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TOWARDS
ZERO
UNDERSTANDING CELLULAR NEIGHBOURHOODS
FOR MORE EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS
NBCF Funded Researcher and 2022 Elaine Henry Fellow Dr Daniel Roden is learning how breast cancer cells interact with each other and anticipates these findings may be the key to better treatment outcomes.
Despite revolutionary breakthroughs in breast cancer research, there is still work to be done. Although since 1994 we have seen a 43% decrease in the mortality rate, still it is estimated that over 3,200 Australians will lose their lives to the disease this year alone.
NBCF-funded researcher Dr Daniel Roden from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research is studying ‘cellular neighbourhoods’ within tumours and how they affect treatment outcomes and prognosis. We sat down with him to find out how his project will help reach our vision of Zero Deaths – and to learn a little more about one of the brightest minds in breast cancer research.
NBCF: How did you get into research?
Dr Roden: I have always been interested in understanding how things work. Scientific research provides a great opportunity to pursue this and to use this knowledge to better understand disease.
NBCF: Do you have a personal connection to breast cancer?
Dr Roden: My mother was diagnosed and treated for ER+ breast cancer three years ago, which makes me even more motivated to help improve treatment outcomes.
NBCF: Can you tell us about the NBCF-funded project you’re currently working on?
Dr Roden: The aim of my research is to build our knowledge across specific areas of breast cancer, so we can better understand various tumours and how they might respond to treatment. We want to learn more about the different cell types within cancerous tissue and how they interact with each other – particularly in tumours with poor prognosis.
Solving this important piece of the puzzle could help develop new, targeted treatments. It will also help predict and reduce uncertainty around a breast cancer’s response to treatment.
For patients this means they can receive a more precise prognosis and more targeted treatment.
NBCF: How does this project support NBCF’s goal of reaching Zero Deaths?
Dr Roden: It will improve treatment outcomes and reduce incidences of the cancer returning. It will be a step towards an era where we can treat breast cancer in a more personalised, targeted way for all those diagnosed – and ultimately stop deaths from breast cancer.
NBCF: Do you have a message for our donors and supporters?
Dr Roden: Thank you for supporting past, ongoing and future research projects. Funding research continually improves the outcomes for women and men with breast cancer – transforming their life after treatment. Which is vital for them and their families. Your support also means researchers like me can make new discoveries that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
2022 all wrapped up
Your support means so much. It’s only thanks to the generosity and kindness of incredible people like you, who are passionate about the power and innovation of research, that we have been able to achieve all that we have this year.
Thank you for being with us on our vision to stop deaths from breast cancer. Together, we are stronger.
REDUCING YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer risk factors for men and women like genetics, gender and aging are unavoidable. But there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to minimise your chances of developing the disease.
To learn more
visit nbcf.org.au
Manage your alcohol intake
Research has shown that breast cancer risk rises along with the number of alcoholic drinks regularly consumed, with alcohol intake linked to 6% of breast cancer cases.
Stay Active
Staying active has a wide range of known health benefits. Whether it’s walking, running, gardening or yoga, keeping to a healthy weight range reduces the risk of breast cancer. According to Cancer Australia, about 8% of postmenopausal breast cancers a year can be attributed to a lack of exercise or being overweight or obese.
Stop smoking
Evidence suggests that smoking increases the chances of breast cancer specifically for people who started smoking at an early age. Finding a way to quit will help avoid a range of health issues – because cigarette smoke contains more than 70 known cancer-causing chemicals.
BRIGHT SKIN FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
Bangn Body’s 7-in-1 Firming Lotion has a secret eighth benefit – it can also fund game-changing breast cancer research.
Bangn Body founder and director Priscilla Hajiantoni has two goals: to create natural, effective skincare that leads to happy skin and use her brand’s platform to give back to the community.
For the last three years, Priscilla has used her amazing skincare range to help raise money and awareness for lifesaving breast cancer research.
NBCF’s cause is one that’s close to Pricilla’s heart – she was witness to her own Aunt’s gruelling breast cancer journey. In honour of her and the many other women touched by the disease, Pricilla’s iconic yellow Bangn Body Firming Lotion tube goes pink each October to raise awareness and funds for NBCF – with the skincare brand donating up to $10 to NBCF for each pink tube sold.
And this year, Bangn Body also held a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at their headquarters to raise even more funds.
We’d like to thank Bangn Body for its continued commitment to NBCF. It’s contributions to the community not only raise awareness but also life-changing funds that help power worldclass breast cancer research. Thank you Bangn Body for not only making skin brighter, but the future brighter too.
“To all the supporters of NBCF thank you for your generosity, your support and your love. Your kindness truly helps save lives. Thanks to research, my aunty is here and thriving!”
– Priscilla Hajiantoni, Founder and Director of Bangn Body (pictured above with Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, CEO NBCF)
The Gift Card that keeps on giving
“We at TCN would like to thank all NBCF supporters. To be able to help fund word-class research initiatives takes a big team effort. Let’s keep working together to make every day better and ultimately reach the goal of Zero Deaths.”
– Nick Sims, Founder & CEO of The Card Network
The Card Network’s delightful pink Pamper Gift Card offers more than a facial or a haircut – it helps funds critical breast cancer research too.
The Card Network (TCN) has stood by our side for two years now, sharing our vision of Zero Deaths by helping to raise vital funds and awareness for breast cancer research.
TCN donates $1 from all sales of The Pamper Gift Card sold in major grocery stores; Coles, Woolworths and Target Australia-wide. They also donate 3% of all online sales of The Pamper Gift Card to help power game-changing breast cancer research that has the potential to improve outcomes for all Australians diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a cause that is very close to the team at TCN. They are always striving to support NBCF, whether it’s through social media, campaigns, prize donations, or workspace signage. They love to get involved in as many NBCF events and fundraisers as possible, from Step Up to Breast Cancer, Go Pink Month or October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We’d like to thank TCN for their unwavering support. Their contributions help create a brighter tomorrow for many Australian families affected by breast cancer.
RUBY JEWELLED SEAFOOD SALAD
Need to make a last-minute dish for your festive feast?
NBCF has got you covered with a delicious and healthy salad sure to satisfy you and your loved ones.
Ingredients
1 large fennel bulb trimmed, stalks and fronds discarded
2 pomegranates
8 bug tails shelled and cleaned
4 oranges peeled and segmented
Serves 8
Instructions
- Thinly slice or shave the fennel, discarding
the hard core. - Collect the ruby seeds from the pomegranates by chopping them open and scooping them out.
- Combine the seeds and shaved fennel in a large bowl with bugs and orange segments.
- Squeeze any remaining juice from your oranges over the salad.
- Toss gently, season with the sea salt and cracked pepper, and serve.
Optional: Substitute bugs for large prawns or lobster tails.
Thanks to our long time partner, 4 Ingredients – visit 4ingredients.com.au for more delicious recipes!
