October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Australia. It is essential to spread awareness about the disease, prompting people to keep up regular checks, while letting people help Australians affected.
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with an estimated 55 Australians diagnosed every day. The number of Australians diagnosed is increasing with the disease as 1 in 7 Australian women, while 1 in 700 Australian men are diagnosed in their lifetime.
4 Major Breast Cancer Awareness Organisations in Australia
Breast cancer awareness organisations typically have different roles and missions to work together to achieve progressive cancer research. The four major Australian organisations supporting breast cancer awareness month this October are:
1. Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is based in Melbourne and is a major Australian consumer organisation for people affected by breast cancer. They work to help provide the best support, information, treatment and care unique to breast cancer patients’ needs.
2. Cancer Australia.
Cancer Australia develops and distributes clinical guidelines to improve the diagnosis, treatment and support of people with breast cancer. As the leading national cancer control agency, they communicate with the Australian Government recommendations to develop cancer policy and priorities.
3. McGrath Foundation.
The McGrath Foundation raises money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in Australian communities. Their work sees them provide families affected by breast cancer with nursing support and educative practices to raise awareness about the disease among young women.
4. National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation is Australia’s (NBCF) leading breast cancer researcher that is community-funded. NBCF accomplished raising $190 million through fundraisers while actioning 514 breast cancer research projects. Founded in 1994, the NBCF has an aspirational goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.
Breast Cancer Detection & Prevention
Early detection is one of the most significant factors for surviving breast cancer. Early detection of abnormalities increases the number of treatment options available. Therefore, it is essential to report any unusual breast changes to your doctor as soon as possible.
There are a range of factors that contribute chances of developing breast cancer. Understanding different modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that may prompt breast cancer could help with prevention.
Lifestyle risk factors.
- High alcohol intake.
- Being in an unhealthy weight range.
- Not being physically active.
- Not having children and breastfeeding (for women).
- Smoking.
Non-modifiable breast cancer risk factors.
- Gender.
- Aging.
- Family history.
- BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes.
- Young age when periods (or menstruation) started.
- Late menopause.
- High breast density.
iPrevent.
Understandably, managing lifestyle choices is not always as easy as it sounds. iPrevent is a breast health risk assessment web-based tool to help Australians identify, understand and address potential breast cancer risks.
Support & resources.
Cancer Groups have ample information to help support patients diagnosed, partners, friends, families, and caregivers. Here are some great Breast Cancer support and resources to share this October:
Breast Cancer Network of Australia — BCNA Helpline.
- BCNA’s Member Support Services team call 1800 500 258.
- Access helpline via email at contact@bcna.org.au.
Cancer Australia resources & podcasts.
- When the woman you love has early breast cancer.
- When the woman you love has metastatic breast cancer.
- Breast cancer won’t wait.
- Upfront About Breast Cancer — BCNA.
Cancer Council Helpline and resources.
- For Helpline call 13 11 20.
4 Fundraisers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month has several event options to support cancer research. Fun ways to fundraise this Breast Cancer Awareness Month include:
1. Pink Ribbon Breakfast.
Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a way to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation by hosting an in-person or virtual fundraising party this October.
2. Pink Up.
To help raise funds for the McGrath Foundation, ‘Pink Up’ and host a virtual event of your choice.
3. Pink Ribbon.
The Cancer Council has put together their Pink Ribbon campaign to host a fundraiser or pink-themed event.
4. Pink Lady Fundraising Event.
Holding an event to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Network Australia helps the organisation do vital breast cancer research and support, helping to improve quality of life for those diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones.
4 Other Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Hosting a fundraiser is not the only way you can show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some additional ways to help breast cancer organisations support women this October:
1. Donate.
- Tax-deductible donation.
- Give through salary.
- Donate in memory or celebration.
- Leave a gift in your will.
2. Volunteer.
- Office volunteer.
- Community ambassador.
- Event volunteer.
3. Shop for a cause.
- Buying merchandise.
- Buying products from breast cancer organisation partners.
- Donate medication purchases.
4. Sponsorship.
- Become a corporate partner.
- Become a supporter.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, let us continue the conversation and help spread awareness to increase breast cancer prevention. If you have any breast health concerns, please get in touch with your local GP.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace professional medical guidance or advice. Localsearch, nor the author, are responsible for any misuse of the contents of this article.
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