The McGrath Foundation together with Cancer Australia, Breast Cancer Network Australia and National Breast Cancer Foundation complete the puzzle of support for Australian families experiencing breast cancer. Take a look and find out more below about the different shades of pink that make up breast cancer support, education, research and advocacy in Australia.
The McGrath Foundation also supports the work of other community organisations and services supporting women with breast cancer and their families as well as those investing in valuable research.
Please feel free to visit these websites to find out more about their role in the breast cancer experience.
Australian Lymphology Association
The Australasian Lymphology Association is committed to promoting the development of lymphology in Australasia. The Association strives to improve the management of those with, or at risk of developing lymphoedema, and enhance communication between health professionals, educators, relevant authorities and government in regard to oedemas and lymphoedema.
http://lymphology.asn.au
Breast Cancer Care WA
The Breast Cancer Care WA provides personalised support and care for those affected with breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Care WA aims to improve the quality of life for women living with breast cancer and provides practical, financial and emotional support. The Breast Cancer Care WA also raises awareness throughout the WA community and educates the younger generations on the importance of early detection.
www.breastcancer.org.au
Breast Cancer Institute of Australia
Breast Cancer Institute of Australia supports collaborative clinical trials and research that identifies safe and effective treatments for women with breast cancer. It also aims to save lives through identifying and promoting prevention strategies.
www.bcia.org.au
BreastScreen Australia
The aim of BreastScreen Australia is to reduce mortality and morbidity from breast cancer by screening women. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial and BreastScreen Australia operates in over 500 locations nationwide, via fixed, relocatable and mobile screening units.
BreastScreen Australia was established by the Commonwealth and the states and territories in 1991 and is now recognised as one of the most comprehensive population-based screening programs in the world.
www.breastscreen.info.au
BreastScreen NSW
BreastScreen NSW provides a free screening mammography service for women aged over 40 years. Women aged 50 to 69 years are actively recruited to attend the service via an invitation when they turn 50 and a reminder letter each two years. BreastScreen NSW operates in over 150 locations state-wide.
www.bsnsw.org.au/index.asp
Can Assist
Can Assist aims to provide assistance and care to cancer patients and their families through a network of branches and accommodation facilities.
www.cancerpatients.com.au
Cancer Council Australia
The Cancer Council advises the Australian Government and other bodies on practices to help prevent, detect and treat cancer. They also advocate for the rights of cancer patients for best treatment and supportive care.
There is a Cancer Council in every state and territory, and they offer a free, confidential information and support service that is available to anyone through the Cancer Council Helpline on 131120.
www.cancer.org.au
CanTeen’s Now What
Now What is a website for young people experiencing cancer (young people who have cancer, have a sibling, parent or friend with cancer, or whose sibling, parent or friend has died from cancer), providing them with support and information ranging from cancer types and treatment, to coping strategies for dealing with grief and loss. It also has an online community available for young people to discuss issues and their own cancer experience, providing them with a connection to others in the same situation, helping them understand they are not alone.
www.nowwhat.org.au
Dragons Abreast
Dragons Abreast Australia is a national organisation comprised of breast cancer survivors of various ages from a great variety of backgrounds, athletic abilities and interests. Dragons Abreast members provide a "face" for the breast cancer statistics whilst spreading the message of breast cancer awareness through participation in the sport of dragon boat racing.
http://www.dragonsabreast.com.au
e-Health
The Australian Government has introduced a national personally controlled eHealth record system, an electronic health record system. From July 2012, Australians will be able to start registering for and mange their own eHealth record. As the national eHealth record system grows over time, individual users and their personally chosen healthcare professionals will have access to a secure summary of their health information online. This may include a record of any allergies or medication.
www.ehealth.gov.au/
External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program
The Australian Government provides a reimbursement of up to $400 for each new or replacement external breast prostheses for women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/breastprostheses/
Look Good...Feel Better
Look Good...Feel Better is a free community service program dedicated to helping women undergoing treatment for cancer. The purpose of the program is to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thereby helping to restore their appearance and self image. Look Good...Feel Better is an initiative of the member companies of ACCORD Australasia Ltd and the program is available in all state and territories.
http://www.lgfb.org.au/
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre
The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre uses the latest research findings to develop and update guidelines for doctors and nurses who specialise in breast and ovarian cancer. The guidelines help these professional to improve all aspects of breast and ovarian cancer diagnosis, treatment and care. The NBOCC is funded by the Australian Government.
www.nbocc.org.au
NSW Breast Cancer Institute
The New South Wales Breast Cancer Institute is committed to delivering the best possible information, advice, treatment and care to patients with breast cancer. It is located on Level 1 at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, adjacent to the Westmead Breast Centre.
www.bci.org.au/
Otis Foundation
The Otis Foundation is a realisation of the dream of Judy Burley. Judy sought peace and refuge in the beautiful Mandurang Valley during her journey with breast cancer. She wanted others living with breast cancer to have a place to retreat from the activities and pressures of everyday life and her wish to offer this to others has become the Otis Foundation. The Otis Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for those living with breast cancer to enjoy a relaxing time of sanctuary in a beautiful country environment free of charge.
http://www.otisfoundation.org.au/
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
The not- for- profit Royal Flying Doctor Service has been taking the finest care to the furthest corners of Australia since 1928. The service provides 24 hour emergency cover to 80% of the Australian continent, via a modern fleet of specially equipped aircraft. No patient is more than 2 hours away from the Flying Doctor’s help. In addition to emergency retrievals and hospital transfers, the Service ran some 14,000 health clinics last year and provided medical assistance to more than 278,000 Australians.
Thanks to the McGrath Foundation and the fundraising efforts of Elders staff nationally, a McGrath Elders Breast Care Nurse is currently based at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base in Broken Hill.
www.flyingdoctor.org.au
YWCA Encore
YWCA Encore is an exercise program designed specifically for women who have experienced mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction surgery at any time in their lives. Based around floor and pool exercises and relaxation techniques, it is fun and therapeutic! To find out if there is a programme near you, or to enroll, please visit YWCA Encore's website.
http://www.ywcaencore.org.au/