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August 2025
Science Week spotlight
Q&A with Associate Professor Kara Britt.
This research is co-funded by our Pink Diamond Partner, the Mother's Day Classic Foundation.
National Science Week runs 9–17 August 2025 and we’re spotlighting the researchers working to stop breast cancer before it starts. Meet Associate Professor Kara Britt, whose personal story and pioneering prevention research are bringing us closer to NBCF’s vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
What inspired you to become a scientist?
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was finishing my science degree at Monash University which spurred me into a career in breast cancer research. She sadly died from breast cancer in 2010. My sister was then diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in 2019, and we identified a BRCA2 mutation in our family. We have also lost my grandfather to prostate cancer and my aunt to gastric cancer.
What is your greatest achievement in research to date?
Identifying the changes in the normal breast in women at risk of developing breast cancer. The first critical step in the development of precision preventatives.
What is the research gap or problem that your research will address?
The development of precision preventatives that are focused on specifically targeting the changes that are driving cancer formation in each woman.
Why is this area of research so important – what impact will it have on patients’ lives?
Breast cancer incidence is increasing steadily, and our current preventative practices globally inhibit estrogens in the body which brings with it many side effects that limit quality of life.
Do you have a message for those that support and donate to breast cancer research?
It is only with your support that we will be able to determine how to stop the initial stages of cancer growth and really be able to make progress with preventative strategies.
In your own words, can you tell us about your project and what you hope to achieve?
In this grant, we will determine whether two drugs that can impact tissue repair in different, yet more specific ways, are better able to control tumour growth, and when is the best time to give them.
Thanks to your support, researchers like A/Prof Kara Britt are making prevention possible. Together, we can stop breast cancer before it starts – and move closer to a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
BREAKFAST HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT
The Pink Ribbon Breakfast is NBCF’s signature campaign, inviting Australians to host a breakfast, morning tea, brunch, or event throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month – to raise funds for world-class breast cancer research.
As always, the spotlight is on the incredible community that continues to make the Pink Ribbon Breakfast so special – supporters like you. This October, Julie McKinnery will be celebrating her 10th Anniversary of her Pink Ribbon Breakfast event, affectionately known by locals as her ‘backyard barbie’.
“There will be a band playing and lots of singing and dancing. The kids sell the raffle tickets and local businesses generously donate great prizes. I’m proud to say my backyard barbie has raised over $170,000 for life-saving breast cancer research.” – Julie, NBCF Fundraiser
Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, your support makes a difference. To join Julie and host your own Pink Ribbon Breakfast this October, complete our registration form.
Pink by nature
Everyday choices can lead to extraordinary impact, and our partner Green Valley Grains showed just how powerful that can be. Through their seasonal campaign Pink by Nature, Green Valley Grains Open Range Poultry Mix packaging turned pink, and $1 from every purchase was donated to NBCF.
The campaign was inspired by a close friend of the Green Valley Grains team, Andrea who has diagnosed with breast cancer. That personal connection, combined with a deep commitment to community, drove Green Valley Grains to invite customers to become active participants in funding life-changing breast cancer research.
“Pink by Nature isn’t just a campaign, it’s our way of uniting every customer and NBCF’s vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer...Every bag of Open Range Poultry Mix sold is a statement of hope and solidarity for our community.” Megan McKenzie, Green Valley Grains Brand Manager
To everyone who purchased a pink bag this season, thank you! Your support helps fund critical breast cancer research that ultimately saves lives. And to the team at Green Valley Grains – thank you for turning a heartfelt idea into a community-wide movement of hope.
“Pink by Nature isn’t just a campaign, it’s our way of uniting every customer and NBCF’s vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer...Every bag of Open Range Poultry Mix sold is a statement of hope and solidarity for our community.” - Megan McKenzie, Green Valley Grains Brand Manager
To everyone that purchased a pink bag this season, thank you! Your support helps fund critical breast cancer research, that ultimately saves lives. And to the team at Green Valley Grains – thank you for turning a heartfelt idea into a community wide movement of hope.
Partnering for impact
Win a Luxury African Safari & support Breast Cancer Research
We’re proud to share an exciting fundraising initiative from our partner 4 Ingredients, supported by Hosted Holidays.
As part of this year’s Pink Ribbon Race Day, they’ve launched a major prize raffle featuring a 16-day, fully hosted African Safari for two, valued at $29,990. The journey includes Cape Town, Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, Chobe and Kruger National Parks, and a private game lodge – all in luxurious, all-inclusive style.
✨ 100% of raffle proceeds go directly to NBCF, helping fund vital breast cancer research
Why you should buy a ticket?
- Luxury Adventure – Every Detail Covered
- A Journey You’ll Never Forget
- Experience Earth’s Most Iconic Landscapes
Eligible participants: QLD, NSW, VIC & TAS
“This year's Major Prize is a once-in-a-lifetime Hosted Holiday for two to Africa! 16 unforgettable nights of adventure, wildlife, and luxury, valued at an incredible $29,990! This is the penultimate way to explore Africa’s diverse beauty – and 100% of the proceeds from this raffle go directly to the NBCF!” - 4 Ingredients