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May 2024
Empowering Innovation In Breast Cancer Research
Thanks to the support of people like you, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is funding 19 new breast cancer researchers. Three of the newly funded researchers revolutionise our understanding and management of breast cancer. Their innovative work in therapeutic strategies, genetic testing, and advanced screening technology holds immense potential for improving outcomes and saving lives.
Targeted Approach for Hormone-Resistant Breast Cancer
Endocrine therapy is the current standard of care for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients. While beneficial for most patients, around 30% of patients are resistant to current treatment. NBCF-funded researcher, Associate Professor Nicole Verrills, will use preclinical models to test a novel combination treatment to enhance the responsiveness of resistant estrogen receptor positive breast cancer to endocrine therapy.
“I decided that I didn’t want to be a doctor telling a family that there were no more therapies to try, so instead of studying medicine and becoming a clinician, I decided to focus on research so I could develop new therapies for patients and families who otherwise had no hope.”
- NBCF-funded researcher,
A/Prof Nicole Verrills
Genetic Variants and Breast Cancer Risk
Women with a high polygenic score, which is a combined measure of genetic variations, have over three times the risk of developing breast cancer. The work of NBCF-funded researcher, Professor Paul James, aims to define the biological mechanisms by which a high polygenic risk score promotes cancer development, and a low polygenic risk score provides protection.
“Everyone that contributes to NBCF is a partner in this mission to make a difference to breast cancer in our community.”
- NBCF-funded researcher,
Prof Paul James
Advancing Screening with Cutting-Edge Technology
Rapid developments in technology hold promise for increasing the benefits of breast cancer screening seen in Australia over the last three decades. NBCF-funded researcher, Dr Luke Marinovich and colleagues, will evaluate two new technologies that could transform breast cancer screening, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital breast tomosynthesis (3-dimensional imaging).
“Everyone that contributes to NBCF is a partner in this mission to make a difference to breast cancer in our community.”
- NBCF-funded researcher,
Dr Luke Marinovich
Fuelling progress
NBCF’S $13.5M INVESTMENT ADVANCES 19 NEW BREAST CANCER STUDIES
Thanks to supporters like you, the National Breast Cancer Foundation is funding 19 new breast cancer researchers. Each research project we fund plays a role in reducing the 3,200 deaths a year Australia currently expects as a direct result of breast cancer.
This year’s research grants include research focused on understanding genetic drivers of breast cancer in young women, how technology can be used to improve breast cancer screening, and how breast cancer cells survive and spread informing better treatment options for some aggressive forms of breast cancer – research that ultimately saves lives. The 19 projects announced involve 45 researchers, collaborators, and support staff. Almost one-third of this year’s recipients are receiving NBCF funding for the first time and almost half of NBCF-funded lead researchers are female.
This year NBCF is celebrating 30 years of funding breast cancer research in Australia. In this time, the death rate from breast cancer has reduced by over 40% and the five-year relative survival rate (as of 2023) has increased to 92%.
Yet, amidst this progress, the number of Australians diagnosed with breast cancer continue to increase at a rate greater than our population growth, and nine people a day still die from breast cancer in Australia.
The addition of 19 new researcher projects fortifies our research network and propels us closer towards our ambitious vision.
For more information about all our new projects visit https://nbcf.org.au/research/research-projects/
Celebrating Courage
go pink returns for 2024
“I am really looking forward to amping up my pinkness for 2024 and hope to do as well as I can this year for Bron.” - Robyn
GO PINK is officially back for 2024! GO PINK brings the community together each June to make a proud pink pledge and raise funds for world-class breast cancer research. Pledge to Wear it, Colour it or Shave it… or, why not take on all three like Robyn?
Robyn took the pledge to GO PINK last year in honour of her sister, Bron who underwent a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis. Robyn wanted to celebrate Bron’s courage and decided to take on all three pledges – wearing pink, colouring her hair pink then finally, shaving it off.
Will you GO PINK in 2024? By making a pledge to Wear it, Shave it, or Colour it this June you will be supporting our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Thanks to our community, GO PINK continues to make a meaningful impact by funding world-class breast cancer research and bringing communities together in a powerful show of solidarity.
Register now to GO PINK like Robyn and receive a free pink ribbon pin.
WHAT’S YOUR PINK PLEDGE?
“I want to protect my children, grandchildren and future generations of my family. If everyone added a gift in their will to fund breast cancer research what a difference it would make! I encourage Australians who are passionate about having an impact on breast cancer to consider NBCF when creating or updating their will.”
Together we can change the future for so many Australian families affected by breast cancer.
Your legacy gift could collectively ensure that some of Australia’s best researchers can accelerate their understanding of how breast cancer grows and spreads – bringing about better outcomes for those affected. Diana has a lengthy family history of breast cancer and was personally diagnosed in 2015. She and her daughters Katharine and Rachel have all added a gift in their Will to highlight how important breast cancer research is to their family.
If you wish to be sent an information booklet on adding a gift in your Will to NBCF please email bequests@nbcf.org.au or download your copy today nbcf.org.au/donate/gifts-in-wills
For Mother’s Day this year, we are proud to share Alana’s story. Alana is fundraising in honour of her mum, Donna, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer over seven years ago and sadly passed away in January this year.
“Mum was one of a kind, her humour and personality is unmatched. She took on every single hurdle in her stride and saw positivity in everything.”
Last year, Alana’s group of friends threw a surprise ‘Pink’ party as well as throwing Donna a “Bye-Bye Boobie Party” after she had her double mastectomy, both raising vital funds for NBCF.
Alana chooses to help fund world-class breast cancer research in the hope that one day we can reach Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Safestyles Pink Frames Story
Safestyles’ mission is to pioneer fashion forward protective eyewear for like-minded individuals
Sunglass and eyewear brand, SafeStyle have been a proud partner of NBCF since they were founded in 2020. NBCF are proud to have had the opportunity to enjoy the journey of SafeStyle, as they have evolved from humble beginnings. From shipping protective eyewear from a room at home to a thriving brand they’ve become today that is dedicated to giving back to the community.
The Pink Frames became their symbol of support for raising funds for breast cancer research – a beacon of hope and solidarity. SafeStyle has donated a commendable $180,000 and through the sale of their Pink Frames, provided countless pairs of Pink Frames to corporate events for fundraising purposes, together with supporting the signature NBCF campaigns with incentive prizes for all our devoted community fundraisers.
‘The first of their kind’ SafeStyle protective eyewear are not only stylish, they are also certified to Australian safety standards. Tim Lewis, SafeStyle founder is a true innovator, constantly evolving to meet customer needs and trends. SafeStyle aims to lead the eyewear industry to educate how important it is to wear protective eyewear not only just on the worksite, but also on the weekend too!
SafeStyle has gathered a loyal following in the healthcare industry, with many of our valued healthcare professionals choosing a pair of the highly sought-after Pink Frames.
As a corporate partner, SafeStyle recently attended lab tour at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. The SafeStyle team got to meet NBCF-funded researchers and hear about the impact their partnership is helping to make.
“It isn’t just about safety glasses anymore, it is about saving lives. Remember, safety does not need to be mundane, it can be your boldest accessory and save lives.”
– Tim Lewis, SafeStyle founder