Online communities and forums
Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly valuable.
Australian online communities:
- BCNA Online Network - Free, private online forum for Australian women with breast cancer
- Facebook groups - Search for “metastatic breast cancer Australia” to find private groups
- Thursday Girls (VIC) - Therapeutic support groups specifically for metastatic breast cancer
- Second Hope (VIC) - Support group for women 50+ with metastatic breast cancer
Choose Wisely
Look for groups that are moderated, share evidence-based information, and support members emotionally.
Local and national support services
National helplines (available to everyone in Australia):
- Cancer Council 13 11 20 - Information and support, Monday-Friday
- BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 - Breast cancer specific support
- Lifeline 13 11 14 - 24/7 crisis support
Breast care nurses:
- Many hospitals have specialist breast care nurses
- McGrath Foundation: Free breast care nurses across Australia
State-based services:
- Cancer Council in your state: Free counseling, support groups, practical help
- Local cancer centers: Often run support groups and programs
- Community health centers: May offer free or low-cost counseling
Calling the Cancer Council helpline was the first time I talked to someone who really understood. They connected me with local services I didn't even know existed.
Kate, diagnosed 2023
Peer support and mentoring programs
One-on-one peer support matches you with someone who has been through a similar experience.
Programs available:
- BCNA My Journey Kit: Includes option for peer support matching
- Hope & Hurdles network: Connect with others living with metastatic breast cancer
- Counterpart (VIC): Peer support for women with cancer
What peer support offers:
- Someone who really understands what you’re going through
- Practical tips from lived experience
- Hope and inspiration
- A safe space to talk about fears and concerns
Support groups (general, by subtype, or stage)
Metastatic-specific groups:
- Advanced Breast Cancer Group (QLD): Psychologist-led weekly group
- Think Pink Second Hope (VIC): Women 50+ with metastatic breast cancer
- Thursday Girls (VIC): Two separate groups for those with metastatic diagnosis and partners
General breast cancer groups:
- Cancer Council support groups in most areas
- Hospital-based groups
- Local community groups
Online groups:
- Many groups now offer Zoom meetings
- Accessible if you’re in rural areas or unable to travel
Subtype-specific:
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer groups
- HER2+ support groups
- Young women with breast cancer (<50 years)
Special population groups:
- Men with breast cancer: Men’s Virtual Meet-Up
- LGBTQIA+ people with cancer
- First Nations peoples
- Non-English speaking communities
Finding Your Fit
Try different groups to find the right fit. Not every group suits everyone, and that's completely okay.
When you’re not ready for a group
It’s completely normal to not feel ready for support groups. Some people never want to join a group, and that’s okay.
Other options:
- One-on-one counseling
- Peer support matching (without a group)
- Online forums where you can read without posting
- Podcasts and blogs by people with MBC
- Friends and family
I wasn't ready for a support group for the first year. When I finally joined one, I was glad I waited until I was ready.
David, diagnosed 2021
You can always change your mind. If you’re not ready now, you can join a group later if you want to.