Breast Cancer Awareness Month

OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) will continue to advocate for equal access to the best breast cancer care for the 20,640 women that are diagnosed each year.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October with a mission to shine a light on the devastating impact the disease has on thousands of Australians each day.

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with nine people losing their lives each day.

According to BCNA, the only way to stop deaths from breast cancer is by funding research to improve the overall understanding of how the cancer originates, grows and spreads.

By the community fundraising and organising their own ‘pink events’ this October, BCNA can continue to invest in world class research for prevention, detection, and new and improved treatments to provide a better quality of life.

Although the five-year survival rate has increased for breast cancer from 76 per cent to 92 per cent and has been rising since 1994, Breast Cancer Network Australia’s goal is to reach a total of zero deaths from breast cancer, by targeting the remaining 8 per cent who don’t live past the survival rate.

“This year alone 20,640 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, on average 57 every day,” CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia, Kirsten Pilatti said.

“Funds raised for BCNA during October will help us continue to provide our services and resources free to those diagnosed, their families and friends.

“We encourage everyone to host a pink event in October as it’s a great way to support those in your local community affected by breast cancer.

“Whether it’s a Pink Sports Day and sausage sizzle at your sporting club, an Actively Pink fitness challenge with your friends, or a Pink Lady Event morning tea with your workmates – hosting a community fundraising event is free, simple, and fully supported by BCNA to help you make it a fun and perfectly pink occasion.”

One of the event’s that will support the breast cancer cause is the return of the Carman’s Fun Run on February 19, 2023.

The picturesque Elsternwick Park in Brighton, Melbourne, will be a sea of pink as runners from all over the state gather to support women with breast cancer by running a half-marathon, 10 kilometers, or participating in a 5km run or walk option.

The event will include live entertainment and activities for the children, a massage and stretching zone, food and coffee vendors, retail and merchandise stands, and BCNA’s Mini-Field of Women tribute.

Registrations are now open and Early Bird prices are available.

To learn more about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit bcna.org.au

If you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer, you can call BCNA’s Helpline on 1800 500 258.

Women are encouraged to be breast aware every day, not just this October and should look for changes in their breasts at the earliest sign.