About our education program
The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) Education Program provides information, education, and support to healthcare professionals, as well as to women, their partners, families, and carers. The program focuses on improving understanding of breast disease, diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing care.
Through initiatives such as the Breast Care Nurse Practicum, GP Education Program, Radiographer Practicum, and international conferences, Westmead BCI continues to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
Westmead BCI fact sheets
In 2000, Westmead BCI received a grant to develop a comprehensive range of patient information brochures. At the time, while general resources on breast cancer were available, there was limited information addressing specific diagnoses and treatments in a clear, accessible format.
BCI fact sheets were created to bridge this gap. They cover:
- breast cancer treatments and procedures
- breast health and screening
- benign breast conditions
- healthy lifestyle information
Today, BCI fact sheets are widely distributed across Australia and New Zealand and are used by healthcare professionals to support patient education. Notably, around 70% of orders are distributed to regional and rural areas.
All fact sheets are developed collaboratively by BCI clinical staff, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and radiographers. Content undergoes rigorous review by clinical experts, medical and plain English editors, and consumers to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Fact sheets are also regularly updated to maintain current, evidence-based information.
Fact sheets are available online. Limited printed copies can be requested via email at
odes@bci.org.au or by calling (02) 8890 3659. These resources are also available for use at community or fundraising events to support breast cancer awareness.
Breast Care Nurse Practicum
Westmead BCI, in partnership with the McGrath Foundation, delivers a highly regarded Breast Care Nurse Practicum aimed at supporting the professional development of breast care nurses across Australia.
Developed in collaboration with the Australian College of Nursing, this program provides practical training and clinical exposure. Since 2006, BCI has delivered:
- Early Breast Cancer Practicum (2–3 times per year) – a one-week intensive program.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Workshops (Online)– held twice annually.
These programs bring nurses from across Australia to train alongside the BCI multidisciplinary team, enhancing their skills and knowledge in breast cancer care.
GP Education Program
BCI hosts an annual GP Education Forum designed to support general practitioners in managing patients with breast conditions.
Topics include:
- breast imaging
- benign breast conditions
- breast screening
- breast surgery
- long-term follow-up care (emerging focus)
In collaboration with WentWest, BCI has also developed targeted workshops in response to GP feedback. These workshops address:
- increasing presentations of abnormal breast imaging findings
- management of symptomatic patients
- the expanding role of GPs in long-term breast cancer care.
International Breast Cancer Conference
The International Breast Cancer Conference was established in 1988 to bring together multidisciplinary experts to address challenges in breast cancer management, including survival outcomes and care coordination.
Held every four years, the conference provides a platform to share the latest advancements in:
- screening and early detection
- diagnosis and treatment
- supportive care
The 9th conference was successfully held in Leura in 2024. Planning is underway for the 10th conference, scheduled for October 2028, aligning with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Further details on the venue and dates will be announced soon.