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BreaCan - news and Events BreaCan is an information and support service for people affected by gynaecological cancers or breast cancer, their families and friends.
BreaCan NewsBreaCan and NEMICS reaching out to women with a gynaecological cancer In November 2007, BreaCan and the North East Metropolitan Integrated Cancer Service (NEMICS) submitted a joint funding application to Cancer Australia's Collaborative Cancer Support Networks Grant Program. The project entitled Reaching out to women with gynaecologcial cancers: Innovations in supportive care was deemed successful and received funding for a two year period. The project utilises a community development approach to improve access to information and support for women with gynaecologcial cancers in northeast metropolitan melbourne. Initiatives will evolve in response to the psychosocial needs of women as they identify them, and existing research. BreaCan will work closely with the NEMICS Gynaecology Tumour Group and service providers within the region at all stages of the project. For more information on the project please call BreaCan Manager Di Missen on 03 9921 0833.
 BreaCan Wins Award for Innovation The past month has certainly been an exciting one for us. In September BreaCan won the 2007 Victorian Public Health Care Award for Innovative Model of Care. The Award which was presented by the State Minister for Health, The Hon. Daniel Andrews, MP is such a big achievement and symbolises an important milestone for the service. It is also wonderful to receive such public recognition for all the hard work contributed by many people – so thank you to the staff, our volunteers, various organisations and of course all the women who have contributed to and used the service. BreaCan opens its doors to support women with gynaecological cancers From May 1 2007 women with gynaecological cancer will be able to access up-to-date information and support through BreaCan. In establishing a new information service for women with gynaecological cancer, BreaCan intends to fill a significant service gap by providing a safe and welcoming environment for women. In the first stage of the service expansion, women will be to access BreaCan's extensive resource library which has a range of up-to-date information about a number of different cancers and their treatment, information about practical support, emotional support and other psychosocial support services. As women participate in a range of planned activities, BreaCan hopes that they will link in with women with similar experiences in an informal way. Young Women Talking Young women with breast cancer are the focus of a new resource ‘Young Women Talking’ that was launched by BreaCan on 26 October. The resource includes a DVD and a booklet. The resource features the personal stories of four inspiring women: Joanne, Mary M, Rita, and Mary N, who were all diagnosed with breast cancer in their early 30s. The women reflect on their own experiences and provide insight into how they have learnt to live with breast cancer. The DVD and accompanying booklet is the first of its kind in Australia. You can read the media release for the launch of the DVD and booklet here. (PDF 33KB) You can read the women's stories of their breast cancer experience here.
The establishment of the BreaCan service as a pilot project three years ago filled an obvious need. The success of the service saw BreaCan outgrow our original accommodation and we moved to larger premises at the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. The new BreaCan Resource Centre is open. Contact details are: Opening times: 10am-2pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday A brochure with a map showing BreaCan's location is available here (PDF 372KB).
Breast forms BreaCan has a display cabinet containing a wide variety of breast forms (prostheses), bras and accessories. The breast forms have been donated to the service by Coloplast and are on display during the opening hours of the Resource Centre. The opportunity to see and hold the breast forms assists women in their decision-making process about whether to use a breast form and what type might suit them.  BreaCan's What's On program offers a range of information sessions on a wide variety of topics of interest to those affected by a gynaecological or breast cancer. Covering emotional and psychological issues, effects on relationships, medical and surgical issues, treatment options, and general coping strategies, The What's On sessions provide a wealth of information, but also much more. In a welcoming and understanding environment, people attending the sessions also find a strong social network that can ease feelings of loneliness and isolation that sometimes accompany challenging life events. The sessions are always interesting and uplifting. The What's on program for August, September and October 2008 is available here (PDF 46KB). See below for upcoming sessions.
BreaCan's Making Connections program provides support and information to women with advanced cancer. The 2006 program built on the strong foundation established last year when this important service was inaugurated. The Making Connections program for August, September and October 2008 is available here (PDF 111KB), or see below for more details.  ‘Here and Now' program for women with advanced cancer ‘Here and Now' is an 8-week program co-facilitated by two experienced professional group leaders. Depending on the participants, the weekly sessions are conducted either face-to-face or via phone participation (teleconferenced so that women can participate from the comfort of their own home). The program offers an opportunity to discuss a range of issues including grief and loss, intimacy and sexuality, death and dying, talking with family and friends. Contact the Co-ordinator – Advanced Cancer, on 1300 781 500 for further information and enrolment forms.
Call 1300 781 500 or email us to book for any session or program. Ongoing "Feel Good" gentle exercise program for women (All Welcome) A session of gentle exercise to tone the whole body and help the lymphatic system. Conducted by a qualified instructor, the program helps maintain upper body mobility, flexibility and a smile. Sessions are open to all ages. Dates: Wednesday - August 6th and 20th, September 3rd and 17th, October 1st, 15th and 29th Time: 10.30am - 11.30am. Women need to register and complete enrollment forms prior to attending so contact BreaCan for details by phone on 1300 781 500 or email. Introductory Hand & Foot Reflexology Sessions Reflexology is a system of health care, incorporating mind, body and spirit. It offers tangible benefits to those living with a diagnosis of cancer and complements existing treatments. Jennifer Rigby is a reflexologist and registered nurse offering an opportunity to alleviate some of your stress and tension. Please ring and speak to one of our volunteers about accessing an appointment. August 2008 What exactly is NIANo, it’s not the National Institute of Accountants! Deborah Shaw, an accredited Nia and Yoga Teacher from Movingworks will introduce us to Nia; the unique exercise that feels like dancing rather than hard work. Nia is a blend of tai chi, aikido, yoga, dance and Feldenkrais. Sway, swirl, shimmy or even sit throughout the class and enjoy being with other women moving for toning, relaxation and healing. No dance experience is necessary! Limited numbers so please book early. Date: Monday 11th, August Multi-Disciplinary Care-What Does It Mean And How Can It Help Me?Women with cancer are treated by a number of different doctors and other health care professionals in the hospital system. Multi-disciplinary care involves the co-operation and liaison of all members of the treatment team working together to design an individualised treatment plan. Dr Jenny Senior, Breast Surgeon and Jenny Macindoe, Breast Care Nurse Co-ordinator, from Cabrini Hospital will explain their approach to multi-disciplinary care and what it means for you. This session will be of interest to women either diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancers. Date: Wednesday 20th, August The Shape Of Things-Bras, Boobs and Breast FormsChristina Carlyle-Taylor, an experienced Corsetry and Mastectomy Fitter, will cover the finer points in finding that elusive well fitting bra. Pauline and Joy, who have experienced breast cancer, will model the bras. The session will cover traditional bras, bras for breast forms and bathers, as well as tips on looking after your bras and breast forms. Date: Wednesday 27th, August September 2008 Tests, Treatments and TrialsDr. Jacquie Chirgwin is a Medical Oncologist with Eastern Health who has a passionate commitment to helping women with breast cancer. Treatments for early breast cancer continue to evolve and develop with new advances, new options and new approaches. Jacquie will address what breast cancer is, where we are at now with the treatment of early breast cancer and where it is all heading for future developments. Date: Wednesday 3rd, September Caring For You‘When you are tired you must have that feeling and must act upon it sensibly … Learn to curl up and rest – feel your noble tiredness – learn about it and make a generous place for it.’ (‘The Curly Pyjama Letters’ - Leunig) Join us for a unique opportunity to ‘stop’, ‘listen to your body/mind’, ‘relax’ and ‘rest’. Jane Jeffers, Holistic Counsellor, and Kay Kilham, Psychotherapist, will facilitate this session of reflection, discussion and creative practical exercises. Limited numbers so please book early. Date: Monday 8th, September Too Much? Too Little? Too Late?Are you having difficulty finding the right health information? Come along to this session with Suellen Gosstray, Librarian, and learn some tips and tricks for finding good information that meets your needs. Suellen will explore how to use libraries and the internet effectively and provide some guidelines for assessing the quality of the information you find and the credibility of websites you visit. Date: Thursday 25th, September Coffee, Cupcakes and Connections (for women affected by advanced cancer only)Come and share in a morning tea at BreaCan – say hello to old friends and make some new ones. Whilst catching up over a cuppa, we will meet some special guests, Ovarian Cancer Australia (formerly OvCa) with their new resource Resilience (A guide for women with ovarian cancer to be launched August 10th) and Breast Cancer Network Australia – with their resource Hopes and Hurdles. Date: Monday 29th, September Please RSVP by Thursday 25th September for catering purposes. October 2008 The Two Of Us… A Session For Women & Their PartnersWe know partners’ needs are often overlooked when a woman is diagnosed with cancer. Women and their partners are encouraged to come along and talk about the practical and emotional issues for couples dealing with the consequences of early breast or gynaecological cancer. Liz Crocker, Health Psychologist, specialises in providing support for people dealing with cancer and assisting them to cope with their disease, its treatment and changes in their health. Finger food will be provided; drinks afterwards. Date: Monday 6th, October Limited numbers so please RSVP. Take A Bite Into Passionfruit!You may have always wanted to walk into a sensuality shop, but haven’t quite been confident enough to do so. Or maybe you haven’t yet found the right sort of place? Passionfruit has done away with the blackened windows, swing doors and fluoro signs and laced sexuality with sensual style and a whole lot of fun. Michelle Temminghoff, Owner, will show us some of the more popular products for women and give you a chance to look, feel, enquire and possibly buy! We’ll meet at Passionfruit in Richmond before the store opens to the general public – morning tea provided. Date: Monday 13th, October Strictly limited numbers. Further details will be provided at time of booking. Demystifying Palliative Care (A session for women with advanced cancer only)Palliative Care focuses on managing symptoms, quality of life and physical, emotional, spiritual and social comfort. But often women ask ‘but how do I know when to use it?’ ‘how do I access it?’ or ‘how can it benefit me?’ Dr. Scott King, who is working in palliative care at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Wantirna Health, will answer all your questions about palliative care. Date: Monday 20th, October
CD-ROMs of previous sessions CD-ROMs of earlier information sessions are available for borrowing. Check the BreaCan Resources page for details.
Links to current items appearing in the media about breast and gynaecological cancers:
More informationFor more information, call BreaCan on 1300 781 500 or email. Go to BreaCan home page Go to BreaCan Resources page Go to Breast cancer introductory page
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