Welcome Visitor - Editor Login

If you find or have written any articles of interest you can email us the details via our contact us page.

Check out Holly's comic - written by Young Ones Member Holly Shorland.

We are also featuring the article Survival: A womans tale by Carol Nader which was published in the Age on 16th May.

Or you can browse our library for books which may be of interest.

Resources for young women - collated by BreaCan

Victorian Clinical Services

Choice Clinic – The Royal Women’s Hospital offers advice, consultation and treatment for all contraceptive and sexual health needs. Tel 9344 2183

Fertility Clinics/Reproductive Services offer counsellors, a fertility specialist and a specialist gynaecologist. All women are welcome to see a counsellor to discuss the impact of cancer treatment on their reproductive health.

Royal Women’s Hospital 9344 2057 or 9344 2372

Sunshine Clinic 9356 9133

Epping Clinic 9408 2236

Ringwood Clinic 9871 4766

Dandenong Clinic 9706 9995

Jean Hailes Foundation provides services on women’s health and menopause, including alternative/ complementary therapies. Tel 9562 7771 www.jeanhailes.org.au

Menopause Clinics

Mercy Hospital for Women

The Royal Women’s Hospital 9344 2183

Monash Medical Centre 9594 2445

Sexuality Counselling Clinic – The Royal Women’s Hospital 9344 2717

Books or online files

Western Breast Services Alliance Booklet:

What to ask, when: questions for younger women with breast cancer

The booklet covers issues and topics such as: feelings; body image; relationships; contraception; fertility; and menopause. It provides key questions to ask and consider when undergoing treatment.

The booklet is available electronically to health professionals on intranet sites of The Royal Women’s Hospital, The Melbourne Hospital and Western Health. This booklet is also available in printed form from BreaCan

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management and Support of Younger Women with Breast Cancer (2004) (Australian)
National Breast Cancer Centre 2004. This book is written for clinicians but can also be sued by women. It is available as a book from the NBCC http://www.nbcc.org.au/resources/resource.php?code=YWC
or online from http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/_files/cp101.pdf

Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book

Love, Susan M. 4th edition. US: Da Capo Press. 2005

Fighting for our future: how young women find strength, hope and courage with taking control of breast cancer

Murphy, Beth. Sydney: McGraw-Hill. 2003

Can I Still Have Children? – Fertility Options For Young Women Having Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Reproductive Services, Royal Women’s Hosptial: Women’s Health Publications. 2004

No Less a Women: femininity, sexuality and breast cancer

Kahane, Deborah Hobler. Alameda, CA: Hunter House. 1995

Sexuality and fertility after cancer

Schover, Leslie R. Brisbane: John Wiley and Sons. 1997

When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring For Young Children

Harpham, Wendy Schlessel. New York: Harper Collins. 1997

My Mum Has Breast Cancer, A Family's Journey Lisa Sewards and Harrison Sewards 2006

When A Parent has Breast Cancer: How to Talk to Your Kids. A Guide for parents with cancer, their families and friends Cancer Council NSW 2005

DVDs/CDs

Young Women Talking – New Information for Young Women with Breast Cancer

Young Women Talking’ is a unique resource for young women affected by breast cancer. It includes a 20 minute DVD and supplementary booklet exploring the issues affecting young women with breast cancer as told by a group of young women, in their own words.

The women in the DVD address particular themes which reflect the unique issues that young women face such as early menopause and fertility, the impact on relationships, particularly young families and body image.

The resource has been funded by The Cancer Council Victoria and meets an important information need for young women under 45 years of age.

Young Women Talking also provides a brief guide for health professionals on how they may use the DVD as a resource with young women.

For further information about this resource, or to obtain a free copy please contact BreaCan on 1300 781 500.

So, I have breast cancer, what now? A guide for women and their families

Produced by the Women’s Health Program of Monash University.

Information and support services

BreaCan – Breast Cancer Support

BreaCan is a unique service that provides breast cancer information and support for people with breast cancer, their families and friends. Trained volunteers, all of whom have experienced breast cancer, or had a close association with someone who has, assist people either face-to-face, by phone and/or email at BreaCan’s city based resource centre.

Location: Queen Victoria Women's Centre, Ground floor, 210 Lonsdale Street. Opening times: 10am-2pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Telephone: 1300 781 500 (cost of a local call for country callers)
Website: www.breacan.org.au

BCKOnline

Welcome to Breast Cancer Knowledge Online (BCKOnline) – your gateway to breast cancer information. This portal is the combined work of women with breast cancer and a team of Monash University researchers. It can be tailored to the needs of women under 40 or 40 – 49. There are over 1000 items for women under 40 and another 1000 items for women 40-49.

Web address: http://www.bckonline.monash.edu.au

The Cancer Council Victoria (TCCV)

TCCV provides information and support through the Cancer Helpline, Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Look Good Feel Better Program, Cancer Connect and other support groups.

Telephone: Cancer Helpline 13 11 20 (For all states of Australia)

Website: www.cancervic.org.au

Support groups

The Young Ones
The Young Ones is a social support group for Victorian women under 45 who have experienced breast cancer. Telephone: 0411 235 964 Website: www.theyoungones.asn.au

Gippsland Young Women’s Telelink Cancer Support Group

An innovative telephone counselling support group for women under 45 years living with cancer in Gippsland. For more information or to register your interest contact Alma Ries, Community Health Nurse, Gippsland Women’s Health Service Free call 1800 805 448 (Mon-Thurs)

Advocacy groups

Young Action on Breast Cancer (YABC)

YABC is committed to advocating the specific needs and issues which face younger women affected by breast cancer, providing a voice.

YABC Care Package

On Wednesday 18^th October, YABC were delighted to have Terry Bracks launch a Care Package for women under the age of 40 receiving treatment for breast cancer at Western Health Hospital.

The package has been put together by young women, to help other young women with some of the basics, such as help with cleaning, child care, lawn mowing and of course some items to help pamper them. The breast care nurses at Western Hospital have enthusiastically supported the idea and will distribute the package to patients. The Care Package has been made possible through the generous donations from MOR, Jim's Services, Dial An Angel, Seddon Therapies, Arbre, Collins Booksellers as well as many local businesses. See some of the media articles from the launch on the website at: http://www.theyoungones.asn.au/articles_of_interest

YABC Young Women’s Conference

Planning is underway for a two day Conference next October, entitled Up Close and Personal 2 following the successful forum in 2002. Day One will feature experts and young women’s experiences that focus on Fertility, Menopause and Sexuality, an evening celebration will follow. Day Two will feature a hypothetical session, providing young women an opportunity to hear about research and future developments, as well as a chance to participate in discussions around issues related to young women and help to set the agenda for action. Sponsorship will be provided to assist interstate and rural participation. To assist with our planning we encourage young women to write to us about the issues that are important to them and to tell us their stories. Further information will appear on the Young One’s website by April next year.

Contacting YABC

Young women affected by breast cancer are invited to join YABC.

Email ya-bc@hotmail.com Phone: 0411 235 964 orVisit: http://www.theyoungones.asn.au/young_action_on_breast_cancer

Current clinical trials specifically for young women

There are three trials designed for young women with early breast cancer. They are all cooperative groups trials and available at various sites in Australia.

IBCSG 24-02 SOFT (Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial) - this trial is suitable for premenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer when the woman's ovaries are continuing to produce oestrogen (ie remain premenopausal) after chemotherapy (if given). For the hormonal part of their breast cancer treatment women are randomized to

(i) 5 years of tamoxifen alone (this is the standard arm)

(ii) 5 years of ovarian function suppression + tamoxifen

(iii) 5 years of ovarian function suppression + exemestane

The ovarian function suppression can be achieved by monthly injections (reversible method of inducing menopause) or by permanent methods (eg oophorectomy). Women can enter the trial up to 8 months after completion chemotherapy - ie they may have their periods stop for a while after chemotherapy and then restart and they can still be suitable for the trial.

IBCSG 25-02 TEXT (Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial) - this trial is suitable for premenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer when the doctor and woman think she should definitely receive ovarian function suppression as part of her treatment. Chemotherapy is optional according to patient and clinician preference. Randomization for hormonal part of treatment to:

(i) 5 years of ovarian function suppression + tamoxifen

(ii) 5 years of ovarian function suppression + exemestane

IBCSG 34 POEMS (Prevention of Early Menopause Study) - this trial is suitable for premenpausal women with hormone receptor negative (ER and PR negative) breast cancer who will receive adjuvant chemotherapy and want to avoid premature menopause which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Women are randomized to receive in conjunction with their chemotherapy

(i) monthly injections of zoladex or (ii) no zoladex

Prue Francis from Peter MacCalllum Cancer Institute chairs SOFT and TEXT within Australia and Kelly Phillips also from Peter MacCalllum Cancer Institute chairs POEMS if additional information is required. There is some information on ANZ BCTG website in clinical trials section, see http://www.anzbctg.org/default.asp?file=clintrials.asp&TrialType=Main

Oncologists can provide contact with these trials.

Web sites

Aussie Breast Cancer Forum
An email forum for sharing the experience of breast cancer and for their family, friends, carers and loved ones. http://www.bcaus.org.au/forum/

National Breast Cancer Centre (NBCC)

Some information for young women can be found at http://www.breasthealth.com.au/treatment/youngerwomen.html

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) The BCNA website has a section devoted to young women with breast cancer, with personal stories, information about support groups and services relevant for young women with breast cancer and their families

http://www.bcna.org.au/cms/details.asp?NewsID=269 Young women’s info.

New South Wales Breast Cancer Institute

Has a few young women’s stories Website: www.bci.org.au They also have an email support group for young women. http://www.bci.org.au/young_bmail.htm

The American Cancer Society

Because this is a general cancer site it is necessary to search for young women and breast cancer. There is a lot of information available. Website: www.cancer.org

The Young Survival Coalition, an international, non-profit network dedicated to the concerns and issues unique to young women and breast cancer. Through action, advocacy and awareness, the YSC seeks to educate the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities and to persuade them to address breast cancer in women 40 and under. The YSC also serves as a point of contact for young women living with breast cancer. Website: www.youngsurvival.org

Resources_for_young_women_VCOG.doc

Young Women Talking DVD now available at BreaCan

Young Women Talking . . .about living with breast cancer

Are you under 45 years of age?

Have you Been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Young Women Talking is a new resource which includes a 20 min DVD and supplementary booklet exploring the issues affecting young women with breast cancer.

The DVD features the personal stories of four inspiring women, who were all diagnosed with breast cancer in their early 30s.

It has been developed by BreaCan, an information and support servie for women affected by breast cancer. The resource was funded by the Think Pink Committee through The Cancer Council Victoria.

If you would like a copy of this resource, or would like some support, please contact BreaCan on 1300 781 500

YWT_Flyer_-_Mail-Out.pdf

Pregnancy after breast cancer: population based study

Young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer need not wait the recommended two years after treatment before attempting to conceive, says a study published on bmj.com today.

Women of childbearing age who are diagnosed with breast cancer are currently advised to wait at least two years after treatment to become pregnant. This is mainly to identify those who relapse early and have a poor prognosis, but there are no published data to suggest that postponing conception will affect the outcome of the cancer or pregnancy. In fact, some studies have implied that subsequent pregnancy may provide a survival benefit.

NOTE: For the full article, please follow the supplied link.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-12/bmj-wnn120606.php

OPEN ACCESS: Pregnancy after breast cancer: population based study(PDF) <http://www.bmj.com/cgi/rapidpdf/bmj.39035.667176.55v1> [British Medical Journal <http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/> ; Subscribe

<http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/aboutsite/subscriptions.shtml?ck=nck

Star Newspaper article 25 October 2006

Star Newspaper
Pack helps young breast................

By Christine de Kock
25th October 2006 01:03:30 PM

A YARRAVILLE woman is helping young survivors of breast cancer adjust to their new circumstances through a care package that is available through Western Hospital’s breast care nurse.

Joanne Smith, who is also a survivor of breast cancer, said she and five other women put together the packages as a result of their own experience.

They are members of the Young Action on Breast Cancer group.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer last March,” Ms Smith said.

“I was 32, married and I hoped to buy a house and start a family.”

But her plans were put on hold after she was diagnosed with the illness.

Ms Smith juggled a mix of physical, emotional and financial issues after her diagnosis.

“I was lucky enough to have a supportive husband and a network of friends and family who cooked meals, took me to chemo and assisted in keeping things slightly ‘normal’.

“Whilst I was grateful that I had access to this informal support it was not always easy to reach out and ask for help or assistance with day-to-day things, like cleaning the house.

“Finances were tight, so I didn’t ‘spoil’ myself as much as I probably needed.”

Ms Smith said that as a result the care package includes support for daily needs such as Dial An Angel vouchers, which can be claimed for cleaning or baby sitting services.

The package includes a number of other vouchers in addition to beauty and healthcare products.

“There’s also a cushion, that’s shaped like a hand bag- that was made by the Zonta club.”

She said the cushion was used to slip under the arm to prevent the arm banging against the breast area, which might be tender after surgery.

Ms Smith said she would have appreciated a care package because it was a demonstration of support by her peers and showed an understanding of her situation.

“Having breast cancer can be an isolating experience for a young woman, you mainly hear of older women having breast cancer,” she said.

“It was important to me to have support from women my own age who were also survivors of breast cancer.”

She said young women dealt with concerns about their fertility, body image and the impact on their career when they were diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It impacts on careers because you take time off work to have surgery, chemotherapy and to recover.”

The care package was launched at the Western Hospital in Footscray last week by Terry Bracks, wife of Premier Steve Bracks.

Western Health Breast Services clinic provides a comprehensive service for women in Melbourne’s western region who have breast cancer and benign breast conditions.

The service can be accessed at Sunshine Hospital while other breast oncology services are accessed at Western Hospital.

What Now?

In July 2006 BreaCan hosted a seminar facilitated by Carrie Lethborg, an oncology social worker at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne entitled, “What happens when the treatment is over.” It was based on a study undertaken by the Oncology and Social Work department at St Vincent’s and examined the ‘lived experiences’ of women and their partners through the diagnosis, treatment and recovery phases of early breast cancer.

The booklet attached outlines what was covered in this session and may be helpful to those who are trying to come to terms with breast cancer after the treatment has ended.

“Now What? When treatment ends: A publication for women who have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer, and their partners.” St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne

now_what.pdf