Where to find support when you live with metastatic breast cancer

Looking after your wellbeing is easier when you are informed about support options available.

From financial support to child care benefits, BCNA has listed some key resources, assistance and incentives available for you and your family living with metastatic breast cancer. 

BCNA Helpline

BCNA's Helpline provides information about breast cancer for people living with breast cancer and for their family members and friends.

Our Helpline team can provide you with information about breast cancer and issues that may be concerning you. They can also talk to you about concerns that you may be experiencing as a result of your breast cancer and can refer you to supports available to assist you. 

Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm AEST Monday to Friday, BCNA’s Helpline team can be reached on 1800 500 258. 

You can also contact us online.

Peer support 

Support may be hard to find. A local support group can be a good way to meet people who understand what you're going through. Find dedicated metastatic breast cancer peer support groups in your area.  

In some parts of Australia, it can be difficult to find a local group that supports people with metastatic breast cancer.

Many people find BCNA's Online Network a great way to connect with other people, share experiences and seek advice. It provides a private group for people with metastatic breast cancer, called Living with metastatic breast cancer. This group was set up by, and is run by, people with metastatic breast cancer.  

Financial assistance 

For people living with metastatic breast cancer, the financial costs associated with treatment and care can be substantial. 

Fortunately, financial support and incentives are available to you and your family living with metastatic breast cancer:

• Superannuation and benefits
• Discounted taxis and parking
• Medicare and the PBS
• Centrelink assistance
• Fact sheet: Managing financial impacts of breast cancer

Practical support  

A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis can affect many aspects of your life. Here are some incentives available for you, as well as some important considerations to plan for.

• Employment
• Child care
• Community support at home
• Patient Assisted Travel Scheme
• Travel and metastatic cancer
• Planning for the future
• Lymphoedema compression garments
• Assistance from your GP 

Palliative care 

One of the ways people can access specialised support is through palliative care, yet there is often misunderstanding around what palliative care can offer because it can be associated with end-of-life care.

In reality, palliative care provides help to people living with an incurable illness – such as metastatic breast cancer – so that they can live as fully and comfortably as possible. Palliative care means that you, your family, and carers can get practical, emotional, spiritual and physical support.

Read what palliative care can provide for you and your family.