Finding support and connecting with people living with
Online communities and forums
Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly valuable.
Australian online communities:
- Support for women with advanced breast cancer (Facebook group)
- Breast cancer support Australia – metastatic and stage 4 (Facebook group)
- Pink sisters Australia/NZ – stage 4 breast cancer support (Facebook group)
If you are feeling overwhelmed in any group, it is okay to take a step back. You can mute, leave or try a different type of support.
Local and national support services
Helplines
- BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 - Breast cancer specific information and navigation, 9.00 am and 5.00 pm AEST Monday to Friday
- Lifeline 13 11 14 - 24/7 crisis support
Breast care nurses
- Many hospitals have specialist breast care nurses; some have specialist MBC nurses
- McGrath Foundation: McGrath Cancer Care Nurses provide clinical, psychosocial and emotional support throughout cancer treatment, for free, and you don’t need a referral. You can use their ‘Find a nurse’ page to see if there is a nurse near you or contact the Nursing Program Team by phone (02 8962 6100) or email bcnpt@mcgrathfoundation.com.au.
State-based services
- Cancer Council in your state or territory: These offer a variety of services depending on the state/territory but can include financial counselling, emergency financial advice, transport services, subsidised accommodation, pro bono legal and workplace support, wig and turban services
- Local cancer centers: May run support groups and living well programs
- Community health centers: May offer free or low-cost counseling
Support groups
There are a growing number of MBC support groups in Australia. Many meet face-to-face, but several are now offered online via teleconferencing (e.g. Zoom or Teams). The groups vary in style – some meet weekly, others monthly. Some have a therapeutic focus, others are simply to connect. A couple are specifically for young women (usually <45 years of age). Many people report that they have tried a few to find the one that is the best fit for them.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Action Australia – A grassroots organisation established to share resources and support.
- BCNA Online Network - Free, private online forum “Living with
Metastatic Breast Cancer”. If you need help joining, call the BCNA helpline (1800 500 258) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST. - Facebook groups – In Facebook, search for "
metastatic breast cancer Australia" to find private groups.
In addition to the groups that meet in ‘real time’, there are also several Facebook groups. Some are general; others are sub-type or treatment specific. The more specific Facebook groups are usually international rather than Australian.
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer groups
HER2 + support groups- Young women with breast cancer (<50 years)
More support groups
Find support groups by state or territory on the MBCAA website.
You may need to try a few options to find the right fit for you. Not every group suits everyone, and that’s completely okay.
Peer support and mentoring programs
Talking one-on-one with someone who ‘gets it’ can be powerful.
What peer support offers:
- Someone who understands from lived experience
- Practical tips that worked for them
- Hope and validation
- A safe, non-judgmental space to talk about fears and concerns
Peer support programs:
- Counterpart (Victoria only): Peer support for women with advanced/
metastatic cancer who live in Victoria - Advanced Breast Care Group – Queensland: Psychologist-led peer group for women living with
metastatic breast cancer in Queensland.
Other types of support
Support doesn’t have to be cancer-specific. You might also find Country Women’s Associations (CWA) and Women’s Sheds, multicultural associations, faith communities, or local clubs that can offer community and practical help.
Some support groups meet online, which can be helpful if you live regionally or can’t travel. If in-person isn’t for you, online groups (like on Zoom) provide a way to connect from home, work or even when you are out and about.
When you’re not ready for a group
It’s completely normal to not feel ready for support groups or peer support. Some people never want to join a group or talk to anyone else with MBC, and that’s okay.
You can still get support in other ways:
- One-on-one counseling (ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan)
- Online forums where you can read without posting
- Podcasts and blogs by people with MBC
- Talk to your friends and family