You have returned to the top of the page.
TOWARDS
ZERO
April 2025
YOUR SUPPORT DRIVES LIFE-SAVING RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS
Australia leads the world in decreasing breast cancer deaths – thanks to you.
Australia has one of the highest breast cancer diagnosis rates globally, but encouragingly, we also have one of the lowest mortality rates according to a global study led by The University of Sydney, The University of Queensland, and Alberta Health Services in Canada.
Australia’s mortality rate from breast cancer is significantly lower than many other countries, underscoring the impact of research and national efforts to diagnose breast cancer early and provide best practice comprehensive breast management,” said Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, CEO National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
“The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s commitment to funding research to end deaths from breast cancer and our focus in the areas of prevention and early detection research is evident through our support of Professor Nehmat Houssami, NBCF’s 10-year Chair in Breast Cancer Prevention, who contributed to this new study,” she explained.
Breast cancer data from 185 countries, has revealed key global trends in both incidence and mortality. The findings highlight the rising incidence of breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand, a trend seen in many parts of the world, attributed to the aging population, modifiable risk factors, widespread access to screening programs, and an improvement in awareness and detection.
The high incidence rates but lower rate of deaths from breast cancer in Australia compared to other countries is attributable in part our free national screening program, BreastScreen, and advancements in breast cancer treatment and care.
“Early detection of breast cancer gives the best possible chance of survival. The earlier an abnormality is discovered, the greater the number of effective treatment options available,” Associate Professor Anderiesz said.
At NBCF, we are encouraged to see the death rate from breast cancer declining and further reductions in the death rate from breast cancer will be driven by research. Since our inception in 1994, we have invested over $200 million into more than 600 world-class breast cancer research projects across Australia. In this time, the death rate from breast cancer in Australia has reduced by over 40%.
We are determined to end deaths from this disease to achieve our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer, with the incredible support of people like you. This is why we fund research that is focused on better understanding how to prevent and detect breast cancer early, how to stop the progression and recurrence of breast cancer and how to effectively treat hard-to-treat and metastatic breast cancers – research that ultimately save lives.
Together, we are making a difference. Your continued support is vital in our vision to achieve Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Our research is funded by donors like you! Thank you for being a part of this journey and for helping us fund this critical research.
RUN WITH PURPOSE
Running is booming in Australia, with 20% of the population reported to have taken up the activity*. It's clear that more people are lacing up their running shoes than ever before. NBCF is a proud charity partner of City2Surf, the world’s largest fun run.
Meet Ethan, a City2Surf charity superstar for NBCF, and read about his inspiring journey:
"My mum, Heidi, was diagnosed with grade 3 stage 2A breast cancer. I chose to raise funds for NBCF whilst taking on the challenge of City2Surf, to give back to the support and services that helped my mum get through it, that being the treatments available. With breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, I know how important research is to have a future free from deaths from breast cancer," said Ethan.
Our dedicated fundraisers make a tremendous impact with their hard work and commitment. Your support is bringing us closer to a future where no one dies from breast cancer. Link: city2surf25.grassrootz.com/nbcf
*National Sport and Physical Activity Participation Report, 2023
30 YEARS EXTRAORDINARY
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, NBCF held our 30 Years Extraordinary Gala dinner at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. This event celebrated the remarkable progress made over the past three decades and reaffirms our dedication to accelerate research towards NBCF's bold vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
For 30 years, David Jones and The Estee Lauder Companies have supported NBCF in funding world class research and these incredible partners once again provided invaluable support as the Presenting Partners for the 30 Years Extraordinary Gala Dinner.
We are also deeply grateful for the support of our media partners, Vogue Australia and Vogue Living, as well as our Pearl Partner, The Fullerton Sydney, Silver Partners, Lexus and Mr Roses, and Pink Partners, Sperling Enterprises, Gildan Brands, and Daikin.
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF SUPPORT
Last year saw Bisley mark a significant milestone-10 years of unwavering support for NBCF. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia, touching the lives of numerous Bisley employees. This has fostered a deep connection and commitment to NBCF’s vital work.
Since 2014, Bisley has proudly contributed to NBCF through the sale of their signature PINK workwear shirts, which feature the NBCF logo on the sleeve. Each year, Bisley sell around 22,000 of these shirts, with numbers continuing to rise. For every PINK shirt sold, $3 is donated to NBCF.
Over the past decade, Bisley's contributions have totaled over $750,000. This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of their customers and retailers. As they celebrate their 10-year anniversary, Bisley reaffirm their commitment to NBCF, and look forward to continuing their partnership striving towards our shared vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer
Thank you for standing with us and supporting this crucial cause. Proving that we are stronger together, let's make the next breast cancer research breakthrough possible.
FROM DIAGNOSIS TO ADVOCACY
Tarah and the team at Activates Construction are all too familiar with the devastating impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. At just 27 years old, Director, Tarah Hastie, received the heartbreaking news of an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis, only 18 months after the birth of her son. After enduring two difficult years of chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, Tarah underwent a mastectomy of her left breast and reconstruction on both.
Understanding firsthand the profound effect breast cancer had on Tarah and her young family, Activates Construction became dedicated to using their business to make an impact. They have now raised over $50,000 to support ongoing world-class breast cancer research projects.
For each home they build, a portion of the sale is donated to the NBCF, and the real estate agents selling the houses are encouraged to do the same. Activates Construction organises community events to raise further awareness and donations, and they wear bright pink shirts on-site to promote discussion amongst their team, tradespeople and suppliers.
Thirteen years on, Tarah is in remission. She and her husband welcomed a daughter seven years after her initial diagnosis, and they continue to advocate for NBCF.
Thank you to Tarah for sharing your story and thank you to the team at Activates Construction for their ongoing support of NBCF.
FLOATING FOR A PURPOSE
Floating through their first year of partnership, ACQUABOSS is committed to making a meaningful impact through their Pink Collection. A portion of sales from selected items in this range are donated back to NBCF.
ACQUABOSS have pledged $15,000, marking just the beginning of their support for NBCF as these products continue to sell through their official website. The team at ACQUABOSS is passionate about using their platform to create a positive impact, sparking conversations, raising awareness and highlighting the importance of investing in life-saving breast cancer research. This belief is instilled in all staff, with many currently participating in NBCF’s 58 Squat Challenge.
NBCF is honoured to partner with ACQUABOSS, and we look forward to continuing this great partnership together, raising money for breast cancer research and working towards NBCF’s vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
A SEASONAL TREAT
Spinach & Feta Tart - Serves 4
Ingredients
- 250g spinach, shredded
- 1 sheet short crust pastry
- 150g feta, crumbled
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten (reserve 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C.
- Heat a large nonstick frying pan, add ¼ cup (60ml) of water and the spinach and cook gently until wilted.
- Squeeze out excess liquid and set aside.
- Line a 16cm round cake tin with baking paper and then the sheet of pastry.
- Add the feta and beaten eggs to the spinach. Mix well and season with sea salt and cracked pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the pastry case and fold the excess pastry towards the centre.
- Brush the folder pastry with the reserved egg.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden and set.
