You have returned to the top of the page.
TOWARDS
ZERO
EXAMINING THE FAMILY TREE
Around 10% of breast cancer cases that are diagnosed are inherited. We have good knowledge of some genes that cause this. However, there are still genetic indicators that remain a mystery to us.
Breast cancer is still inherited in families that don’t have changes in the more widely known genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is unknown why this happens and it devastates families. In our mission to save lives from breast cancer, more must be done if we are to identify all the genetic reasons for breast cancer to be passed down in families, allowing people to take preventative action.
NBCF-funded Dr Rohan Bythell-Douglas is doing just that. Recently, a new gene has been identified to be a risk factor for inherited breast cancer, called the FANCM gene. Previously, little was known about this gene. Dr Bythell-Douglas is changing that.
He has brought expertise in a new imaging technology to Australia to gather detailed information on the FANCM gene. His team will use this to understand why changes in the FANCM gene make women more likely to develop breast cancer.
With funding provided due to your generosity, Dr Bythell-Douglas’ project is expected to lead to the introduction of FANCM testing in clinics. This will not only boost the quality of information for women who are interested in their genetic risk, but also allow those who may be at higher risk to take preventative action against breast cancer.
NBCF-funded researcher
Dr Rohan Bythell-Douglas
"Your support provides researchers with the ability to uncover molecular details of disease, and also helps us understand life itself"
What’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month about?
While in the last 25 years the survival rate within five years of a breast cancer diagnosis has increased from 76% to 91%, the remaining 9% equates to eight deaths per day or over 3,000 per year. We can’t live with that.
The global health focus this year has been on COVID-19 and this October we aim to change that, together. Breast cancer is still here, still taking lives. Now, more than ever we need to bring breast cancer to attention.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month let’s make sure that everybody knows the importance of checking for signs and symptoms, the measures they can take to prevent breast cancer and the ways they can help to push forward the research that will save all lives from breast cancer by 2030.
SHOP PINK
We’re so grateful to our friends and partners in the corporate world for the fantastic products they have created, that proudly support life-changing breast cancer research. Feel good about your shop and check out all the products today, from clothing to beauty products and more.
Adenbrook Homes GO PINK
GO PINK’s proposition was a simple one – WEAR IT, COLOUR IT, SHAVE IT. Adenbrook Homes employees from all across Australia joined in, with pink uniforms being worn, sit-up challenges, head shaves and more, doubling their fundraising target!
Exercise and breast cancer
Mizuno and HART Sport have created sports equipment that not only give a portion of sales to NBCF, but help people to get active, lowering their risk of breast cancer.
KEEPING BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AFLOAT
In 2014, Lachlan Stevens, owner of Boardwalk Boats at Noosa Heads, took a step towards one of the most vibrant fundraisers Australia has ever seen. With the help of his friend and breast cancer survivor Sandy Harding, he started a free weekly paddle boarding group for those who had gone through a diagnosis. The idea of a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month was soon born.
With the help of pro-organisers, fundraisers and promoters Sandy Harding, Lorraine Christie and Celia Maloney, Lachlan created the first SIC Maui Paddle in Pink event that October.
Sandy stood by Noosa Sound and cried the day of the first event. Overwhelmed by the support of the community who had come out to raise awareness and make life-saving breast cancer research happen.
The next five consecutive years saw bigger crowds and more flamboyant outfits, until this year.
In 2019 the event raised over $12,000 for breast cancer research, but this year has been put on hiatus due to COVID-19. Thank you so much to Lachlan, Sandy, Lorraine and Celia for their efforts. We hope that the SIC Maui Paddle in Pink will be back soon, helping to keep breast cancer research afloat.
For more information on how you can fundraise for breast cancer research, click here.
