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November 2024
PATHWAY TO A POTENTIAL NEW GENERATION VACCINE FOR CANCER
Thanks to your support, researcher Professor Gregory Goodall and his team at the University of South Australia, who are funded by National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) have made a major discovery which could spearhead the development of a new RNA-based cancer vaccine.
Ribonucleic Acid (known as RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (known as DNA) are both genetic materials found in our body's cells. DNA holds the main genetic blueprint in our cells (our body’s genetic code), while RNA acts as a messenger, carrying instructions from our DNA to make proteins. Proteins are like building blocks which are essential for our body to function and grow.
The most common shape of RNA in our body is linear, known as single stranded. This shape provides many benefits, including it being more versatile in how it functions in our body. However, another type of RNA, known as circular RNA, has been found in some cells and tissues in our body. Circular RNA has been found to play important roles in our body, including regulating gene expression (how genes are turned on and off in our body) and protein production.
Professor Goodall’s research focuses on understanding circular RNA, and its potential role in breast cancer metastasis (the spread of cancer). In collaboration with Associate Professor Sefi Rosenbluh from Monash University, they discovered multiple circular RNAs that influence cancer cell growth in various cancers, not just breast cancer. Further research revealed how circular RNAs are transported from the cell nucleus, where they are made, to the cytoplasm, where they act. This knowledge is a significant step toward using circular RNA to develop new treatments for metastatic cancers, as it helps scientists understand how to control circular RNAs to prevent cancer growth and spread.
A new type of RNA-based cancer vaccine developed from this research, using circular RNA, could potentially be tailored to target breast cancer specifically, by using circular RNA that is involved in breast cancer metastasis. Circular RNA is also a more durable form of RNA, meaning RNA cancer vaccines developed using circular RNA, could potentially be more stable and have a longer lasting effect in the body.
Research like this brings us closer to our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. We couldn’t achieve this vital research without your support. Thank you!
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR BREAKFAST
Throughout October thousands of people across Australia hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast event, bringing their communities and workplaces together to raise vital funds for breast cancer research.
We want to say a very special thank you to our Pink Ribbon Breakfast hosts for your incredible contribution, the time you invested and your dedication to this important cause. Breakfast has never been more important and thanks to your generous efforts, we are one step closer towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
LSKD – ACTIVELY PINK
Sportswear brand LSKD is making waves again in the effort to end deaths from breast cancer with the release of its limited-edition pink activewear collection in October.
With four years of dedicated support to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), LSKD's commitment to raising funds and awareness is not only helping women look great, but also supporting their health from the inside out.
The brand will be donating 5% of its sales from the limited-edition pink collection available until February 1, 2025, featuring over 40 impressive pieces, to fund life-changing breast cancer research.
LSKD brings the community together each October with its Pink High Tea, to promote the collection, but also, to encourage customers and the community to self-check. By engaging employees and customers alike, LSKD is creating a ripple effect of support throughout the community.
LSKD’s efforts are making a significant impact, bringing us closer to our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. In three years, they have raised over $170,000 for breast cancer research. Their pink transformation is not just about fashion, it is about saving lives.
Get active and get pink to raise awareness for breast cancer research.
WHOLE EARTH BRANDS COMMIT TO FUND BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Whole Earth Brands, a leader in the 100% natural plant-based sugar substitutes movement. Whole Earth Brands is committed to supporting NBCF’s vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer by donating a portion of sales from their two best-selling products: Whole Earth Stevia White 350g and Whole Earth Monk Fruit White 200g.
Whole Earth Stevia White 350g (RRP $6.90) and Whole Earth Monk Fruit White 200g (RRP $8.50) are now available in leading supermarkets like Woolworths & Coles. For every pack sold, Whole Earth Brands will contribute to NBCF, helping to fund world-class breast cancer research. This initiative not only promotes healthier lifestyle choices but also empowers our community to make a tangible impact in the pursuit of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Whole Earth Brands stands at the forefront of the sugar-free movement, dedicated to delivering the goodness and sweetness of nature without the added calories or the negative effects of sugar. Their commitment to NBCF’s vision underscores their dedication to creating a better tomorrow for the health of all Australians.
Join us in supporting this incredible partnership. Together, we can make a difference and move closer to a future free from breast cancer deaths.
PROFESSIONALS: TWO DECADES OF SUPPORT
Professionals Real Estate have donated more than $4.5 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) since 2004. An extraordinary, coordinated effort by their network of offices throughout Australia. Their motivation to support breast cancer research comes from the company’s strong community focus – a belief that forms the foundations of what it means to be part of Professionals.
In their 20th anniversary year of fundraising for NBCF, the desire to help others is stronger than ever, engrained in their workplace culture, with offices hosting pink community activities and events nationally.
In October, Professionals brought the pink to Sydney Harbour with a pink cruise fundraiser. Professionals lit up the night sky with pink fireworks in celebration of their individual and group contributions that have led them all to this pivotal 20th anniversary event.
Breast cancer has a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities and for the Professionals team, it is personal. In addition to raising crucial funds for research focused on how to prevent, detect, treat, and stop the progression and recurrence of breast cancer, Professionals also help raise awareness among their members and clients.
Professionals CEO, Katherine Gonzalez-Cork, is an incredible advocate for breast cancer research, and her ongoing commitment to supporting philanthropy and corporate and social responsibilities is rare and admirable.
In 2023, Professionals won a Highly Commended in the Great Australian Philanthropy category at the Research Australia Awards – an annual award held by Australia’s peak health and medical research body, that celebrates extraordinary financial contribution to the sector.
NBCF extends a big thank you to the Professionals team for their vital and loyal support, for their passion and motivation, which is helping NBCF move towards its vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
