Background
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national consumer organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer, representing more than 100,000 individual members and 308 Member Groups across Australia. We support, inform, represent and connect Australians affected by breast cancer.
Aim
Since 2000, BCNA has run the internationally recognised consumer representative program, Seat at the Table (SATT). SATT recruits, trains, appoints and supports women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer to work as consumer representatives. BCNA connects its Consumer Representatives with researchers, policymakers, clinicians and health service providers, to ensure that the voices and experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer are considered when decisions are made about breast cancer research, treatment and care.
Program
Eighty-one Consumer Representatives across Australia participate in the program, including 26 women in Victoria.
The women have completed BCNA’s three day Science & Advocacy Training, discussing the latest in breast cancer treatment and care, survivorship issues and the role of a Consumer Representative.
Consumer Representatives are appointed to local, national and international committees, such as:
· The ACT & South East NSW Breast Cancer Treatment Group
· Cancer Australia Management of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in secondary breast cancer Working Group
· Think Tank – How to implement the measurement of mammographic density into clinical practice
Outcomes
This presentation will discuss ways in which researchers, health professionals and clinicians can meaningfully involve consumers in their projects, and the benefits of doing so. Through SATT, women affected by breast cancer work with researchers, health service providers and committees to improve the treatment, services and care for Australians affected by breast cancer. Using examples, this presentation will discuss good practices of consumer involvement and highlight how BCNA Consumer Representatives can help researchers, health professionals and others to improve cancer research and care.