About BreaCan
BreaCan is a unique information and support service for Victorian women living with breast or gynaecological cancers. As a service of Women’s Health Victoria, BreaCan presents an opportunity for women to connect and speak with trained peer support volunteers. The volunteers have all experienced cancer themselves or cared for someone who has. BreaCan offers women a holistic support and information service that works in tandem with their medical treatment and existing support systems. It is a statewide service that is confidential and free.
Women’s Health Victoria (WHV), the Breast Cancer Action Group and Women’s Health Services throughout Victoria were instrumental in the establishment of BreaCan in 2003. The Department of Human Services (DHS), through BreastCare Victoria, originally funded the service for three years as a statewide pilot project supporting women living with breast cancer, their family and friends. The service secured ongoing funding from the Department of Human Services in 2005.
On May 1 2007, BreaCan opened its doors to women with gynaecological cancers, providing access to up-to-date information and support.
WHV is the legal entity which receives funding for BreaCan, from DHS and it is governed by a voluntary Council of up to 12 members. BreaCan also has an Advisory Group made up of health professionals and consumers connected to the cancer sector. The Advisory Group links with WHV’s governance structure. The Chair of the BreaCan Advisory Group is a member of the WHV Council. As part of her role as Chair she reports on issues raised in the Advisory Group and where appropriate, refer matters for decision to Council.
The purpose of the advisory group is to provide advice, guidance and support for BreaCan’s service development and achievement of its service deliverables.
BreaCan Advisory Group Members at June 2010
Annabel Pollard – Chair
Lyn Allison
Heather Beanland
Christine Evely
Bronwyn Flanagan
Jane Fletcher
Claudia Ginn
Jane McNeilage
Penny Sanderson
Katy Weare
Marilyn Beaumont – WHV Executive Director
Di Missen – BreaCan Manager
Each year BreaCan produces its Year in Review, which highlights work conducted over the last financial year. To download copies of these please visit the publications page of the site.
