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What’s On
for women living with
breast, uterine, ovarian, cervical or
other types of gynaecological cancer
WELCOME
CONTACT US
Welcome to our What’s On program for
September to December. The next What’s On
calendar will be produced in late January 2015.
We’re very excited to announce that one of our
popular sessions When There Are Long Term Side
Effects will also be open to women to participate
through a webinar. This means if you can’t make it
into our session in Melbourne’s CBD, you can link
in live using a computer or a tablet. All you need is
connection to the internet.
Starting in September, we’ll also be trialling the
use of SMS reminders to confirm attendance at
sessions (although we will still contact women
who don’t have a mobile phone).
We will be organising an outreach session to be
held at a different metro location in every What’s
On program. In October, we’re partnering with
Western Health to run a session in the western
suburbs looking at healthy eating after cancer.
September
October
November
December
2014
BreaCan supports women
with cancer to live
well through diagnosis,
treatment and beyond.
Our What’s On program is
a series of free information
sessions and activities.
Call on 1300 781 500 or email
[email protected] to
attend.
SNAPSHOT OF ACTIVITIES
No referral necessary
A free and confidential service
SEPTEMBER
Feel Good Program
WEDNESDAY 3rd
Mindfulness WEDNESDAY 10th
Feel Good Program WEDNESDAY 17th
Breast Reconstruction WEDNESDAY 17th
Dance PHONE 1300 781 500
FAX
03) 9921 0840
[email protected]
WEBwww.breacan.org.au
POST
GPO Box 1066
Melbourne, VIC 3001
RESOURCE CENTRE
Ground Floor, QVWC
210 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000 VISIT
Monday 10AM - 2PM
Wednesday 10AM - 2PM
Thursday 10AM - 2PM
[closed 2pm 18 December 2014 - 10am 12 January 2015]
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For those new to BreaCan, we are a cancer
information and support service for women living
with breast or a gynaecological cancer, their
families and friends. Now in our 10th year, we
support women with cancer to live well, during
and beyond treatment.
To find out more visit www.breacan.org.au or
simply call us on 1300 781 500.
SUPPORT US
BreaCan relies on government grants, project
funding and donations to fund our work. As
a result of better screening, early detection
programs and increased survival rates, we are
supporting more women diagnosed with cancer.
We want to continue to offer a quality support
and information service to all Victorian women,
their families and friends and we need your help
to do this.
You can donate to BreaCan at any time online at:
www.breacan.org.au/get-involved/donate
BreaCan is a service of Women’s Health Victoria.
BreaCan acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government
WHAT’s NEW
Latest links to support, information and opportunities from the cancer sector
Links to further Support & Information
THURSDAY 25th
OCTOBER
Feel Good Program
WEDNESDAY 1st
Feel Good Program
WEDNESDAY 15th
Vitamin D
WEDNESDAY 15th
Cancer Fatigue
WEDNESDAY 22nd
Menopause Symptoms MONDAY 27th
Feel Good Program
WEDNESDAY 29th
Eat Well (session at THURSDAY 30th
Sunshine Hospital)
NOVEMBER
Feel Good Program
WEDNESDAY 12th
Long Term Side Effects WEDNESDAY 12th
Exercise After A Gynaecological
Cancer
WEDNESDAY 19th
Feel Good Program
WEDNESDAY 26th
Bringing Death to Life THURSDAY 27th
DECEMBER
Art Therapy
MONDAY 1st
Feel Good Program
WEDNESDAY 10th
End of Year CelebrationTHURSDAY 11th
Please note the BreaCan Resource Centre will
close at 2pm on Thursday 18 December 2014 and
reopen on Monday 12 January 2015.
Telephone support will be available between
Monday 5 and Thursday 8 January.
Gynaecological Cancer Support
The aim of this website is to foster collaborative
psychosocial care for women diagnosed with gynaecological
cancer, their families and carers. This website contains a
variety of important tools and information for women with
gynaecological cancer, their family, partners, carers and
friends, and the health professionals involved in their care.
While it is based in NSW, there is much information that is
of interest to all Australians affected by a gynaecological
cancer. www.gynaecancersupport.org.au
Exercise for women who have
experienced breast cancer
The next YWCA Encore exercise programs are being run in
Bendigo (starting Thursday 4 September) and Glen Waverley
(from Tuesday 14 October). The 8 week program combines,
floor and pool exercises, support and information. www.
ywcaencore.org.au. Bookings are essential, so for more
information or to register contact YWCA Victoria on 03 8341
8700 or by email [email protected].
Support for people with advanced cancer
‘It’s difficult to find a support group in my area – also
sometimes I don’t feel well enough to travel so I find the
telephone support group invaluable.’
This free telephone support group gives you the chance to
talk with other people whose cancer has spread from its
original site. Members range from newly diagnosed to having
lived with advanced cancer for some time. Australian adults
can connect twice a month to share experiences and provide
or receive support. If you are interested in finding out more
please either email [email protected] or phone the Cancer
Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Moving Beyond Cancer to Wellness
Monday 22 September, 2pm – 7pm
This interactive forum is for survivors and their carers to share
experiences following a diagnosis of cancer. An initiative
of the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre and Cancer
Council Victoria, the forum represents the ‘bringing together’
of survivors to explore supported self-care management
strategies as they transition to the phase after their initial
treatment. The forum incorporates a multi-disciplinary
approach providing information on topics including diet,
exercise, emotions, financial and legal matters. For more
info: www.petermac.org/events/moving-beyond-cancerwellness-forum
Legal and financial assistance
Cancer Council Victoria now offers four pro bono programs
for clients experiencing financial hardship as the result of
their cancer diagnosis, covering legal, financial, workplace,
and small business matters. The programs are delivered by
professionals who volunteer their time to assist clients who
cannot afford to pay for advice. Visit www.cancervic.org.au/
how-we-can-help/legal-financial-assistance or call 13 11 20.
We also have information in the Resource Centre relating to
these services.
New Information Navigators available:
Healthy Eating and Exercise
Decision Making
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
Life After Treatment
Download the BreaCan Navigator app from
iTunes or Google Play or view online.
www.breacan.org.au/navigators
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
MINDFULNESS – RESPONDING RATHER
THAN REACTING TO LIFE’S CHALLENGES
ALL ABOUT VITAMIN D
WHEN THERE ARE LONG TERM
SIDE EFFECTS
WEDNESDAY
15 OCTOBER
11.00AM – 12.30PM
WEDNESDAY
10 SEPTEMBER
10.30AM – 12.00PM
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
Mindfulness is simply described as ‘moment to moment
awareness, with acceptance’. When we are being
mindful, we are engaged with the present moment,
and are able to weather the storms of life more easily.
Mindfulness is an enriching approach to living, and a skill
than can be developed and strengthened through specific
meditation practices. Join Suzanne Peyton, Mindfulness
Teacher, to learn how to help reduce the experience of
stress, and participate in some introductory activities.
MAKING A CHOICE: WHAT YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
What is vitamin D? Do I have enough of it? Why is
it being talked about so much in the last few years?
What is the data on cancer and other diseases in
relation to vitamin D and how good are the studies?
The latest published results will be assessed and
presented with recommendations by Dr Margo
Honeyman. Margo has worked as a Senior Research
Scientist at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of
Medical Research.
CANCER FATIGUE – TO REST OR
NOT TO REST?
WEDNESDAY
22 OCTOBER
11.00AM TO 12.30PM
WEDNESDAY
17 SEPTEMBER
1.00PM – 2.30PM
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
Dr. Kim Taylor is a plastic surgeon who works in the field
of breast reconstruction. In this session, Kim will cover a
number of areas including what women need to consider
when deciding on breast reconstruction, the types of
reconstructive surgery available, current issues and new
developments in the field.
Tiredness can be alleviated by a quick cat nap or a
good night’s sleep. Fatigue, especially as a result
of cancer treatment, isn’t as easy to overcome.
Jane Farrow, Occupational Therapist from the Peter
MacCallum Cancer Centre, will talk in a practical way
about cancer-related fatigue and what people can do to
help themselves feel better.
DANCE AS IF NO ONE IS WATCHING
MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS AFTER CANCER
THURSDAY
25 SEPTEMBER
12.30PM – 2.30PM
Location: Women’s Health
Victoria, Level 8,
255 Bourke St, Melbourne
This dance workshop aims to encourage a stronger
connection with your body, promote a sense of wellbeing, give form to feelings, and develop a positive
body image to improve self-esteem. Expressive
movement practitioner, Dani-Ela Kayler, will give you
the opportunity to have fun and celebrate your body, to
(re)discover and (re)connect with yourself – feel freer,
more relaxed, creative, spontaneous and energised!
This will be a gentle session paced to suit all attendees.
No particular level of fitness or experience necessary.
Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
REGULAR ACTIVITIES
FEEL GOOD GENTLE EXERCISE PROGRAM
Location: Meet at the BreaCan Resource Centre, QVWC
This program offers gentle exercise to tone the body
and help the lymphatic system. Conducted by a qualified
instructor, the sessions are held fortnightly on a
Wednesday from 10.30 - 11.30am. Women participating
need to complete enrolment forms prior to attending –
for more information please call 1300 781 500 or visit
www.breacan.org.au/support-services/excercise
UPCOMING DATES: September 3 & 17, October 1,
15 & 29, November 12 & 26, December 10.
REFLEXOLOGY SESSIONS
Location: BreaCan Resource Centre, QVWC
Reflexology is a system of health care, incorporating
mind, body and spirit. It offers tangible benefits to those
living with a diagnosis of cancer and complements
existing treatments. These sessions are delivered by
a qualified reflexologist and offer an opportunity to
alleviate some of your stress and tension. Please call to
book an appointment.
MAKING CONNECTIONS —
for women living with advanced breast or
an advanced gynaecological cancer.
In addition to the sessions listed here, BreaCan also runs
programs specifically for women living with advanced
cancers (also called secondary or metastatic cancers).
If you would like to know more please call 1300 781 500.
WEDNESDAY
12 NOVEMBER
6.00PM – 7.30PM
MONDAY 27 OCTOBER
10.30AM – 12.00PM
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
This session will also be simulaneously broadcast as
a webinar. For more information about the webinar
please visit www.breacan.org.au/events/side-effects.
This session will focus on the psychological aspects
of managing unexpected long term side effects which
arise as a consequence of cancer treatment. These
issues include, but are not limited to, lymphoedema,
peripheral neuropathy, bone and joint problems, fatigue,
and menopausal symptoms. They can have a significant
impact on adjusting to life after treatment. Jane Fletcher,
psychologist and Director of the Melbourne PsychoOncology Service at Cabrini Health, will facilitate.
EXERCISE AFTER GYNAECOLOGICAL
CANCER TREATMENT
WEDNESDAY
19 NOVEMBER
10.30AM – 12.00PM
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
Helen Eason is an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
who leads the Multidisciplinary Lymphoedema Unit
at Monash Cancer Centre, Moorabbin Hospital. Helen
will discuss practical issues to do with physical activity
after gynaecological cancer treatment including: why
exercise is important, what kind of exercise might be
appropriate, what limitations might women experience,
and where to get advice.
BRINGING DEATH TO LIFE
The onset of menopausal symptoms after treatment for
breast or gynaecological cancer can have a long-lasting
effect on quality of life, body image, sexual function
and self-esteem. Faith Rees is the Nurse Co-Ordinator
for the Menopause Symptoms After Cancer Clinic at
the Women’s, and will speak on the management of
menopausal symptoms in women after cancer.
EAT WELL (NO MATTER WHERE IN THE
WORLD YOU’RE FROM)
OUTREACH SESSION THURSDAY
30 OCTOBER
10.30AM – 12.30PM
Location: Auditorium,
Western Centre for Health
Research and Education,
Sunshine Hospital, 176
Furlong Road, St Albans
Many women would like to pay a more attention to
healthy eating after a cancer diagnosis. In this session
Andrea Potter and Tham Thu Nam Nguyen from
Cohealth will debunk a few myths about healthy eating
and provide some guidance on day to day choices.
Their experience in multicultural communities will
ensure there are tips and suggestions for making
healthy adjustments to foods from many cultures.
(Maps and instructions to help you get there can be
provided when you book in).
BOOKING & CANCELLATIONS
As you can see, BreaCan runs a wide variety of
activities and information sessions. Often sessions
have limited space and bookings are essential.
If you do book into a session we will always confirm
that you can attend (SMS, email or phone) prior to the
session. If you are unable to make a session that you
have booked into please contact the resource centre
so that we can make your space available to someone
else. Thank you.
CDS AND PODCASTS
Some information sessions are recorded and available
to borrow on CD, or download as a podcast from our
website. Visit www.breacan.org.au
THURSDAY
27 NOVEMBER
10.30AM – 12.30PM
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
“From the hour you’re born you begin to die. But
between birth and death there is life” Simone de Beauvoir
As a society, we can find it difficult or uncomfortable to
talk about death. Dying to Know: Bringing Death to Life
(Hardie Grant Books, 2007) is an accessible, visual, quirky
and insightful book which gives a platform to start a
conversation about our thoughts, beliefs and aspirations
surrounding the end of life. This workshop will be
facilitated by Josie Scott, Counsellor, Celebrant, Creative
Arts therapist and former BreaCan staff member.
BreaCan has a few copies of the book for loan.
DECEMBER
ART THERAPY
MONDAY 1 DECEMBER
10.30AM – 12.30PM
Location: BreaCan
Resource Centre, QVWC
If you would like to explore something that is important
to you through using a sensory and creative approach,
this may be the session for you. This Art Therapy
session offers a combined relaxation, meditation and art
experience that will assist you to express thoughts and
feelings, and nurture the whole self. Jenny Bendistinto,
an experienced Art Therapist, will facilitate.
BREACAN END OF YEAR CELEBRATION
THURSDAY
11 DECEMBER
10.30AM – 12.30PM
Location: Fourth floor, Queen
Victoria Women’s Centre
BreaCan invites you to help us celebrate the festive
season with friends, fun and some yummy food! We
can look back on the wonderful achievements of 2014
and enjoy catching up with old friends and meeting new
ones. This is always a popular event so to help us cater
for all please RSVP by Thursday 4th December.