Breast Cancer Network Australia's (BCNA) media team is happy to work with all media and journalists interested in breast cancer, advocacy and related issues.
We are here to:
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist in any way.
BCNA’s media guide is for journalists covering stories about metastatic breast cancer, and breast cancer more generally.
It covers facts and figures about metastatic breast cancer, as well terms to avoid and language preferences.
This guide was developed in consultation with members of BCNA’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Lived Experience Reference Group.
CEO
Kirsten Pilatti was appointed CEO in March 2018.
She has an exceptional understanding of the cancer sector having spent over a decade at BCNA and five years at Cancer Council Victoria where she was responsible for delivering communications and campaigns around prevention messages. Kirsten has held a variety of roles at BCNA including: - Director of Programs and Services - General Manager, Strategic Projects – State of the Nation - Partnerships Manager - National Marketing and Communications Manager. Highly regarded for her passion and focus on Australian women and men who have been affected by breast cancer, she is committed to giving everyone a voice and reducing the disparity of care across the country. Kirsten firmly believes that members are at the heart of what we do at BCNA and is dedicated to delivering services and supports that ensure women, men, families, colleagues and friends affected by breast cancer have a place to turn to for information, connection and support. Her deep connection to our 175,000 members was cemented after spending 18 months travelling around Australia interviewing more than 3,500 women and men about their experience of breast cancer treatment and services to find out where the gaps in service delivery are occurring. The findings were outlined in the State of the Nation report, which was delivered to Federal Parliament in June 2018. She is also proud of the work she has done to turn the spotlight on important issues such as access to breast reconstruction for women in Cairns and driving changes to the Australian healthcare system including access to drugs through the PBS such as the CDK inhibitors for Australians with metastatic breast cancer. Taking up the role in BCNA’s 20th anniversary year was not lost on Kirsten who is committed to working closely with members, staff and partners such as Bakers Delight, Berlei, Sussan and Red Energy to ensure that we can continue to ensure that Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very support and care appropriate to their individual needs. Born and raised in Western Australia, she lives in Melbourne with her partner and two sons.
Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services
With a background in nursing and a Master of Education in Leadership Policy and Change.
Vicki brings extensive health leadership, governance, research, clinical and health management experience to BCNA. She has been appointed to a number of committees, including the Medicare Benefits Scheme Review Liaison Group, the Victorian COVID-19 Cancer Network Taskforce, and the Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group. In January 2023, she was appointed President of the ABC Global Alliance General Assembly and a Board member of the Alliance, an international multi-stakeholder platform for collaborating on common projects relating to advanced breast cancer. She is a non-executive board director of the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and Chair of their Governance and Risk Sub-committee.
Director Fundraising & Marketing
Sandra has over 25 years’ senior leadership experience.
In the for-purpose sector, including with arts and health organisations, and local government in Canada and Australia. She has led many successful, multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns, and has academic qualifications in marketing and market research. She has a special interest in impact evaluation and has spoken on this topic at conferences in Australia and Singapore. She has received scholarships to study executive leadership at Harvard University and not-for profit governance with the AICD. She is a Board member of the Australian Youth Orchestra and Chair of Polyglot Theatre.