We are a clinician-led organisation where patient education and support services are initiated by the very people who treat breast cancer patients every day.
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Your donation will help us enhance breast cancer treatment and care, and increase survival rates.
We began in 2009 with a vision to provide high quality care while conducting research that would deliver the most advanced treatments and save lives.
BCRC-WA conducts research into breast cancer treatment and care that underpins the treatment we provide to our patients.
PYNKS is a supportive social group run by BCRC-WA in Perth, Western Australia, for patients with metastatic or advanced breast cancer.
PYNKS derives its name from Positive, Young, Nurturing, Kids/family focused, Strength-giving … words that sum up BCRC-WA’s warm, friendly and welcoming social group for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer (also known as secondary or advanced breast cancer) is a when cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body.
Join our PYNKS meetings each month to share and connect with others like-minded people who can provide understanding, friendship and support.
Our free program involves casual coffee catch-ups and chats, fun activities and outings.
PYNKS is free and open to anyone living with metastatic breast cancer. We also welcome family, children, friends, loved ones and carers to some of our events.
Our regular event is a coffee and chat morning on the second Tuesday of every month from 10 am until 11.30 am.
BCRC-WA staff will be in attendance and all welcome.
The 2020 event schedule for PYNKS is currently on hold due to COVID-19.
The well being and safety of our members is of paramount importance.
However, many members will be reaching out at this time for additional support.
Our members currently connect on a WhatsApp group. If you would like to join in on the conversation and connect with other women via WhatsApp living with Metastatic Breast Cancer email us on info@bcrc-wa.com.au.
Before joining PYNKS we encourage you to read our PYNKS Group Meeting Guidelines
To join PYNKS, please complete a registration form and email the completed form back to info@bcrc-wa.com.au
For more information, please call (08) 6500 5501.
For upcoming PYNKS events, please visit our Events page.
One of our members, Di McPherson, shares her experience with PYNKS below:
” When I was diagnosed in 2013, my usual experience with doctors had been a yearly flu shot and the occasional tonsillitis. For me, my breast cancer diagnosis was like entering an alternative universe. Fortunately, I was able to be part of a trial so I was guided through the maze of healing medications, scans and tests with one of the girls always there to hold my hand and listen to my concerns. I was also encouraged to attend PYNKS and I am so very grateful I did. I met an amazing group of women who are always generous in sharing their experiences and willing to help in any way they can. Being able to talk, laugh and sometimes cry with people who truly understand what you’re dealing with is an amazing support. I always leave a PYNKS gathering feeling lighter than when I arrived. “
To help patients and provide additional support, PYNKS has developed a booklet for families and friends of women with breast cancer. The book, entitled ‘The Power of Words’, sheds light on what’s important for patients when diagnosed with breast cancer and while undergoing treatment. It talks about how families and friends can help, what to say to patients, and more importantly, what not to say. It also gives general advice making it a helpful guide for loved ones trying to gain an understanding of breast cancer.
Professor Arlene Chan’s General Education Seminar is a yearly talk on what is being done for patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer. This seminar is held at Hollywood Private Hospital and educates women and men impacted by Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Professor Arlene Chan’s 2020 talk addressed the following topics: ‘What makes metastatic breast cancer different to early breast cancer’? ‘What’s new in treatment for metastatic breast cancer’ ‘What lifestyle factors are important’ ‘What are Tumour Markers?’ ‘What can be done to improve survival’
