Ms Boyle will headline a free Breast Cancer Network Australia forum in Ballarat on Tuesday for men, women and their supporters affected by breast cancer.

A bus will also run from Bendigo, in a bid to reach more regional people on the latest in treatment and to share the emotional and physical aspects of living well after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Ms Boyle was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and has twice been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend has worked tirelessly the past two decades, using her public profile, to help men and women overcome their hurdles with the disease. She has been actively involved with BCNA since 1999.

Ms Boyle’s decorated athletics career included three Olympic silver medals and seven Commonwealth Games gold medals. She was named in the National Trust of Australia’s 100 National Living Treasures in 1998.

The forum will also featured BCNA directors Kirsten Pilatti and Danielle Spence, medical experts and Grampians-based McGrath Breast Care Nurses Joylene Fletcher and Leanne Storer. There will also be a separate session for people living with metastatic breast cancer.

An estimated 18,235 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

BCNA chief executive officer Christine Nolan said regional forums were so important in helping people learn about new developments in treatment, but also to connect with others of similar experience.

“Breast cancer is a complex disease and it’s important that women and men with breast cancer and their loved ones have the most up-to- date information possible about treatment, research and living well after a diagnosis,” Ms Nolan said.

BCNA’s forum runs from 9.45am-3pm on Tuesday at Mecure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre. Register online at www.bcna.org.au/forums or call 1800 500 258.

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