About NTBCV
Northern Territory Breast Cancer Voice (NTBCV) was started in 1998 by a small group of Darwin-based women determined to improve services for Northern Territorians diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, there was one oncologist but no Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre (AWCCC), Breast Care Nurses (BCN) or ancillary support groups to assist those diagnosed with breast cancer. NTBCV is an incorporated and registered charity.
Some of our Achievements to Date
Since its inception, NTBCV has been involved in many areas of breast cancer advocacy, including:
- creating Dragons Abreast under the incorporation of NTBCV until it took on its own identity in 2006.
- developing the “My Journey Kit”, now available to all women going through breast cancer.
- advocating for radiation oncology services in Darwin which led to the AWCCC being opened eleven years ago.
- as a part of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA), we helped raise the profile of breast cancer and advocated for getting drugs such as Herceptin on the PBS.
- as an indirect result of NTBCV’s involvement, Darwin now has a number of BCNs and social support groups for breast cancer survivors.
- supported workshops presented by Denise Stewart, an Occupational Therapist who has been providing rehabilitation services to breast cancer survivors for over three decades. These workshops assisted health care professionals to upskill in professional development in breast cancer care.
- conducted or assisted with conducting several Darwin-based breast cancer forums, the most recent of which was held in 2023 (see Forum page for videos and presentations).
Financial Assistance
In 2012, Kerry Milson sadly passed away from breast cancer. Kerry’s last wish was for NTBCV to be in a financial situation to aid women and men diagnosed with breast cancer in times of need. NTBCV continues to support this vision providing limited and basic help such as gardening, transport to appointments, cleaning windows etc., on a one-off basis. NTBCV can only provide this help through donations from supporters.
Exercise
We actively encourage exercise as an effective means of reducing breast cancer recurrence together with a healthy lifestyle and social connections.
Our Aims
NTBCV aims to promote breast cancer awareness, continue to advocate for the improvement of services and conditions for all Territorians diagnosed with breast cancer and to promote health and wellbeing through support of exercise and health programs and social support groups.
Please see “Future Events” for upcoming webcasts which are aimed at providing information on wellbeing.
Advocacy
NTBCV advocates for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer by meeting and communicating with key stakeholders such as the AWCCC, Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) patient advocate and ancillary service providers as well as Cancer Council NT.
Fundraising
We operate on a voluntary basis and receive no direct operational government funding. Funding is primarily from donations and fundraising.
Government House Luncheon
NTBCV is privileged to have his Honour, the Honourable Dr Hugh Heggie PSM, as our Patron. For a number of years, our Patron has extended an invitation to those recently diagnosed with breast cancer, to a luncheon at Government House. NTBCV coordinates this event, which is one of the highlights of the year and thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.
Awareness
As part of NTBCV’s aim to raise awareness of breast cancer in the community, we participate annually on behalf of BCNA in the Mini Field of Women.
Early detection saves lives, and we are always on the lookout for opportunities to get this message across. We are willing to participate on an “ad hoc basis” at any opportunity so we can promote our organisation and spread the message.