Episode 2: Forged in Fire: Relationships with your Medical Team and Self-advocacy 

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au 

Let’s be Upfront about navigating relationships with your medical team. 

Your medical team is often comprised of a group of professionals who you don’t know and who come into your life at short notice, in a highly stressful and emotional time. In this episode, Charlotte explores how for many people their experience with their medical team is a positive one, however this isn’t always the case. 

Charlotte shares how it’s important to advocate for yourself and have expectations of what you can reasonably expect from different members of your medical team and what is important to you. We also learn about cognitive and behavioral strategies to help you identify your individual needs and tools that can assist. 

This podcast was recorded in February 2023 

RESOURCES: 

• Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources  
• Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience 

Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. 

Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. 

Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. 

Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258