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July 2025
Protective Cells Offer New Hope
Prevention is the first powerful step in ending deaths from breast cancer. Thanks to your generous support, researchers like NBCF-funded researcher Dr Ajithkumar Vasanthakumar are exploring how the body’s natural defences, activated during pregnancy, could help protect all women from developing breast cancer.
Exploring the Role of Pregnancy-Induced Mammary Immune Cells in Breast Cancer Protection
It is widely recognised that women who give birth early in life have, on average, double the protection against breast cancer compared to those who haven’t had children. Despite this, the biological mechanisms behind this protection remain unclear.
Dr Vasanthakumar and his team have discovered that pregnancy triggers the production of immune cells called Tissue-Resident Memory (TRM) cells in the breast, which are known to protect against breast cancer and improve responses to immunotherapy.
This NBCF-funded study aims to pinpoint when TRM cells are produced during pregnancy or breastfeeding and identify the signals that control this process.
Why Is This Work Needed?
The absence or delay of childbearing can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Understanding how pregnancy naturally reduces this risk could lead to new, non-invasive prevention strategies that benefit all women.
Expected Outcomes
This research will provide critical insights into how pregnancy protects against breast cancer. By mimicking these protective effects, scientists hope to develop therapies that offer long-term risk reduction—without the need for pregnancy.
Each person’s breast cancer risk is shaped by a unique mix of genetics, biology, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Precision prevention harnesses information on personal risk, to stop the development of breast cancer – leading to fewer diagnoses, and fewer deaths from breast cancer.
Thanks to you, prevention-focused research like this is possible. Your support is helping us move closer to a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Jenn's 58km challenge
A year after completing treatment for breast cancer, Jenn wanted to take on a challenge that would help give back to others who have also been impacted by the disease. That’s when she found NBCF’s Step Up to Breast Cancer challenge -a chance to turn personal triumph into tangible impact.
Encouraged by her sister, she formed the team ‘Rise Up – Breast Foot Forward’, bringing together her brother, friends, and family to walk in solidarity. Each step marked her progress since her diagnosis and her passion to make a difference.
“From diagnosis to treatment, I was in survival mode—it felt like fight or flight. My goal was to do everything within my power to get through, and my children were my biggest motivators. I wanted to show them that no matter how difficult life gets, there is nothing you cannot overcome,”
Through social media updates, she inspired others to join in and fundraise to help fund breast cancer research, proving that even small actions can lead to meaningful change.
NBCF’s Step Up to Breast Cancer challenge encourages participants to walk or run 58km throughout the month of August in support of the 58 people living in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
Our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer is powered by our generous donors and fundraisers like Jenn—helping fund critical breast cancer research that saves lives.
We’re deeply grateful for every step taken towards ending deaths from breast cancer.
21 years of pink
For the last 21 years, Diamond Partners, ghd have proudly supported NBCF and our shared vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Every year, ghd release a limited-edition pink collection, with $20 from every tool sold donated directly to NBCF. Thanks to the incredible generosity of ghd and their customers, their pink collection makes a significant impact towards breast cancer research and that support continues to grow. Their 2025 collection features some of their latest innovations, including ghd chronos, ghd duet blow-dry & ghd duet style, as well as cult classics including ghd glide & ghd gold – all dipped in a delicious pink sorbet with metallic, mocha accents.
”Our pink collection is more than a set of tools – it’s a symbol of our commitment to breast cancer research. I’m thankful that the young, healthy women in my life are living full lives thanks to the vital research progress NBCF continues to fund.”
- Stephanie Leathers, ghd’s Managing Director
Recently Stephanie and the ghd team had the opportunity to hear from NBCF-funded researchers at lab tours in Brisbane and Sydney, providing a unique insight into the exciting areas of exploration being undertaken by our world-class researchers.
NBCF is incredibly grateful for the ongoing commitment of ghd to raise awareness through their products, GO PINK and Pink Ribbon Breakfast events, and targeted social media promotion.
OOFOS's PINK LEGACY
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with OOFOS, a global leader in recovery footwear. Through their commitment to donate 2% of all online net sales, OOFOS has contributed $5,000 since March 2025 to support our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
With breast cancer having impacted several of their team, including their founder, OOFOS brings a deeply personal commitment to our partnership. Knowing what it feels like to witness a loved one go through a breast cancer diagnosis, OOFOS are honoured to have aligned with NBCF as part of their global Project Pink legacy. By creating meaning behind the products that they sell, the team firmly believe that every step they take in raising vital funds and awareness helps bring us closer to achieving Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Thank you to OOFOS and their customers for supporting the Project Pink range and supporting a cause close to the hearts of so many people in Australia.
