BCNA champions consumer engagement at National Cancer Survivorship Conference

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) continues to take a leading role in championing consumer engagement in cancer research, proudly serving as a gold-tier sponsor at this year’s National Cancer Survivorship Conference hosted by Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA). The event, set to take place in Melbourne this March, will bring together leading experts, researchers, and advocates to showcase the importance of advancing survivorship care to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

Recognising the critical role of lived experience in shaping research and treatment approaches, BCNA is using our sponsorship to highlight the importance of consumer partnership in research. Our consumer engagement initiatives—including the Seat at the Table (SATT) Consumer Representative program, Review and Survey Groups, and Lived Experience Reference Groups—provide researchers with direct access to those most impacted by their work. By amplifying the voices of those with lived experience, BCNA aims to provide researchers with the opportunity to engage directly with those who would be most impacted by their research to deliver better outcomes for all.

One of the most anticipated components of the conference is the pre-conference workshop, From Patient to Partner: Unlocking the Power of Consumer Engagement, which BCNA is co-hosting. The workshop, which sold out in record time, has attracted a diverse audience, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and many people with a lived cancer experience. The overwhelming interest demonstrates the growing recognition of the need for consumer perspectives in shaping research and policy.

Attendees can expect a range of insights and discussions on best practices for embedding consumer engagement in cancer research. BCNA will be sharing highlights from the workshop and the broader conference on its social media platforms over the next two weeks. Additionally, key content, including interviews with researchers and consumer representatives, will be featured on BCNA’s revamped Research and Collaboration webpage later in 2025.

Stay tuned as BCNA continues to advocate for consumer partnerships, ensuring that those affected by breast cancer have a powerful voice in shaping the future of survivorship research.