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October 2025
Young and Facing Breast Cancer
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on young women with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Each year, over 1,000 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia. While less common in this age group, the diagnosis often brings distinct challenges – including navigating treatment alongside career development, relationships, fertility considerations and caring for young children.
The diagram below highlights the common challenges faced by young women with breast cancer. (Please note: while these challenges are often experienced by younger women, they can affect women of all ages at different stages of their journey.)
Diagnosis
Understanding the specifics of a diagnosis.
Surgery
If relevant, considering options such as lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Treatment
Undergoing treatment, which could include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiation.
Physical and Psychological Impact
Changes in appearance such as hair loss and emotional changes such as anxiety.
Career Impact
Time away from work for treatment and impact on career progression.
Reproductive and Family Planning
Pregnancy or future fertility goals may influence treatment decisions.
After Effects of Treatment
Ongoing side effects that may have a life-long impact.
Potential Recurrence
The risk of the cancer recurring.
Behind every statistic is a real person, a real story. Isla is one of them. In August 2023, Isla’s life changed forever. At just 32 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“On October 8, I completed my last targeted therapy treatment, filled with gratitude for my medical team and the precious memories I can now create with my family,” Isla shares. “Your support really does make a world of difference. By funding research, supporters like you saved my life. Thank you.”
Hope is growing stronger every day. Your support is transforming discoveries into life-saving treatment for young women facing breast cancer today and for generations to come.
Together Through Every Season
A friendship group, held together by hope
There’s a kind of strength that only comes from shared experiences with friends. Mignon, Nuala, Janet and Sue have held each other through the worst of breast cancer’s impact and the best of each other, and they’re determined to make a difference.
“Breast cancer has touched our friendship circle, and we’ve felt the heartbreak firsthand. We’ve stood by each other through life’s toughest moments, danced through joy and cried through grief together. Breast cancer has taken too much from us. Too many moments, too many memories, too many friends. We donate because we can’t bear to lose another. Research gives us hope. And hope is everything.”
Their story is a powerful reminder of how deeply breast cancer touches lives, and how love, friendship and shared memories can carry us through. Hope lives on between Mignon, Nuala, Janet and Sue, not just in what they give, but in what they choose to leave behind.
Adding a Gift to NBCF in your Will is a very personal way to create lasting impact. To learn more, please get in touch at bequests@nbcf.org.au or phone Diana on 02 8098 4848.
Zac Splashed to Save Lives
One swim, countless ripples of impact
At just 12 years old, Zac took on NBCF’s Swim for Breast Cancer challenge, swimming 9km throughout November to honour his mum Belinda, and grandmother Yvonne – two women whose lives have been shaped by breast cancer. Belinda lost her mum at age six and later chose a preventative double mastectomy, determined to protect her family.
Zac’s motivation was simple and powerful: “I love my mum. We are best friends. No child should lose their mum to breast cancer.”
Zac’s swim raised vital funds and awareness for breast cancer research. His story is a powerful reminder of the love, courage and community spirit that fuels our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Belinda’s smile throughout the challenge says it all – this was more than a swim; it was a celebration of hope.
Thank you, Zac, Belinda and everyone that supported them. Your generosity made Zac’s challenge so meaningful. You’re helping fund the research that gives families more time, more hope and more reasons to believe in a brighter future.
Three Decades of Dedication
For more than 30 years, NBCF Founding Partners, David Jones and The Estée Lauder Companies, have helped drive progress in breast cancer research through generosity, advocacy, and community engagement.
David Jones has woven generosity into the fabric of its culture, rallying staff and customers around meaningful initiatives during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, including Pink Ribbon Breakfasts, the Mother’s Day Classic, and fundraising through select product sales. They also have dedicated Rose Clinics –part of the national BreastScreen program - which provides free breast screening for women over 40, supporting early detection in a convenient and welcoming environment.
“It’s a privilege to be a founding partner of NBCF, supporting groundbreaking research and initiatives that have made a difference in the lives of Australians for over 30 years.”
– Jelina Taylor, Head of Sustainability & Legacy, David Jones
The Estée Lauder Companies launched The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign in 1992 and continues to show unwavering dedication to education, advocacy, and funding life-saving research.
“We are incredibly proud of our 30-year strong partnership with the NBCF, supporting groundbreaking research in early detection and new treatments, leading to significantly improved outcomes for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.”
– Emmerentia Wilding, Managing Director, The Estée Lauder Companies Australia and New Zealand
We are deeply grateful for the enduring legacy of these remarkable partners and to everyone who has played a role in this journey. Together, Partners and the community are helping fund research that brings hope, time, and improved outcomes to families facing breast cancer.