Upfront About Breast Cancer

Episode 0: Welcome to Season 2: Unlimited  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Welcome to What You Don't Know Until You Do: Unlimited, with Dr Charlotte Tottman.  Charlotte and Kellie reflect on the success of season 1 of the podcast and share the topics and themes that they will be exploring through Charlotte's clinical experience in season 2.  They discuss what unlimited means and unpack and tackle the things we often don't want to speak about due to avoidance and protection, but these conversations often allow us to confront our fears and more importantly, make us feel empowered.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 1: A Mixed Dozen: Anxiety in a Cancer Context  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about anxiety in a cancer content. In this episode Charlotte discusses ‘the mixed dozen': the types of anxiety that are common during and beyond a cancer diagnosis, including diagnosis shock, fear of recurrence, scan anxiety and the impact on family, partner and friends. We also explore some common behavioural responses and strategies that can help such as challenging the anxiety, sitting in the uncertainty, getting to know your fear and triggers and mindfulness and exercise. This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 2: Forged in Fire: Relationships with your Medical Team and Self-advocacy  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be Upfront about navigating relationships with your medical team. Your medical team is often comprised of a group of professionals who you don't know and who come into your life at short notice, in a highly stressful and emotional time. In this episode, Charlotte explores how for many people their experience with their medical team is a positive one, however this isn't always the case. Charlotte shares how it's important to advocate for yourself and have expectations of what you can reasonably expect from different members of your medical team and what is important to you. We also learn about cognitive and behavioral strategies to help you identify your individual needs and tools that can assist. This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 3: Sugar, Stress, and Misdemeanours: Causal Beliefs  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about causal beliefs and how they impact our feelings and behaviours.  It is common for people to search for an explanation to help them make sense of a situation and why it may have happened to them. Within a cancer context, people often want to understand what caused their cancer and what they did that may have resulted in a diagnosis.  In this episode Charlotte explores the thinking behind causal beliefs and breaks down the common elements and lifestyle behaviours people think may have contributed to their diagnosis. We also learn about risks associated with casual beliefs and discover the acceptance model.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 4: Bittersweet: Living with Metastatic Disease  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about the challenges for those living with metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Charlotte discusses metastatic disease from a psychological perspective, exploring the thin line between coping and not coping, artificial intensity, avoidance and reassurance. BCNA and Charlotte would like to acknowledge BCNA Consumer Representative Dr Andrea Smith who generously shared her story and knowledge about living with metastatic breast cancer in this episode.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 5: Re-entry Wobbles: Re-starting Life after Cancer Treatment  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about life after cancer treatment. It can be difficult to adapt to life after a breast cancer diagnosis and beyond. In this episode, Charlotte explains challenges in the experience of re-entering work and other obligations after cancer treatment, the common drop in self-confidence, and the importance of purpose and meaning. Just like physical stamina, strength, and capacity, we decondition psychologically much faster than we recondition. Charlotte shares strategies including repetition that allow a sense of progression and success that can then act as a motivator.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 6: Hanging Out with The Bad Boys: Helpful and Not So Helpful Behaviour Changes  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about behavioural changes.  A behavioural change is a change within someone's behaviour when compared to a previous behaviour and can be quite common after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this episode Charlotte shares what some of these common behaviours are and discusses the behavioural change model and role of obstacles.  We learn about the guilt and anxiety model, flexibility, the power of helpful language and other strategies that can help you adjust.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 7: The View from the Other Side of the Bed: The Partner's Perspective  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about different perspectives during and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. A breast cancer diagnosis affects not only the person diagnosed, but also those around them, whether that be a partner, family, friends or a carer. It can be quite common for people to experience feelings of anxiety, helplessness and not being quite sure of whether they are doing the right thing to help support. In this episode, Charlotte explores the common perspective and experiences of those close to the person diagnosed, and how together you can navigate the new normal. This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258  

Episode 8: No. is a sentence: Boundary Setting  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about setting boundaries.  After a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you often discover you are not able to operate at the same level as you did pre-cancer, physically, cognitively and emotionally. In this episode, Charlotte explains the importance of boundary setting in self-care, particularly in relation to the challenges in continuing to care for loved ones while navigating a cancer experience, and the role of guilt in this.  We learn about how to identify your limits and act on them, communicate to others and ourselves, and how to identify alternative helpful activities and prioritise them.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 9: Pain without Fear: Pain, Persistent Side-Effects and Palliative Care  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Let's be upfront about pain, side effects and palliative care.    From a psychological standpoint, Charlotte explains the challenges in managing pain, and persistent side effects like peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, and cognitive changes, and the role of and common misconceptions about palliative care.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023.  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Episode 10: The Inevitable: Death, Dying and Mortality  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  *Please note that this episode is an unscripted conversation and does not reflect the full spectrum of experience of end-of-life. It is suggested that you exercise self-care when listening and for more information on personal circumstances seek the guidance of your medical professional.  Let's be upfront about death, dying and mortality.  End of life is something people often don't want to speak or think about, usually because of the uncertainty that surrounds the death and dying experience and the fear of not being here, however, having the tough conversations early can really help to support you and your loved ones.  In this episode, Charlotte speaks frankly about the process of dying, common thoughts and feelings about death, and mortality vulnerabilities, and why confronting some of this can be helpful.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience Charlotte Tottman's end of life preferences discussion prompts.  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au  Welcome to the end of What You Don't Know Until You Do: Unlimited with Dr Charlotte Tottman.  In this wrap up, Charlotte and Kellie reflect on season 2, share some of their highlights and take the opportunity to thank the people that made this podcast possible.  Charlotte discusses how privileged she feels to be able to work with BCNA on this podcast and share her story to help others. Thank you for listening.  This podcast was recorded in February 2023  RESOURCES:  Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience  Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.  Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA.  Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.Let's be Upfront about men who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is often thought as a disease that only affects women, however, in Australia in 2022 it is predicted that 212 men will be diagnosed. As this diagnosis is less common, men who are diagnosed with breast cancer often feel a range of emotions, including feeling isolated and alone and being unsure who they can speak to or what to do next.Joining us for this In Conversation episode are Harry and Pieter.Harry was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2005 and had chemotherapy, after which he was cancer-free. In 2018, at a routine appointment with his GP, he had a series of blood tests, and his cancer was found to have returned. Harry was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at that time.Pieter was diagnosed with triple-positive grade 3 breast cancer, which had spread to a sentinel lymph node, in 2021. He underwent a mastectomy and axillary node clearance and then started four rounds of chemotherapy. Pieter lost his wife to breast cancer in 2017.During this candid conversation between Harry and Pieter we'll hear their stories, their initial reaction to their diagnosis, the biggest challenges they face, who they went to for support and why they want to help spread awareness of the disease for other men. This podcast was recorded in May 2022.RESOURCES:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources for men diagnosed with breast cancer- Visit our Online Network to connect with other men going through a similar experienceUpfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons.If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

 We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be Upfront about working after breast cancer and tackling the difficult conversations you may need to have with your employer. Some people feel comfortable discussing their diagnosis and treatment, and find that their employer is understanding, supportive and compassionate, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery. Others, however, may find negotiating changes and voicing challenges with their employer difficult, making an already hard situation worse. Joining us for this episode of Upfront are Greg Smith and Lisa Edgar. Greg has more than 20 years' experience in executive coaching, mentoring and human resources consulting and has successfully led major organisational change programs in large organisations. Lisa is a BCNA member and had been working as an HR manager for three years when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and stopped work to focus on her recovery. Unfortunately, Lisa did not receive the support she needed from her employer. We hear about how best to approach your employer to discuss your diagnosis and treatment and the impact it may have on your ability to work, what support you should expect from your workplace, challenges you may face when working after a diagnosis and what you can do if your employer is not supportive of you.  This podcast was recorded in June 2022. RESOURCES: ·       Sign up to My Journey to access a range of resources on work and breast cancer ·       Visit the Work and Breast Cancer hub on BCNA's website·       Learn about BCNA's Workplace Giving program·       Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.Let's be Upfront about living in a rural area following a breast cancer diagnosis. For people living in rural areas there can be additional stress and challenges, which may include limited, or no, local cancer treatment centres, having to travel long distances for treatment and the resulting financial impact, and having to leave family at home while you are away for treatment.Joining us for this In Conversation episode are Tania and Fiona.Tania was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 when she was 32 and living in a rural community 100kms from Adelaide. After her diagnosis she had to travel to Adelaide for tests, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Fiona was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and lives on a farm in southwest Victoria. She had a mastectomy, four and half months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and has recently commenced hormone blocking medication.During this candid conversation between Tania and Fiona we hear their stories, the challenges they faced, how they coped with the hardship of travelling for treatment and the financial impact, where they found support and the advice they have for those diagnosed with breast cancer living in a rural area.This podcast was recorded in April 2022.RESOURCES:Sign up to My Journey and for a range of resources on living in a rural or regional area with breast cancer including Breast cancer information for people in rural areas, Questions to ask if you live in a remote or rural area and Financial support for people with breast cancer in rural and remote areasCancer Australia Women in rural areasVisit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experienceUpfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.This episode was engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you'll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.Let's be Upfront about living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It is an incurable disease, requiring lifelong treatment. Currently, there are advances being made in treatment, which means some people are living for many years. Joining us for this In Conversation episode are Kala and Emily.Kala was diagnosed with stage 4 de novo metastatic breast cancer in her spine and liver in 2018. Following her treatment, she received a complete response. However, in 2019, Kala developed brain metastases and she is currently receiving ongoing treatment.Emily was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2019. She underwent treatment and surgery and was in remission. In 2021, after feeling something wasn't right, Emily had scans which showed that the breast cancer had spread to her pelvic bone and liver. Emily has since undergone further treatment and surgery.During this candid conversation between Kala and Emily we'll hear their stories, biggest challenges, how they coped with their diagnosis, what resources they found helpful, how they have adjusted to lifelong treatment, the financial impact and the advice they have for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.This podcast was recorded in April 2022.RESOURCES:Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on metastatic breast cancer including living life with metastatic breast cancerCancer Australia Metastatic Breast CancerVisit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experienceUpfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.This episode was engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios.If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you'll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.Let's be upfront about LGBTIQ+ communities that are affected by breast cancer. We know that cancer doesn't discriminate and depending on who you are, and how you identify, your experience can be different.Joining us for this episode is Mel Krollig and her partner Riki Owens-Bennett.Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 36 and has had fertility treatment, a single mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Riki works as a community worker for the LGBTIQ+ communities in South Australia and has been by Mel's side during her breast cancer journey. Riki and Mel have been together for 19 years, and despite a few COVID-19 related delays, married in 2021 in a celebration surrounded by family and friends.We'll hear about Mel's experience of breast cancer, how Riki supported her, the challenges the couple faced together and how they navigated the system as a LGBTIQ+ couple.This podcast was recorded in August 2021.RESOURCES:Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on LGBTIQ+ couplesVisit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experienceCancer Connect – 131 120National LGBTIQ+ Health Alliance – (02) 8568 1123Switchboard Victoria – 1800 184 527Living Proud – 1800 184 527QLife – 1900 184 527Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia.If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you'll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be Upfront about the extra challenges and different needs of LGBTIQ+ people when diagnosed with breast cancer. LGBTIQ+ communities have unique requirements and additional concerns and anxiety when dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, including whether to disclose their sexuality to their medical team, whether they will be able to find the support they need, and anxiety surrounding discrimination and their treatment being negatively impacted. Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Jane Ussher and Natalie Halse. Jane is a Professor of Women's Health Psychology in the Translations Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University and is the lead researcher in the recent ‘Out with Cancer' Study. Natalie is a registered nurse and a BCNA consumer representative with lived breast cancer experience of a LGBTIQ+ person. We hear about some of the key findings of the ‘Out with Cancer' study and its key learnings, discuss disclosure including how to do it safely, the positive benefits, and why some people are reluctant and also discover what to do if you experience a negative reaction from a health care professional and the support available. This podcast was recorded in January 2022. RESOURCES:· Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on for LGBTIQ+ communities· Visit and join our LGBTIQ+ Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience· Cancer Connect – 131 120· National LGBTIQ+ Health Alliance – (02) 8568 1123· Switchboard Victoria – 1800 184 527· Living Proud – 1800 184 527· QLife – 1800 184 527· Acon – 1800 063 060 Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia.If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you'll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis.   Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be Upfront about being a young woman and experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in young women in Australia and it's estimated nearly 1,000 young women will be diagnosed each year, meaning 3 women under 40 years old will be diagnosed every day. Young women with breast cancer face a unique set of practical, physical and emotional challenges including premature menopause, sexuality and fertility issues, caring for young children, financial and career issues.Joining us for this In Conversation episode is Shananne and Kate. Kate was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer when she was 26 years old and 28 weeks pregnant. Shananne was diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer in 2018 when she was 37 years old and pregnant with her third child. During this candid conversation between Shananne and Kate we'll hear about their reaction on being told they had breast cancer, the treatment they received, the challenges they faced and continue to face, coping strategies they used and advice they have for other young women.This podcast was recorded in February 2022. RESOURCES:Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on for young women and breast cancer including Early breast cancer information for young women Cancer Australia Let's talk about breast cancer in young womenVisit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan.This episode was engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you'll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis.   Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be upfront about the side effects of hormone-blocking therapies for the treatment of hormone receptor positive breast cancer.  About 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor positive, meaning that the breast cancer cells use these hormones to grow. Hormone-blocking therapy is usually prescribed as part of the treatment as works by lowering the amount of oestrogen in the body or blocking the oestrogen receptors on the cancer cells, depriving them of the hormones they need to grow, with the aim of reducing the risk of breast cancer coming back, or new breast cancer developing. In this episode we're joined by Debbie Packham who was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2016 and 4 weeks later was diagnosed with oligometastatic breast cancer and has been on hormone-blocking therapy for 4 years, Ro Woods who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and has been on hormone-blocking therapy for 5 months and Lisa Sheeran who has worked with breast cancer patients for over 21 years and has been a breast care nurse for 9 years. We'll hear about the different types of hormone-blocking therapies, the common side effects and impacts on quality of life, the key benefits, effective strategies and the support available to help you manage your treatment.Resources:·       Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on hormone-blocking therapy for early breast cancer and managing the impacts of hormone-blocking therapy for the long term ·       Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience·       Watch our hormone-blocking therapy webcast  To help us continue to develop podcasts that are relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis, we ask for your feedback via our online survey. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July.  Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be upfront about advanced care planning and breast cancer. Living with metastatic breast cancer means making decisions about your treatment and care that is right for you. One of the challenges of metastatic breast cancer is the chronic nature of the disease and the uncertainty of what the future holds. As well as working with your treating team to work out decisions surrounding your current care, it's also good to think ahead and talk about the care you may want in the future, if you are unable to communicate your preferences for care yourself. Advance care planning allows you to think about and document your preferences for future health care and can often provide a sense of relief, to allow you to focus on living life fully in the present. In this episode we're joined by Dr. Sonia Fullerton. Sonia is a consultant in palliative medicine who assists in patient centered decision-making and advance care plans. We'll hear about who should consider developing an advanced care plan, what the process involves and who can assist you, where to get the advice you need and the questions you should ask.This podcast was recorded in November 2021.RESOURCES:Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on planning ahead when you have MBC via My Journey Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience End of life preferences for care via Dying to Talk Discussion StarterAdvance Care Planning AustraliaNational Advance Care Planning Support Service on 1300 208 582 for more information and advice. 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday (AEST) Palliative care:Finding the words: starting a conversation when your cancer has progressedPalliative Care ToolkitPalliative Care Australia To help us continue to develop podcasts that are relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis, we ask for your feedback via our online survey. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July.Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be upfront about the challenges you may face in accessing specialised breast cancer treatment, care and support when living in rural, remote and regional areas in Australia. A breast cancer diagnosis is difficult enough, and many people from regional and remote areas often experience additional hardship and stress due to the absence of specialised services. There can be significant physical and emotional distress and financial strain due to the increased need to travel for treatments and tests and the loss of income. Finding practical information and support is important to ensure everyone has access to the best treatment and care. In the episode, we're joined by Sandy Vlatko and Asha Scott. Asha lives in Kalgoorlie, a regional part of Australia, located nearly 600km northeast of Perth. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and had to travel to Perth for a large part of her treatment, including surgery, IVF and radiation, which added further complications and stress to her already worrying situation. Sandy is a McGrath Breast Care Nurse who is based at Kalgoorlie Health Campus. She helps her patients navigate their breast cancer experience, including the many trips to Perth, educates them on their treatment plans and navigates their many worries and concerns. We'll hear about how Sandy helped support and navigate Asha's complex medical situation in a regional setting and how she helped organise her treatments away from home, manage access to breast cancer services and other practical support available including allied health. RESOURCES: - State government, community assistance and other organisations that can help people with breast cancer via My Journey - The financial cost of breast cancer via My Journey -Cancer Councils in each state and territory offer a range of services for people affected by cancer. Contact your Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for information about: Financial assistance schemes , accommodation options, travel assistance , practical assistance such as home help , grants or subsidies that may be available in your stage , programs that provide free legal, financial and workplace assistance advice and access to a financial counsellor. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 1: What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: D Day: Diagnosis ShockWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA's Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about Charlotte's diagnosis story including the initial shock and common reactions in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis. Charlotte discusses physical and psychological responses, including fight and flight, information control, and anxiety spikes. We also explore what information and tactics helped her process the information and how she told her loved ones of the news.To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on:Coping with a diagnosis of early breast cancer Practical help when diagnosed with early breast cancer Talking to children about your breast cancer diagnosisReactions of parents when you are diagnosed with breast cancerSupport for you when diagnosed with early breast cancer- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 2: What You Don't Know Until You Do, With Dr Charlotte Tottman: A Tale of Two Husbands: Emotional IsolationWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about Charlotte's experience of emotional isolation during her cancer journey, which is the feeling of being alone in the intense experience of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, despite being surrounded by loved ones. Charlotte shares her 'tale of two husbands' in which she reveals her own feelings of emotional isolation following unexpected responses from both her long term and current husband and her ex-husband. We learn about the importance of empathy and strategies of how to best get emotional needs met. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on partner support. - Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 3: What You Don't Know Until You Do, With Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Showing Up and The Letting Down: Surprises and Disappointments in RelationshipsWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about the surprises and disappointments often experienced at various stages of a breast cancer journey and the expectations we often don't realise we have of others. Charlotte shares her experience of being surprised and thankful for those who stepped up, as well as her experience of feeling let down by those who disappeared. We also hear about how best to respond to disappointment, recalibrate expectations and how to clearly communicate your emotional and practical needs to those around you.To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onManaging support and concern from the people around you Support for you when you are diagnosed with EBC- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 4: What you don't know until you do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Mirror Image: Body Image DifficultiesWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about Charlotte's experience of the changes to her body as a result of cancer treatment and how the changes to our physical form can challenge our sense of self, identity and who we are. Charlotte shares her personal stories of the challenges she faced after her second surgery, the triggers and responses she had to un-learn and strategies she used to change her mindset to focus on what her body could do as opposed to what it looked like. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onChanges to the way your body looks and feels Choosing to stay flat after mastectomy- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 5: What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Snow Globe Effect: Change of PerspectiveWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about the Snow Globe Effect, an analogy Charlotte uses to explain how a cancer experience can change a person's perspective, values, priorities and how they live their life. We explore confronting mortality, re-thinking past choices and decisions and how we can be empowered to live our best life going forward. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onDealing with emotions after an early breast cancer diagnosisYour new normal after breast cancer treatmentEmotional wellbeing and DCIS- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 6: What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Meltdown: Post Treatment AdjustmentWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about what post treatment adjustment is, including physical and psychological recovery, rehabilitation once hospital-based treatment ends and what you can expect in the years that follow. Charlotte shares her personal post treatment adjustment story including her ‘Meltdown', the strategies she used to help her recognise and acknowledge the adjustments she needed to make, and how important sleep and taking time for herself were in helping her find her feet again. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onCoping with the emotional effects of breast cancer treatment Your new normal after breast cancer treatment- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 7: What you don't know until you do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Next Version of You: Managing ExpectationsWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about post treatment adjustment and the role that the expectations we have of ourselves, and the expectations others have of us play in a cancer experience. Charlotte reflects on how she changed various aspects of her life through her cancer journey to adjust to the next version of herself and find a way forward, rather than trying to find a way back to her pre cancer self. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onYour new normal after breast cancer treatmentBeyond active treatment: the impact on you and your relationships- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 8: What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: Learning New Dance Steps: Sexuality and IntimacyWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about sexuality and intimacy using the ‘dance steps' analogy and how they are impacted by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. We explore contributing factors including body image difficulties, fatigue and other treatment side effects. Charlotte discusses common responses and how strategies including communication, humour and learning ‘new dance steps' can help with connection and closeness, both physically and emotionally with your intimate partner. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on sexual wellbeing and intimacy. - Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 9: What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: Exercise is Annoying (‘cos it works): The Psychological and Physical BenefitsWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about the major benefits, both psychologically and physically, of exercise during breast cancer treatment, the different exercise types and formats that can be beneficial to treatment, as well as hearing Charlotte's rehab story and how she discovered what worked for her. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onExercise after breast surgeryExercise: why, what and how?Physical activity, eating healthy and breast cancer- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 10: What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Iron Fist: Fear of Cancer RecurrenceWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don't Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. BCNA's helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email contact@bcna.org.au.In the final episode of What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about what fear of cancer recurrence is and why it's normal to experience anxiety about the idea of the cancer coming back. We explore the common triggers, including medical reviews, diagnosis of a family member or friend, and physical symptoms, as well as discussing the common responses in fear of recurrence, including avoidance and reassurance-seeking. Charlotte shares her personal experience of fear of recurrence, the strategies she uses to cope, and why and how she uses her fear as a motivator. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on what makes breast cancer return or spread.- Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia.Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.Let's be Upfront about the impact of breast cancer on sexual health. Sex and intimacy are very personal but important parts of life. Breast cancer and treatment can affect sexual wellbeing and intimacy for each person and their partner in different ways, including experiencing loss of self-esteem due to physical changes to your body.Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Tess Devèze (they/them). Tess is a clinical occupational therapist (OT) and certified somatic sexologist who works with people living with cancer, chronic illness, and disability to live more pleasurable and sexually healthy lives. Tess was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and has personally experienced the severe impacts treatments have on sexuality. Being a member of the LGBTIQ+ community, a sexuality clinician and a cancer survivor has given them the determination to offer support and help to as many as they can around those more ‘intimate' challenges we face.We'll hear from Tess on their lived and professional experience about the impact of breast cancer treatment on libido, arousal, desire, vaginal changes and sexual intercourse. We also learn about effective ways to restore and enhance intimacy and what options are available to help you manage the impact of treatment on your sexual wellbeing.RESOURCES:•Information & downloadable resources: Breast Cancer Network Australia ‘My Journey' bcna.org.au•Intimacy & cancer resources: ‘ConnectAble Therapies' connectabletherapies.com•Cancer aware counsellors: ‘Cancer Council' ph: 13 11 20•LGBTIQ+ counsellors: ‘ACON Health – Pride Counselling' acon.org.au•YouTube channel for video tutorials on sex & cancer: ‘The intimacy OT; On sex & intimacy after cancer'•All gender inclusive sexuality & cancer Facebook support group: ‘The intimacy OT; On sex & intimacy after cancer'Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July.Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.Let's be Upfront about managing fatigue related to breast cancer treatments. Fatigue is a common side effect of treatments related to breast cancer, particular chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Fatigue doesn't always go away with rest and sleep and may last for months after treatment is finished, and for people with metastatic breast cancer, lifelong treatment means fatigue associated with treatments can be ongoing.Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Kathy Wells, Kathryn Wallace and Rina Portet. Kathy is a long-time BCNA staff member who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of January 2021. At the time of recording, Kathy has had five months of chemotherapy treatment followed by breast conserving surgery, with radiotherapy still to come. Rina was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2014 when she was pregnant with her 3rd child, who is now 6.5 years old. Rina had treatment while pregnant and has continued treatment since.Kathryn Wallace is an experienced Specialist Breast Care Nurse having spent over 25 years in a variety of settings supporting people affected by breast cancer diagnosis. Her roles have been diverse and comprehensive, providing support and education in acute clinical settings, private practice, non-for-profit organisations and working closely with GPs to improve links between primary health care providers and clinical specialists.We hear about Kathy's and Rina's personal experience with fatigue associated with breast cancer treatment, and helpful advice and strategies they've both used on their journey to help manage their fatigue from their differing experiences. We also learn about the key causes of fatigue, the differences in breast cancer treatments can contribute to fatigue and what you can speak about with your treatment team to identify the right treatment to help you manage your own experience.RESOURCES:•Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on fatigue•Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience.•Find an accredited exercise physiologist- ESSA, www.essa.org.au/•Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC) resource on “Follow-up of survivors with cancer-related fatigue”•“Breast Cancer and exercise” fact sheet – Exercise is Medicine Australia 2014Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia.Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be Upfront about hair loss and breast cancer. Perhaps the most noticeable side effect of some chemotherapy treatments is hair loss. A bald head, especially for women is sometimes the first physical sign that screams ‘cancer patient'. It's a lot to deal with on top of a diagnosis and whilst it might pale in comparison to a life-threatening illness it has a big impact emotionally. For many women, their hair can be very much a part of their femininity and identity. In recent years Cooling Caps have become an option for some that want to try preserve some of their hair but it takes commitment and let's be honest – it's painful. Joining us for this episode of Upfront are two women who are going to give us some insight into their experience – Juliet Wilson, who did not have the cooling cap and Caroline Sladen, who did. RESOURCES: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on hair loss. Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be Upfront about peripheral neuropathy. The term refers to a loss of sensation, tingling and pain in the hands and feet, which is a side effect of some chemotherapies. Peripheral neuropathy can significantly affect quality of life with pain, loss of balance and impaired sleep. Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Sue Dowe and Dr Kate Webber. Sue underwent extensive treatment for breast cancer in 2017 and, during the second course of chemotherapy, developed peripheral neuropathy, particularly in her feet and to a lesser extent, in her hands. While the symptoms in her hands disappeared within a few months, the symptoms in her feet have not entirely resolved. Dr Kate Webber is a medical oncologist at Monash Health and adjunct senior lecturer at Monash University. She has a keen interest in breast oncology, cancer survivorship and patient reported outcomes research. We hear about Sue's personal experience of peripheral neuropathy, and strategies she's used throughout her journey to manage her symptoms. We also learn more about the specifics of the condition itself, including how treatment can be adjusted to minimise long-term impacts, medication options and the role exercise can play in alleviating symptoms. Due to current circumstances, this podcast was recorded remotely. Listeners may notice a slight difference in audio quality when compared with previous episodes. RESOURCES: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on peripheral neuropathy and pain management. Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let's be Upfront about looking back on a breast cancer experience and talk about some of the things you might wish you had of known. Often described as an emotional rollercoaster, no two breast cancer experiences are the same. A common theme, however, is people reporting the immense adjustment required to adapt to a ‘new normal' once hospital-based treatment has ended. For some there is anxiety, a sense abandonment and difficulty navigating changed relationships, a lack of self-confidence and feelings of grief. In this episode, we're joined by Kath Elliott and Janine Keyhoe. Kath was diagnosed with locally advanced triple positive breast cancer at the age of 46, while Janine, also in her 40s received the diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Firm friends, Kath and Janine are both passionate about developing more opportunities for those who have finished their active treatment to connect and share their experiences. We hear the lessons that Kath and Janine have learnt from their respective experiences, and their reflections on topics ranging from the conversations they had with their families, contrasts in the private and public health systems and the make-up of their support networks to the impact of their breast cancer on relationships and the integration of gratitude and self-care into their daily lives. RESOURCES: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on treatment and side effects as well as navigating the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about hereditary breast cancer. It’s widely known that inherited genetic mutations, or faults in genes associated with breast cancer such as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes, can occur in some families and increase the risk of breast cancer. But what does the term ‘family history’ of breast cancer mean? What does a positive genetic test mean for someone’s breast cancer risk? What preventative measures are available to someone with a genetic mutation? What about the emotional impact the presence of genetic variants has on individuals and families? To unpack all these questions and much more, we’re joined by BCNA member Sam DiCicco. Sam has an extensive family history of breast cancer, and tested positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation in 2000 before a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis in 2007. Sam’s mother and sister are also carriers of the gene along with her eldest daughter, with her youngest daughter about to be tested for the mutation. We’re also joined on the podcast by Associate Professor Dr Yoland Antill, a medical oncologist whose work and research interests lie in the areas of hereditary cancer risk and breast and gynaecological cancers. She has more than 20 years' experience in both medical oncology and in the diagnosis and management of hereditary cancer syndromes. RESOURCES: Sign up for the My Journey online tool view articles on breast cancer risk in families. Visit our Online Network where you can connect with other people who are going through, or have been through, breast cancer. Family cancer clinics provide services for people with a family history of cancer. The service is offered to family members whether or not they have been diagnosed with cancer. Find your local service here. Check out iPrevent, a breast cancer risk assessment and risk management decision support tool developed by researchers at Peter Maccallum Cancer Centre. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. We know that cancer is now the biggest killer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and that indigenous women are less likely to survive a breast cancer diagnosis than non-indigenous women. In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Jacinta Elston, an Aboriginal woman from Townsville who has been through breast cancer herself. Jacinta draws on her own lived experience, as well as her insights from her distinguished career in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, as we unpack the additional challenges that First People face in navigating the healthcare system with a breast cancer diagnosis. We discuss a range of topics, from the many and varied systemic barriers that First Peoples face, to the importance of identifying as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in ensuring access to culturally sensitive care as well as questions that First People might ask throughout a breast cancer journey, and more. RESOURCES: Sign up for the My Journey online tool to access a range of resources specifically for First Peoples. Visit our Online Network where you will find a dedicated discussion group for First Peoples who have been through, or are going through, breast cancer. Check out Cancer Australia’s ‘Cancer – what to expect: Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have cancer’ factsheet. Visit Cancer Australia’s website with information and a range of resources for First Peoples diagnosed with breast cancer. Learn more about the joint initiative between the Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre and BCNA to support the making of a possum skin cloak available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people going through cancer treatment at the Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre. Hear from some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who share their experience of breast cancer. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Let’s be Upfront about where we’re at with COVID-19 at the end of what’s been a difficult year for all Australians and our health system. In this special episode of Upfront, BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti is joined by Cancer Australia CEO Dorothy Keefe, who looks back at the impact of the pandemic on the cancer space, potential silver linings to COVID-19 and how we ensure we are equipped to deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic in a COVID-normal world. We recommend this episode of Upfront is suitable for health professional audiences. This episode covers: telehealth and areas for improvement in the system that harness the power of digital but remain consumer-focused the impact of the pandemic on the people that work in the health system hyperfractionation of radiotherapy the role of the shared care model and optimal care pathway in 2021 and beyond the potential impact in 2021 of the drop in breast cancer diagnoses this year due to the pandemic a way forward for ensuring breast reconstruction is a priority in COVID-normal RESOURCES: Register as a Health Professional with BCNA to start signing your patients up to use the My Journey online tool, which has a dedicated COVID-19 information hub, tailored to diagnosis type. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly empowered by Red Energy. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Let’s be Upfront about the fact that men get breast cancer too. 63 year-old Tasmanian Phil Purnell had no idea that men could get breast cancer when he found a lump in his breast and was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (stage 2 breast cancer) in March. In this episode, Phil shares a candid insight in to his breast cancer journey as a man, which was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also joining us is breast cancer specialist, radiation oncologist and author, Professor John Boyages, who has written booklets on the subject of male breast cancer. This episode covers: the shock of diagnosis when Phil had no idea that men even could get breast cancer why breast cancer isn’t as common in men the role of genetics in the male breast cancer experience the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on male fertility and notions of masculinity the experience of treatment and options available to men the physical and psychological impact of breast cancer treatment. RESOURCES: Sign up for the My Journey online tool, which has a range of resources available for men diagnosed with breast cancer, including information on support and treatment specifically for men. Visit our Online Network, where you will find a dedicated discussion group for men diagnosed with breast cancer. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. In this special episode of Upfront About Breast Cancer, we’re joined by federal parliamentarian Peta Murphy MP. Peta was first diagnosed with early breast cancer at age 37, and found out she had metastatic breast cancer nine years later, just two days after she was sworn in to parliament. We invited Peta to put a rear-view lens on her life with breast cancer and write a letter to herself. In this podcast, you’ll hear that letter as well as Peta’s story in her own words. We explore Peta’s experience of displaying strength through vulnerability, the many emotions tied up in a breast cancer journey and, ultimately, how Peta’s using her position to improve the lives of others living with breast cancer. RESOURCES: Sign up for the My Journey online tool, which has a range of resources available people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Visit our Online Network, where you will find a dedicated discussion group for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting.  Let’s be upfront about caring for someone with breast cancer. Being a carer can mean many different things, and usually involves providing both practical and emotional support to a loved one. In this episode, we are joined by Joel Domigan, whose wife Jules was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 34, when the couple had just fallen pregnant with their first child. In this episode, recorded while Jules was receiving palliative care, Joel opens up about his role in providing care and support for his wife while also trying to look after himself. This episode covers: the importance of looking after yourself as a carer and seeking support as required coping with day-to-day life including work and childcare while dealing with treatment and palliative care the pressures of being a carer; including the difficulty of finding time for yourself the importance of being present and focusing on controlling the controllable. Sadly, a week after recording this podcast, Jules passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We thank Joel for talking to us and sharing his story at a difficult time for him and his family. RESOURCES: My Journey online tool BCNA Online Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.

  We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about breast cancer in young women. Well known TV personality and business owner Sally Obermeder was 40 weeks pregnant with her first child when she was diagnosed with triple negative Stage 3 breast cancer. One week after her daughter was born, she returned to hospital to begin chemotherapy. In this episode, Sally speaks candidly about her personal experience; from diagnosis to treatment, including her decision to use a surrogate for her second child. This episode covers: the shock and emotional impact of diagnosis the effect of diagnosis on relationships and the importance of a support network finding joy and happiness in dark times and being honest with yourself and others throughout the experience of treatment and post-treatment, including decisions around surgery the impact of diagnosis, treatment and surgery on body image and self-confidence fertility and surrogacy. RESOURCES: Sign up for the My Journey online tool BCNA online network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.  

Let’s be Upfront about ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS. Non-life-threatening and often referred to as ‘stage 0 breast cancer’, the experience and treatment of DCIS can be significant and frightening, so it’s important to understand the facts. There is a lot of confusion about what DCIS is, its inconsistent terminology and why treatment options can be so significant if it’s not actually considered invasive breast cancer. In this episode, we’re joined by Ellis Zonderhuis, who was diagnosed with DCIS in 2019, as well as Dr Jocelyn Lippey, who specialises in oncoplastic breast surgery. This episode covers: · What exactly DCIS is – is it breast cancer or not? · What the common treatment options for DCIS look like · The relationship between DCIS and breast cancer · Follow up care, recovery and recurrence RESOURCES: DCIS – the facts Questions you might want to ask when diagnosed with DCIS BCNA online network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.

Let’s be Upfront about palliative care. To many, those two words prompt fear, and thoughts of death and dying. In reality, palliative care offers so much beyond just end of life care for those living with metastatic breast cancer; focusing on symptom management and ensuring quality of life. In this episode, we’re joined by BCNA Community Liaison Marie Pandeloglou, who, following a breast cancer diagnosis 10 years ago, has been living with metastatic breast cancer for the past five years. Also offering their insight and expertise is Medical Oncologist and Palliative Medicine Physician Associate Professor Michael Franco. This episode covers: Palliative care as a holistic approach to symptom management involving a multidisciplinary team When to access palliative care The value in building a strong relationship with your palliative care team Marie’s recent experience of accessing palliative care The cost involved in accessing palliative care RESOURCES: The role of palliative care article on the My Journey online tool Managing symptoms and treatment side effects article on the My Journey online tool Sign up to the My Journey online tool BCNA online network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.

Let’s be Upfront about invasive lobular carcinoma. The second most common form of invasive breast cancer, picking up lobular carcinoma on mammograms can be difficult as they often don’t present as a lump in the breast. In this episode, we’re joined by BCNA board member, surgical oncologist and specialist breast surgeon Professor Bruce Mann to help break down all of the information around invasive lobular carcinoma. This episode covers: What invasive lobular carcinoma is Detection of invasive lobular carcinoma, often in the absence of a lump How invasive lobular carcinoma is diagnosed The role of artificial intelligence and computer algorithms in diagnosis Treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma RESOURCES: The types and subtypes of breast cancer Sign up for the My Journey online tool BCNA online network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.

In this episode, Upfront sits down with Australian Olympic legend and BCNA board member Raelene Boyle AM, MBE. Speaking openly and honestly about her cancer journey, Raelene discusses the mental impact of her breast cancer diagnosis, the experience of survivor guilt, how the darkness can still overwhelm her and the strategies she’s developed over the years to pull herself out of it. This episode takes a deep and personal look at Raelene’s life as well as the important and celebrated role she has played within BCNA over the last twenty years. It covers: · The importance of a support network · Coping with depression · Dealing with the “what now?” after treatment ends · Exercise as a positive coping strategy · Summing up twenty years involvement with BCNA RESOURCES: My Journey online tool article on  on 'Coping with the emotional effects of breast cancer treatment' BCNA online network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.

Let’s be Upfront about where we’re at with COVID-19 (coronavirus). With restrictions beginning to ease in some parts of the country, we’re taking a good look at the current situation and what it means for people at different stages of their breast cancer journey. In this episode, we’re joined by BCNA board member, surgical oncologist and specialist breast surgeon Professor Bruce Mann, as well as BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti. This episode covers: The anxiety many women are experiencing about heading back out in to the world as COVID-19 restrictions start to ease The importance of still accessing treatment, seeing a specialist, getting a mammogram, consulting your GP or generally accessing care if you have any concerns The benefits, challenges and risks of telehealth, including when to access services via telehealth and when a face to face appointment is more suitable Reintroduction of elective surgery and what it means for women waiting for breast reconstructions The optimal care pathway and its importance in guiding breast cancer care before, during and after COVID-19 RESOURCES: My Journey online tool coronavirus https://myjourney.org.au/article/3154hub BCNA Online Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly empowered by Red Energy. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.

Let’s be Upfront about end of life. A topic almost too sad to talk about, but too important not to, palliative care and exploring end of life options are a reality for the 3000 Australians who die of breast cancer each year. While breast cancer survival rates have never been better, little is understood about palliative care and what end of life looks like. Upfront is joined by Jules Domigan, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 34. Jules, an advocate for talking openly and frankly about end of life, bravely opens up about balancing her fight for life, living life, finding the joy and leaving a legacy of love. We recommend listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Due to current circumstances, this podcast was recorded remotely. Listeners may notice a slight difference in audio quality when compared with previous episodes. RESOURCES: • My Journey online tool• BCNA Online Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.

Let’s be Upfront about breast cancer and diets. There’s always a new one making big promises; juice, keto, fasting. So what’s really important when it comes to your diet and breast cancer? In this episode, we’re joined by Lana Heath who, post-diagnosis, wanted to make changes to her diet but became overwhelmed with all that Dr Google had to offer. Also joining us is accredited and practising dietitian and nutritionist, Lauren Atkins. This episode covers: Motivations for adjusting diets post-diagnosis Fad diets Overcoming loss of appetite during treatment Losing weight post-diagnosis or post-treatment The ketogenic diet Snacking inspiration RESOURCES: Physical activity, healthy eating and breast cancer Healthy eating and metastatic breast cancer Tips for eating well BCNA Online Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258.