Ladies raise almost $4800 at Pink Ribbon breakfast

THE Bellarine Womens Network Pink Ribbon Breakfast last week raised almost $4800 in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Held at Jack Rabbit Winery, the sold-out event featured a talk from Dr Conrad Brandt, a Geelong Surgeon who specialises in breast cancer treatment and reconstruction.
Organiser Karen Coulson said breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
“Its incidence is increasing – with one in seven Australian women and one in 675 Australian men expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.
“Thanks to medical research, breast cancer that is contained within the breast is now largely treatable.”
Ms Coulson said since the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) started funding research in 1994, five-year breast cancer survival rates have improved from 76 per cent to 91 per cent.
“Targeted, world-class research is the only way to stop women and men dying from breast cancer,” she said.
“By gaining a better understanding of how breast cancer tumors originate, grow and spread, we can find better ways to prevent and treat them.
“NBCF is committed to funding research to reach one determined goal: zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.”
Julie Rodger from the Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads Breast Cancer Support Group said the Pink Ribbon Breakfast was a fabulous event raising not only funds for breast cancer research but also awareness.
“If just one lady is reminded to be breast awareness and have a free routine mammogram then I would be thrilled,” Ms Rodger said.
“Early detection is vital.
“As Dr Conrad Brandt said, there are so many advances in surgery and treatment these days compared to years gone by thanks to so much research, and although it’s a shocking and daunting diagnosis, there is support available thanks to Breast Cancer Network Australia.”
Ms Rodger said her BCNA Support Group met monthly and warmly welcomed ladies from across the Bellarine undergoing treatment or living with breast cancer.
For more information, call 0435 362 573 or 0412 373 182.