Let’s keep raising awareness about breast cancer

By Sheree Hoddinett 

It could be your mum, your sister, your aunt, a grandmother, a best friend or even you. Chances are you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.  

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women and while survival rates have improved greatly thanks to research and early detection, the impact of the disease is still deeply felt. For everyone, raising awareness is not just about statistics, it’s about neighbours, friends and loved ones who have been directly affected. 

Every October, communities across Australia unite to shine a light on a cause that touches countless lives, breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer awareness is more than just wearing pink, it’s about standing together, spreading knowledge and supporting those who need it most.  

It’s also the chance to help raise much needed funds and most importantly, spread the message about early detection. Take the time to remind friends and family of the importance of regular breast checks and mammograms. Sharing information on social media, encouraging loved ones to book their screenings and attending educational events are all simple yet powerful ways to help. 

For those who need a reminder, now is the time to add ‘book a mammogram’ to your to-do list. The BreastScreen Australia program provides free mammograms every two years for women aged 40 and over, with women aged 50 to 74 actively invited by many state and territory programs. Since the program’s introduction, the five-year breast cancer survival rate has improved to 94%. In 2023, 6410 participants aged 50–74 had an invasive breast cancer detected through the program.  

If eligible, you can book your free two-yearly screening appointment by calling 13 20 50. More information about BreastScreen Australia is available at www.health.gov.au/bsa. 

Finally, another thing you can do this month is offer personal support. Reach out to someone you know who may be going through treatment or recovery. A meal, a phone call or even just a listening ear can make a world of difference. 

You can also get involved in some local community events: 

• Dragons Bribie Island is holding a Come and Try Day on October 19. Experience Dragon boat paddling with the Bribie Pink Dragons ‘Pinkaboutit’ from 9am at Kalmakuta Drive Park. They invite everyone, especially breast cancer survivors, their family, friends and supporters to join them for a morning of magic on the water. For further information, contact Leonie on 0418 782 334, Judy on 3408 0051 or email bribiepinkdragons@gmail.com  

• Planet Fitness (Caboolture) is having a special morning tea on Tuesday October 14 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They’re coming together as a community to raise awareness, share stories and support an important cause and they would love to see you there! Wear your best pink to show your support! Whether it’s a shirt, shoes or a full outfit, pink is the theme!  

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink, it’s about everyone coming together, raising awareness and helping create a future free from breast cancer. 

Breast Cancer stats in Australia (courtesy of the National Breast Cancer Foundation) 

• It’s the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the most common cancer in females. 

• 1 in 7 women and 1 in 550 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.  

• Every year more than 3300 people in Australia (including 33 men) will die from breast cancer. 

• The rate of breast cancer diagnosis has increased by 24% in the last 10 years. 

• Age remains the biggest risk factor, with most breast cancers occurring in women over 50. Nine out of 10 women diagnosed have no family history of the disease.   

• Since the NBCF started funding in 1994, the death rate from breast cancer in Australia has reduced by more than 40%. This is largely due to research in prevention, early detection and new and improved breast cancer treatments.