikka, onJanuary 9.

It has been a very busy year!

I was diagnosed with breastcancer just over a year ago, sothe last year has been filledwith three operations, sixsessions of chemotherapy, sixweeks of radiotherapy, a dullsickness, tears of sadness andjoy, vomiting, love, soul-searching and discovery.

In July, I went on a ‘finaltreatment holiday’ to theKimberley, WA, with mycousins (one of them lives inBroome).

It was a fantastic experience,physically and mentally. I saw abeautiful place with new eyesand my painting skills havechanged radically.

Meeting the Indigenous peopleand their painters has helped

me with my simplification andabstraction.

I had my first solo exhibition aweek before Christmas and itwas a huge success – I sold all23 paintings. This would neverhave eventuated if I had notexperienced the last year.

My cancer experience hashelped me with my confidence,simplification and hunger to geton with the job.

Tory BurkeEditor’s note: We are very gratefulto Tory, whose exhibition raised$3495 for BCNA.

Tory rediscovers the art of life

www.bcna.org.au 9

A breast cancer diagnosis isdifficult for the patient and thehealth professionals involved.While I am sure there are manygood stories about how an initialdiagnosis was communicated bya health professional, let merelate an unprofessional one.

Mary was sitting on the otherside of the GP’s table waitingfor the results of her firstroutine mammogram.

He had sent her for it as partof a general check up she hadrequested when she turned 50.

The GP opened the report,

read through it and matter offactly said, “The report says youhave breast cancer”.

Unable to take in what he hadsaid, Mary began to cryuncontrollably.

“I don’t know why you’recrying, I have other patientswith worse things wrong withthem than this,” he said.

So started Mary’s long journeywith breast cancer, one thatshould have started withempathy and understanding, butleft her shattered, unsure,confused and untrusting.

Can you relate to that story?

When I was first diagnosed Iwas treated with gentlenessand understanding by my GP,a start on my breast cancerjourney that helped me copewith what lay ahead.

My journey has continued over11 years, beginning with my firsttumour in 1992. A mastectomyand axillary clearance resultedin lymphoedema.

Meet our ConsumerRepresentatives

Pam RobertsonIn 1998, I was diagnosed withtwo tumours in the otherbreast, which meant anothermastectomy, chemotherapy andtamoxifen.

I have been an active memberof the ACT Bosom Buddiesbreast cancer support groupsince its inception.

It provides much-neededsupport for those newlydiagnosed with breast cancer.

Another role I value is that ofan advocate, both locally andnationally.

In May 2000, I was appointedBCNA’s consumerrepresentative on the NationalBreast Cancer Centre’s(NBCC) Communication SkillsTraining, National AdvisoryCommittee.

NBCC set up this committeeto “ensure that healthprofessionals providing careto those diagnosed with breastcancer have high-qualitycommunication skills”.

Pam Robertson, ACT

Our BCNA member groupsare spread far and wide.

During Bakers Delight‘sNational Conference in AliceSprings last September, BCNACEO, Lyn Swinburne, andBoard member, RaeleneBoyle, met with some of thewomen from the local BosomBuddies group.

Left to right: Liz Locke, LesleyReilly (both from Bosom BuddiesAlice Springs), Raelene Boyle,Nina Odgers (Radiographer,Alice Springs Hospital),Lyn Swinburne, Jill Burgoyne(BCNA Representative) andLiz Mowatt (Director –Emergency Department,Alice Springs Hospital).

Bosom buddies meet in Alice Springs

Among other things, thiscommittee has providedadvice and leadership forcommunication training forhealth professionals workingin cancer care.

My feelings before the firstmeeting were nervousnessand a lack of knowledge, butthis was soon overcome whenthe other committee membersmade me feel welcome andvalued.

Representation is important forus as consumers. We can make abig difference!

Breast Cancer Network Australia10

OopsLast issue we reported thatDeb Martin was steppingdown from her role asSouth Australia’s StateRepresentative.

While our other rep, SallyRussell, has stepped down,due to the pressures of anew job, Deb will becontinuing as BCNA’s SAState Rep.

Sorry for any confusion!

Dragons Abreast

The 2004 John WestTunarama Festival inPort Lincoln, South Australia,over the Australia Day longweekend featured dragonboat racing for the first time,thanks to the efforts of ChrisJettner, Maxine Barkerand Sandra Sinclair,founding members ofDragons Abreast PortLincoln and Christine Sherry,the newly crowned TunaramaAmbassador.

We were joined by our newAdelaide team, WarriorsAbreast.

We also took part in thestreet parade on a beautifulfloat built in Sandra Sinclair’sbackyard.

Warriors Abreast trainsat West Lakes on Saturdaysfrom 1pm. New paddlers aremost welcome and canphone Jan Davies on(08) 8388 4825.

ACT Dragons Abreastsupplied marshals for theAustralia Day triathlon andparticipated in the threedragon boat crews thatshowed their skills on LakeBurley Griffin while Canberransgathered for the Australia DayFireworks.

For ACT inquiries, phoneJan Skorich on(02) 6241 8061.

Dragons Abreast Victoriahas 50 paddlers/supportersregistered. Of these, 20 arenew to the sport, the other30 belong to the Bendigoteam.

They expect to enter three or

four boats in the MelbourneInternational Dragon BoatFestival on March 7.

Twenty-five members inGeelong have completed theVDBA-accredited safety drill,so the group now hasenough BCS paddlers andsupporters to train on theBarwon River.

For information about theVictorian groups, phonePru Menzies on(03) 9570 4896.

Dragons Abreast Sydneyhosted members fromVictoria, the ACT, Queensland,the Northern Territory andNSW at the Chinese NewYear races on DarlingHarbour.

Margot Case and hercommittee did a wonderful jobof making everyone feelwelcome.

Thanks to Unique Water,Bakers Delight, So Natural

and Harris Farm for theirsupport over the weekend.

A big thank you to DBNSWfor its support with the first‘Mum in a Boat’ race – allfunds raised were donatedto Dragons AbreastAustralia.

Sydney Tsunami gotbehind our cause with afull team of mums, but theywere pipped at the post byBreast Friends, a compositecrew featuring BCNA StateReps Lyn Moore(Queensland) and Pam Bell(NSW), as well as paddlersfrom Sydney DragonBlades and Sloths, and theirmums.

The Dragons AbreastChallenge was contested byfive teams, with a photo finishrequired to separate ACTfrom Sydney.

Line honours went to ACT,but it was only by a dragon’swhisker!

Carolyn New, Kay Gailey, Margot Case (NSW),Pat Pye and Margaret Tudor (ACT) in Sydney.

The Flowers on the WaterCeremony followed, with asixth boat – carrying thewomen who were unable torace and our paddlers’offspring – joining the racingboats.

For NSW inquiries, phoneMargot Case on(02) 9542 1704.

The Australian NationalTitles are in Perth over theEaster weekend.

We have about 50 womensigned up for the event fromaround Australia and lots ofsocialising will take place!

Any readers interested injoining our social functions inthe West should phone eitherYvette Libregts on(08) 9246 0739 or myself.

Michelle Hanton,National Co-ordinator,

e-mail: nationalcoordinator@dragonsabreast.com.au orwww.dragonsabreast.com.au

www.bcna.org.au 11

Resources

We need your helpA bookmark listing ‘must have’books, compiled by womenwho have experienced breastcancer, has been included withthis issue of The Beacon.

Every community library inAustralia has been sent a copyof the list with a request tostock these books on theirshelves.

We would like BCNA membersto visit their local library duringthe next month and find outwhether these books areavailable. If not, please ask yourlibrarian if they will get thesebooks in for you.

A simple enquiry at your locallibrary could result in a womanwho has been diagnosed having

ready access to resourcesthat might help with her breastcancer journey.

We would appreciate youletting us know the outcomeof your research, either bye-mailing us at beacon@bcna.org.au or writing to usat BCNA, 293 CamberwellRoad, Camberwell, Victoria3124.

Please include your nameand that of the library youcontacted. We will be doing afollow-up survey with librarieslater in the year.

We are interested to seeif personal contact helpsget these books on theshelves!

SeekingshelterBCNA welcomes the:

• Scone Breast CancerAssociation Inc. (NSW)

under its national umbrella:

This brings our total to109 member groups and6 associate member groups.

Address changeAll BCNA’s mail is nowdelivered to our office at293 Camberwell Rd,Camberwell, Victoria 3124.Please make this change toyour records.

Audio tapes can be usefulResearch by the University of Sydney has found that peoplediagnosed with cancer remembered only a quarter of theinformation told to them by their specialist.

A trial, involving 1000 patients, showed that people had a greaterunderstanding of their disease and treatment when they replayedthe consultation on an audio tape.

It also found that taping the conversations benefited doctors andimproved a patient’s psychological state.

As a result, the Sydney Cancer Centre at the Royal Prince AlfredHospital will be giving its specialists recording devices.

A Fenceliners adventureLooking for a challenging adventure? Join other breast cancersurvivors for the Fenceliners’ next exciting activity – hiking SouthAustralia’s Heysen Trail – from September 27 to October 23.

It promises to be an active, rewarding and fulfilling experience thatwill give participants a chance to raise breast cancer awareness andmake new friends.

Contact: Pam Cowan, 31 Phillipson Crescent, Calwell, ACT 2905.Phone (02) 6291 7632 or e-mail johnpamlizzie@hotmail.com

The Gawler FoundationThe Gawler Foundation, based in Melbourne, supports anintegrated medical approach to self-help, recovery and well-being,including running meditation retreats and a number of programs –non-residential and residential – for people with cancer.

Contact: phone (03) 5967 1730 or e-mail info@gawler.org

Opportunities in BrisbaneThe Wesley Hospital Kim Walters Choices Program is offering arange of activities throughout 2004 to women with breast cancer. These include:• water STRETCH and gym;

• tai chi;

• Caring For You workshops;

• meditation and relaxation sessions;

• information seminars; and

• young women’s groups.

Bookings are essential.Contact: Janine Porter-Steele on 0417 622 652 or Leonie Young on(07) 3232 7596.

Breast Cancer Network Australia12

BREAST CANCER: BeyondConvention. The world’s foremostauthorities on complementaryand alternative medicine offeradvice on healing. Edited byMary Tagliaferri, M.D., L.Ac.;Isaac Cohen, O.M.D., L.Ac.; andDebu Tripathy, M.D. Atria Books,New York, 2002. ISBN 0-7434-1011-4.

This book relates reader-friendly information aboutstudies and statistical dataregarding complementary andalternative medicines relevantto breast cancer.

The best description of it isgiven in the preface by one ofthe editors, Mary Tagliaferri:“It has become clear to us,through our researchendeavours, that there is nogood resource or guidebook tohelp women make decisionsabout the use of alternativetherapies for breast cancer.Moreover, most of the availableliterature justifies the use ofcomplementary and alternativetherapies based on the author’srecommendations orexperiences, not on scientificdata. Our intention, with thiscollaborative project, is toprovide women with the mostup-to-date scientific findings

that support the use ofalternative therapies for breastcancer ... We hope the chaptersin our book will clarify many ofthe questions that may ariseabout the risks and benefits oftreatments you encounter afterbeing diagnosed with breastcancer. This is the book Idreamed of when I wasdiagnosed with breast cancersix years ago”.

A US team, including PhDs,medical doctors and otherexperts in their fields, havecontributed chapters. There isalso a section on resources(most with websites), notes andan index.

The best way to illustrate thebreadth of the content is to listthe chapter headings:

1. A diagnosis of breast cancer:taking your first steps

2. Building bridges fromconventional to alternativemedicine

3. Choices in healing

4. Chinese medicine andbreast cancer

5. Diet and breast cancer

6. Food as medicine: the roleof soy and phytoestrogens

7. The will to live and othermysteries

8. Natural products in themanagement of breastcancer

9. Micronutrients: vitamin andmineral supplementation

10. Naturopathic medicine

11. Meditation

12. Directed prayer andconscious intention:demonstrating the powerof distant healing

13. A mind-body-spirit modelfor cancer support groups

14. The Charlotte MaxwellComplementary Clinic: ahealing place for low-income women

15. Evaluating healthinformation

This book contains a wealthof information for anyoneinterested in analysingalternative approaches, and theapparent expertise of thecontributing authors gives itcredibility.

I was fortunate to find this, andother worthwhile reads, at mylocal library. If it is not availableat your library, you should tryfor an inter-library loan.

Reviewed by Sandra Shively,San Remo Breast CancerSupport Group, Victoria

Breast Cancer: Beyond ConventionBook review

The Otis Foundation invitesapplications from women atany stage of their breastcancer journey who wishto experience the peace andrefuge of the bushland nearBendigo, Victoria.

Continual fundraisingmeans the accommodationis free.

The units are available for aweek or weekend. Return visits

Otis Foundation Retreat

are available, if space permits.

To book, phone Liz Martin,on (03) 5439 3220, e-mail

otisbookings@bigpond.comor visit www.otisfoundation.org.au

BCNAwouldlike tothank ...• Reece Pty Ltd

• Harry Secomb

• Grosvenor SettlementTrust

• The Lions Club ofDistrict 201Q2 (Qld)

• East Malvern TennisClub’s Mid-WeekLadies

• Ninety Milers

• The Lady Members ofKingswood Golf Club

• Le Reve

• The following schoolsfor their fundraising –Methodist Ladies’College Kew, PascoeVale Girls’ SecondaryCollege, School of theGood ShepherdGladstone Park,Killester College,Camberwell GirlsGrammar, RuytonGirls’ School, SacredHeart CollegeOakleigh, SomersPrimary School andCootamundra HighSchool

www.bcna.org.au 13

You’re not yet on our mailing list?Phone (03) 9805 2500 or 1800 500 258 (free call), or fax (03) 9805 2599, e-mail beacon@bcna.org.auor fill in this coupon and send it to: Breast Cancer Network Australia, 293 Camberwell Road,Camberwell, Victoria 3124.

Name: ...............................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................. State: ................................. Postcode: .........................

Phone: ( ) ............................................... E-mail: ..........................................................................................................

Have you had a diagnosis of breast cancer? ❑ Yes ❑ No

Upcoming Events

March 20: Lymphoedema Association of Victoria’s 2004 Public Seminar, Royal Women’s Hospital,Melbourne.

Contact: 1300 852 850.

March 27: Lymphoedema in the Cycle of Life – a public awareness day, Hilton Hotel, Brisbane, hostedby the Lymphoedema Association of Queensland.

Contact: (07) 3269 1498.

March 27: Information Forum for Young Women with Breast Cancer, 9am – 2pm, Royal Women’sHospital, 132 Grattan Street, Carlton. Registration is essential.

Contact: 13 11 20 (Victoria only).

April 18-25: Meditation in the desert - eight-day fully residential retreat at Hamilton Downs (150kmfrom Alice Springs), led by Ian and Ruth Gawler. Cost ex-Alice Springs is $1870.

Contact: (03) 5967 1730 or email info@gawler.org.

April 21: Sharing It Together – a session for women and their partners, BreaCan, 123 Lonsdale Street,Melbourne.

Contact: BreaCan, (03) 9664 9333 or visit www.whv.org.au.

April 24: Tasmanian Breast Cancer Network Meeting, Campbell Town Fire Station, 10am to 3pm.Contact: Joan Williams (03) 6424 5886 or Karen Forster (03) 6273 4422.

June 26: Tasmanian Breast Cancer Network Meeting, Campbell Town Fire Station, 10am to 3pm.Contact: Joan Williams (03) 6424 5886 or Karen Forster (03) 6273 4422.

July 17: Sydney Breast Cancer Trials Symposium (SBCTS) Consumer Forum, Sydney Convention andExhibition Centre. Learn about the latest developments in breast cancer clinical trials from aninternational panel of experts.

Contact: www.sbcts.org.

August 22-27: Pink Ladies Golf Classic 2004, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Resort, Gold Coast,Queensland.

Contact: Jacinta Moore (03) 9500 8954.

August 27-29: 2nd National Breast Cancer Conference for Women, Melbourne Convention Centre.Contact: BCNA, 1800 500 258 or www.bcna.org.au.

October 25: Australia’s Breast Cancer Day (ABCD).November 10-14: Leura V International Breast Cancer Conference, Sydney Convention & ExhibitionCentre.

Contact: www.bci.org.au.

There are other locally based events happening around Australia, but too many to list here.Readers can learn about these by logging onto Upcoming Events on our website –

www.bcna.org.au.

The Beacon is printed withthe generous support ofMercedes Waratah Press,Alladice Graphic Arts andK.W. Doggett Fine Paper.

the BEACONThe Beacon is the magazineof Breast Cancer NetworkAustralia.

Editor: Lyn Swinburne,free call 1800 500 258,(03) 9805 2500 orbeacon@bcna.org.au

Layout: Substitution

Your comments and items forthe next issue are welcome.Send them to293 Camberwell Road,Camberwell, Victoria 3124

A journey ofa thousandmiles startswith a singlestep.

– Chinese proverb

Breast Cancer Network Australia14

Conference

Still making a differenceOur ‘Still Making a Difference’Conference will be held overthree days at the MelbourneConvention Centre (cnr Flindersand Spencer Streets, Melbourne)from August 27 to 29.

We hope to bring together upto 1000 women from acrossAustralia to learn more aboutbreast cancer, raise issues,develop networks, inspire oneanother and have fun.

We have planned a substantialprogram of outstandingpresenters designed to appealto the wide range of womenwho read The Beacon.

We promise a friendly and funatmosphere, and hope to meetlots of women who have neverattended a BCNA event orperhaps even a conference.

Those attending the Conferencewill receive a wealth ofinformation and can help set theagenda for BCNA’s futureadvocacy work to improve thecare, treatment and services forthose affected by breast cancer.

The Conference will revisit theMaking a Difference Report,which resulted from our firstnational conference inCanberra in 1998. It will also bean opportunity to documentcurrent breast cancer issues.

We are grateful to the AustralianGovernment Department ofHealth and Ageing, andBreastCare Victoria – theConference’s major sponsors –for their financial support.

ProgramThe Conference program aimsfor a balance between largegroup forums with high-profile

speakers, small workshops andsome light relief.

We have secured twointernational guest speakers:

• Dr Susan Love, the world-renowned author of Dr SusanLove’s Breast Book; and

• Stella Kyriakides fromCyprus, the president ofEuropa Donna, a breastcancer advocacy coalitionrepresenting women withbreast cancer across 29European countries.

The Conference will alsoinclude top-notch Australianspeakers presenting a series ofissue and information-basedplenary sessions.

We will report on BCNA’sachievements and activities, andkey national organisations willreport on the progress made inthe treatment and care ofbreast cancer over the past fiveyears.

There will also be a spiritedand controversial sessioninvolving women with breastcancer and health professionals.

The workshops will featurepresentations by women fromall over Australia, showcasingprojects and ideas, big andsmall, from individuals and localgroups (thanks to all those whoresponded to our call in thelast issue of The Beacon topresent their group or activity).

Conference attendees will needto make some tough decisionsabout which workshops toattend. Workshop details will bedistributed to Conferencedelegates closer to the eventand you will be asked tonominate your preferences.

To break up this headyprogram, there will also besome light relief on offer(current ideas include bellydancing, chair aerobics, tai chi,river walks and massages).

AccommodationA range of accommodation isavailable in and around theMelbourne central businessdistrict. If you need help findingaccommodation in Melbourne,try the Victorian TourismInformation Service on 132 842or www.visitvictoria.com

Evening celebrationThe evening celebration will beon Friday, August 27. This willbe a great opportunity to relaxoutside the more structuredenvironment of the Conferenceand to meet other women. Weare hoping that everyone willchoose to attend.

Please ensure you record yourintention to attend and includeyour payment when you fill outyour registration form. Moreinformation will be available later.

Conference costWe have kept the Conferenceregistration fee to a minimum($100) to encourage as manywomen as possible to attend.

We understand that this costmay seem considerable onceflights and accommodation areadded, so if you need financialassistance to attend, weencourage you to seek supportfrom your local service clubs(e.g. Zonta, Lions Club, Rotary),the local council or otherorganisations. Not only will this

help you get to the Conference,it will promote a greaterawareness of breast cancer andthe event.

We also encourage anyonereading this who would like tosponsor another woman toattend the Conference tospecify their intention on theRegistration Form in the spaceprovided under ‘Packages andPrices’.

Scholarship fundBCNA has a limited scholarshipfund to help women whowould not otherwise be able toattend. However, applicationswill not be considered untilother funding opportunitieshave been pursued.

We are particularly keen tosupport women from remoteareas of Australia, to ensurenational representation at theConference.

As we are unlikely to be able tohelp all applicants, the length ofthe trip will be considered.

For a Conference scholarshipapplication form, visitwww.bcna.org.au or phone1800 500 258.

Billet programA group of Melbourne womenhave agreed to organise abilleting program, to provide amore personal and affordableaccommodation option.

If you would like to be billetedin Melbourne during theconference, contact either:

• Heather Beanlandrbeanland@rmit.com.au orphone (03) 9415 6279; or

• Alison Greenlandalisonmae28@yahoo.com.auor phone (03) 9439 6025.

Alison and Heather wouldalso love to hear fromMelbourne-based readerswith room to spare for aninterstate or country guest.

www.bcna.org.au 15

Conference registrationTitle: ................ First name (preferred): ................................................................... Last name: ........................................................................................

Address: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

State: ..................... Postcode: ....................... E-mail (optional but preferred): ...................................................................................................................

Telephone (business hours) .......................................................................... Mobile (optional): ...........................................................................................

The Conference is targetting those personally affected by breast cancer.Numbers are limited, so send back your registration form and payment as soon as possible.

Still making a differenceAustralia’s 2nd National Breast Cancer Conference for Women

27-29 August 2004Melbourne Convention Centre, Cnr Flinders and Spencer Streets, Melbourne

Registrations forhealth professionalsand organisationscan only be madeon-line. They willbe available from1 June, 2004, at

www.bcna.org.auPLEASE PRINT IN CAPTIALS

Payment❐ I would like to pay by cheque or money order (All cheques and money orders should be payable to ‘Breast Cancer Network Australia’)

❐ I would like to pay by credit card

Please debit my (tick one): ❐ Visa ❐ Mastercard ❐ American Express ❐ Diners ❐ Bankcard

Card Expiryno.: date:

Name of cardholder: .................................................................................... Signature: ...............................................................................................................

Send registrationand payment to:

I am interested in attending because (you can tick more than one option)

❐ I have had a diagnosis of breast cancer

❐ Family connection to breast cancer

❐ I attended the 1st National Breast Cancer Conference forWomen in 1998

❐ Other (please state): .............................................................................

Special requirementsDo you have any special needs? (e.g. dietary/wheelchair access)

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................

(Fees include morning and afternoon tea, lunch and conference pack)

❐ Three days (full conference) – 27-29 August – $100 $ ..............

❐ One day – Friday 27 August – $50 $ ..............

❐ One day – Saturday 28 August – $50 $ ..............

❐ One day – Sunday 29 August – $50 $ ..............

Registration desk will open on Friday 27 August, at 8:15am for 9am start. The conference will end on Sunday 29 August, at 3pm.

Packages and prices

❐ Evening Celebration – Friday 27 August – $25 $ ..............

❐ I would like to sponsor anotherwoman to attend – $100 $ ..............

Total amount payable (all costs are GST inclusive) $ ..............

Conference Manager, Breast Cancer Network Australia, 293 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124or fax to (03) 9805 2599

We will confirm your registration as soon as possible after receiving this form and payment. A receipt will be forwarded, together withfurther information. Upon payment of registration, this document will be recognised as a tax invoice.

(Please allow Breast Cancer Network Australia two weeks for processing).

ABN 16087 937 531

The information you have provided will only be used for the purpose of organising this conference.It will NOT be distributed to other delegates or organisations.

Would you prefer further correspondence via:❐ E-mail or ❐ Post

To minimise costs, we would prefer to communicate via e-mail, butare happy to send to your postal address if more appropriate.

Cancellations and refundsAll cancellations must be notified in writing to the ConferenceManager. For other than exceptional circumstances cancellationswill incur an administration fee of $25.

Emergency contact detailsPlease supply name and contact number/s in case of emergencywhile you are attending the conference

Name: .............................................................................................................

Telephone: .....................................................................................................

!