History
In 1998, Lyn Swinburne envisaged an organisation that would positively influence the way breast cancer was considered in the community. Her goal was for people to talk openly about the disease and acknowledge its enormous personal impact.
Following a public meeting in every state and territory, over 300 women came together to discuss issues affecting women with breast cancer. An action plan was developed and formed the inaugural Making a Difference Report. The official launch of BCNA took place following this conference, at the inaugural Field of Women, a visual display of breast cancer statistics on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.
BCNA's aims included:
- keeping scientists focused on discovering what might cause the disease and how its toll could be reduced
- encouraging health professionals to see the people diagnosed as individuals, with changing needs
- provision of timely and quality information so women could make important decisions about their treatment and health care; and
- ensuring breast cancer was on the agenda of governments and people in planning services.
Lyn retired as CEO of BCNA in November 2011. Maxine Morand is currently CEO of the organisation.
BCNA continues to work towards helping women and their families access the best information, treatment, care and support, no matter who they are or where they live.
BCNA is one of a number of major breast cancer organisations in Australia. BCNA works co-operatively with the other national organisations including Cancer Australia, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), McGrath Foundation and BreastScreen Australia.
Read more about this topic: Breast Cancer Network Australia
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