Breast ReCon Show & Tell Event

A unique educational event bringing together surgical expertise and real-life surgical outcomes to support informed decision-making about a mastectomy.

This event is designed for people considering risk-reducing or post-diagnosis mastectomy. It offers the opportunity to learn, ask questions and see a range of reconstruction outcomes in a respectful and supportive setting.

This event is suitable for people who are:

• Considering risk-reducing mastectomy due to inherited cancer risk
• Preparing for or considering mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis
• Exploring reconstruction or aesthetic flat closure options
• Seeking clear, practical information to support decision-making

The afternoon includes Show & Tell Sessions, a Partners & Supporters Session, Panels and Q&A.

“What has stayed with me most is the sense that I wasn’t alone.” – Attendee, May Show & Tell

Show & Tell Sessions

The heart of the afternoon, these small, intimate group settings offer the opportunity to meet with volunteers who have undergone various types of reconstruction or aesthetic flat closure. You can respectfully view real surgical outcomes, hear directly from individuals about their experience, and ask questions about what their decision involved, what recovery was really like, and what life looks like now.

Each small group moves through a series of private rooms, meeting different volunteers with different experiences and outcomes. The format is unhurried, allowing ample time for questions and conversations.

“The evening was empowering. I was taken by the generosity of the women in showing and telling their lived experiences.” – Attendee, May Show & Tell

Due to the intimate format and limited capacity, Show & Tell sessions are reserved for people who are personally considering surgery. This ensures as many individuals as possible have the opportunity to participate meaningfully.

Partners & Supporters Session

Running in parallel with the Show & Tell sessions, a dedicated informal space is available for companions, partners, and family members. They will be able to meet with specialists and volunteers who can answer questions and share what the journey looks like from a supporter’s perspective.

Panels and Q&A

Short panel sessions offer the latest information from specialists, alongside important insights from women with lived experience. The panel will explore:

• Differences between risk-reducing and post-diagnosis surgery
• Reconstruction options including implant-based reconstruction, own-tissue reconstruction such as DIEP flap, and aesthetic flat closure
• Immediate and delayed approaches
• What to expect before and after surgery
• Risks, complications and possible further procedures
• Recent advances in reconstruction techniques

The panel will also explore how personal values, identity, health considerations and life circumstances may influence decision-making. People considering risk-reducing or post-diagnosis mastectomy, along with their families and supporters, are welcome to attend these panels.

The final part of the afternoon is dedicated to posing questions to the specialist team, ensuring you leave with more clarity about your next step.

Registration

• Registration is essential.
• Strictly limited capacity. A waitlist will be in place.
• If you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so your place can be offered to someone else.

Access and Support

• Free on-site parking is available.
• Light refreshments will be provided.
• If travel is a barrier, assistance may be available. Please contact us to discuss.

If you have questions about the event, please contact: info@inheritedcancers.org.au

Join us for another Show and Tell event, an initiative championed by breast reconstruction advocate Luan Lawrenson-Woods. The events are developed and delivered by Inherited Cancers Australia in partnership with breast reconstruction surgeon A/Prof Joe Dusseldorp.

This second event takes place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ahead of Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day on 21 October. BRA Day recognises that women deserve access to honest, visible information about what reconstruction actually looks like, from people who have lived it. The underlying premise is simple: a photograph in a clinical brochure does not do what a real conversation with a real woman can do.

“Keep doing what you’re doing. Well done to all involved and thank you for being so patient centred.” – Attendee, May Show & Tell