Privacy statement
Introduction
The National Breast Cancer Centre (NBCC) recognises the importance of protecting the privacy of personal information.
NBCC is subject to the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988. The National Privacy Principles set out the way in which personal information must be treated. In summary, “personal information” is information or an opinion relating to an individual which can be used to identify that individual.
This Privacy Policy does not apply to any acts and practices relating to employee records of our current and former employees.
How we collect personal information
We collect personal information from a number sources including:
- directly from the individual to whom the information relates. Sometimes this information is collected through surveys that we conduct. At other times,
- individuals share their personal stories with us;
- from treating medical practitioners;
- from other organisations that are involved in the fight against cancer;
- from contractors and suppliers to NBCC; and
- from donors.
NBCC is largely funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health of Ageing and does not actively seek donations from the general public. However, from time to time individuals make unsolicited donations to NBCC which are gratefully received.
We also collect aggregated information from our web site which tells us about visitors to our web site. For example, we may collect information about the date, time and duration of visits and which pages of the web site are most commonly accessed. The information does not identify visitors to the web site. It is used to help administer and improve the web site.
What information we hold
The personal information we hold about consumers and other individuals includes:
- information to enable NBCC to provide accurate and accessible information about breast and ovarian cancer to consumers and medical practitioners such as names and personal contact details;
- personal stories from women with breast or ovarian cancer. Although this information is usually presented in a de-identified format, the details of her experiences may identify the story teller even if her name is not disclosed. We only use this information with the written consent of the individual to whom the information relates.
How we use and disclose personal information
We use personal information to improve breast and ovarian cancer control by:
- analysing research and making it readily available to women and health professionals;
- developing, disseminating and encouraging the adoption of clinical guidelines to improve the diagnosis, treatment and support of women with breast and ovarian cancer;
- providing accurate and accessible information to well women, women with breast or ovarian cancer, primary care providers and breast cancer specialists;
- developing a national monitoring system to provide information about all aspects of breast cancer.
We do not sell, rent or trade personal information.
We may share personal information with:
- the consent of the individual to whom the information relates; or
- treating medical practitioners;
- other organisations that are involved in the fight against cancer;
- third party contractors where we contract out any financial, administrative or other services. Where it is necessary for us to engage contractors to undertake services for us, we require that contractor to comply with the NPPs.
Transfer to Foreign Countries
We will not transfer personal information to recipients outside of Australia except:
- With the consent of the individual to whom the information relates; or
- In compliance with the NPPs.
Access to personal information
We provide individuals with access to personal information that we hold in accordance with the requirements of the NPPs. A fee may be charged for providing access to personal information. Individuals requesting access to their personal information will be advised of the likely cost in advance. In keeping with our commitment to protect the privacy of personal information, we will not disclose personal information to an individual without proof of identity.
If an individual is able to establish that personal information that we hold is not accurate, complete and up-to-date, we will take reasonable steps to correct it so that it is accurate, complete and up-to-date, where it is appropriate to do so.
Contact details
Individuals may:
- request a copy of their personal information;
- ask us to make amendments to our record of their personal information;
- ask us to remove any of their personal information which you do not wish us to retain; or
- opt out of any of our mailing lists.