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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 Closed over the Christmas/New Year Period Each year BreaCan closes its Resource Centre over the Christmas and New Year period. This year the centre will close from 2.00pm on Thursday the 18th of December. The centre will provide phone assistance from Monday the 5th of January and then fully open to the public on Monday the 12th of January 2009. If anyone needs support or would like to speak to someone urgently while the centre is closed you can contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.  BreaCan 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. 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 2009 will be available here in mid January 2009. See below for upcoming sessions in the new year.
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 2009 will be available here in mid January 2009, or see below for more details in the new year.  ‘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: To be advised 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. January 2009 Events to be advised mid January 2009Events and activities for the first quater of next year will be listed here in mid January 2009 Date: Day Date, Month CD-ROMs of previous sessionsCD-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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