Brain Tumoura tissue mass that forms from groups of unhealthy cells Alliance Australia (BTAA) is the national brain tumour patient and carer support organisation in Australia. It was established in late 2008 by a group of brain tumour patients, and current and former carers. While welcoming the advice and input of specialists, BTAA seeks to represent the brain tumour community from the viewpoint of the patient, their carers, and their families.
BTAA is a not for profit organisation and supports patients with any brain tumour (neoplasm) affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the meninges, brain, and spinal cord.
BTAA seeks to provide peer support to people living with a brain tumour. We extend this to their carers, their families, and friends. BTAA provides information resources for newly diagnosed patients and can assist with referrals to the most appropriate support services in their area.
We operate a support line – 1800 857 221 (a free call in Australia) where you can speak to someone who knows what it is like to travel the brain tumour journey and receive peer support. It is important to be aware that this number is answered by a coordinator who then contacts the on-call BTAA member to return your call.
BTAA also seeks to:
- Support the professional development of health care professionals with a particular interest in brain tumours;
- Guide improvements to brain tumour research, treatment and care;
- Ensure treatment options are based on the best available evidence. We seek to work with the pharmaceutical industry, where appropriate, in ensuring access by more Australian brain tumour patients to subsidised and approved therapies, and participation in industry and investigator-initiated clinical trialsresearch studies performed to test new treatments, tests or procedures and evaluate their effectiveness on various diseases. BTAA will seek to offer input to the design of such trials so that the best interests of the patient are always respected;
- Make recommendations to government about brain tumour policy and priorities;
- Raise awareness in relation to public policy issues of concern to the brain tumour community, including the implications of the leading single cause of cancer-related mortality in children and young to middle-aged adults in Australia;
- Advocate to governments to support increased access to specially trained brain tumour care-coordinators to act as patient advocates, coordinating care for people with brain tumours.
RCA is not affiliated with this organisation. It is the responsibility of the patient and their carer(s) to determine whether this or any other support group or organisation listed on this website may provide some benefit to them.
Location
The Pearce Community Centre, Collett Place, Pearce ACT, Australia