102.9fm Hot Tomato - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

FAST FACTS | HOW TO CHECK FOR CHANGES | OCTOBER EVENTS | ABOUT THE FOUNDATION


	FAST FACTS

BREAST CANCER IN AUSTRALIA - 2009

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Australia. It is estimated that in 2009, 13,698 new cases will be diagnosed in women. New diagnoses are also expected in 106 men. (1)

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing, but with continued support and funding from organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, improvements in research mean survival rates are on the rise.

	One in 9 women will be diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85. (2)
	More than 2,800 women will die from the disease in a single year - making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in females. (1)
	Despite the substantial loss of life, prospects for survival are better than ever. Over 96% of women will survive at least one year after diagnosis, and almost 87% will survive five years or more – a 15% increase since the 1980’s. (3)
	In the last decade, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by approximately 22%. (3)
	This improvement in survival is due to better detection and improved treatment for breast cancer, as a result of excellent research.
	Early detection is the best method for reducing deaths from breast cancer.
	Survivors often encounter problems ranging from physical limitations to psychosocial difficulties following diagnosis and treatment. These issues are now emerging as new targets for researchers.
	Getting older is the most common risk factor: about 13% of new cases are among women aged 20-44, 61% in women aged 45-69 and 26% among women over 70. Women of all ages need to understand the importance of finding and treating breast cancer early. (3)
	Survival is highest among women living in major city areas and in areas with highest socioeconomic status. (4)

(1) AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) & AACR (Australasian Association of Cancer Registries) 2008. Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2008. Cancer series no. 46. Cat. no. CAN 42. Canberra: AIHW.

(2) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2007. ACIM (Australian Cancer Incidence and Mortality) Books. AIHW: Canberra.

(3) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) & National Breast Cancer Centre 2006. Breast cancer in Australia: an overview, 2006. Cancer Series no. 34. cat. no. CAN 29. Canberra: AIHW

(4) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & National Breast Cancer Centre 2007. Breast cancer survival by size and nodal status in Australia. Cancer Series no. 39. Cat. no. CAN 34. Canberra: AIHW.


	CHECK FOR CHANGES

From time to time, a woman or her doctor may find breast changes, such as:

	A lump or lumpiness
	Any change in the shape or appearance of the breast such as dimpling or redness
	An area that feels different to the rest
	A discharge from the nipple
	Any change in the shape or appearance of the nipple such as pulling in or scaliness (nipple inversion or retraction)
	Pain

Many women are concerned that a breast change might be breast cancer. Even though this will not be true in most cases, it is very important that all breast changes are carefully investigated. If it is cancer, finding it early will mean a much better chance of effective treatment.


	2009 BREAST CANCER MONTH CALENDAR DATES – OCTOBER

Clear your calendars for Breast Cancer Month, when pink becomes the nation’s favourite colour! The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is all about friends and fundraising, rocking a ribbon and funding research for prevention and cure, this October.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Australia, with 1 in 9 expected to be diagnosed by the age of 85. The NBCF’s research into prevention and cure is helping to create better treatment options and improved outcomes. In the last decade, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by approximately 22%.

By attending an event, holding a breakfast at work or at home, or simply by spending your spare change on a pink ribbon, you can make a direct contribution to stopping this disease that affects mums, wives, sisters, girlfriends and their families.

Here are just a few easy ways that you can support the work of the NBCF:

	GLOBAL ILLUMINATION
	The brainchild of Ms. Evelyn Lauder, Global Illumination sees famous icons worldwide lit pink to promote breast cancer awareness. 2009 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies Global Illumination campaign in Australia, with the Sydney Opera House and Federation Square in Melbourne turning pink, with many more to come! The official launch of Breast Cancer Month will take place on Thursday September 24, with an exclusive cocktail event in Sydney on this date, with various other fundraising events around Australia during October. Visit www.globalillumination.org.au for more information. October 10th Global Illumination Cocktail Event More details: www.globalillumination.org.au
	PINK RIBBON BREAKFASTS
	Anyone, anywhere around Australia can host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to support breast cancer research, so spread the word! Celebrity chefs and NBCF ambassadors, Peter Evans and Michael Moore will be sharing their yummy pink breakfast ideas throughout October. Of course if you like a sleep-in, why not have a brunch or afternoon tea? Your only limit is your imagination! Since it began in 2003, more than 20,000 Australians have held a breakfast and helped raise over $10million for research. Our aim is to take this figure past $13million this October so we need thousands of enthusiastic brekkie hosts. An exciting new way to join in the fun is the option of holding a Virtual Breakfast! You might be overseas, too time-poor to hold an actual breakfast or just prefer the convenience of online fundraising. Setting up your own Pink Ribbon Breakfast page at www.pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au where friends and family can donate to your virtual breakfast is quick and easy (and there’s no washing up to do afterwards!) You can raise money through gold coin donations, food sales, raffles and auctions, with a Pink Ribbon Breakfast the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family and support a good cause at the same time. All hosts will receive a Host Information Booklet with fundraising ideas and suggestions to make your breakfast a scrumptious success. Registrations open from mid-August, and Breakfasts can be held throughout September and October. Visit www.pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au for more information.
	PINK RIBBON DAY
	Rock a ribbon this October and show that you’re a supporter of breast cancer research. Every ribbon sold helps take us one step closer to prevention and cure so wear it proudly on Pink Ribbon Day, Monday October 26. But it’s not just ribbons – there’s a funky new bauble bracelet, and for the guys, a ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ button badge! Street sales of the pink ribbon will take place around the country on Friday October 2, and through select retail outlets.
	OTHER PINK EVENTS
	October 17th Triathlon Pink Runaway Bay October 17th GC United Pink Day Out Pink ribbon merchandise sales Corporate fundraising luncheon
	PINK PRODUCTS
	Looking to ‘pink up’ your breakfast or fundraising event? Then log onto NBCF’s online shop www.pinkribbonshop.org.au, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reliable delivery throughout Australia means you can order anything from a pink ribbon t-shirt, to balloons and mugs, and have them conveniently bought straight to your door. NBCF merchandise makes a thoughtful gift, and with every purchase, you’re contributing directly to helping us find a cure. Our merchandise isn’t just for the ladies, with the black polo with subtle pink ribbon a great way for men to show their support for the cause; of course, there’s a pale pink version as well! There’s a whole range of unisex items to suit both the chef and the sportsperson, with a new design striped pink apron, oven mitt and tea-towel set getting you ready for your Pink Ribbon Breakfast, while pink sports socks and wrist sweatbands will keep you cool on and off the court. It’s the perfect excuse to go shopping, without the guilt! Visit www.pinkribbonshop.org.au today.


	ABOUT THE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

The NBCF is the leading community-funded national organisation in Australia raising money for research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Since the NBCF was established in 1994, over $55 million has been awarded to Australian-based researchers across every state and territory to improve the health and wellbeing of those affected by breast cancer.

For additional information, interviews with breast cancer survivors, celebrity ambassadors or product samples, please contact:

	Nicole Lovelock Media & Communications Officer – NBCF E: nicole.lovelock@nbcf.org.au P: (03) 9695 9455 or M: 0412 564 238
	Christina Heris Media & Communications Officer – NBCF E: christina.heris@nbcf.org.au P: (02) 9299 4090 or M: 0401 461 514

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