Commonwealth Bank Encourages All Australians to Help Raise Money for Breast Cancer Research

The Commonwealth Bank, in partnership with the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia (BCIA), is encouraging Australians to purchase a 2010 Australian Women’s Health Diary from selected Commonwealth Bank branches around Australia.

All proceeds will support clinical trials research for the cure and prevention of breast cancer. Commonwealth Bank Executive General Manager, Ms Tristan Wills, said the Group was proud to support the BCIA during this important campaign, which focuses on an issue that impacts so many Australians.

Through our partnership with the BCIA, we aim to raise both awareness and funds to help find a cure for a disease that affects the lives of our customers, staff, friends and loved ones,” she said.

Purchasing a diary is an opportunity for all of us to make a simple, yet significant contribution towards breast cancer research. At the same time, the diary will provide us with important health information.”

Ms Wills said the Commonwealth Bank, in support of the BCIA, will host awareness raising and fundraising activities, including pink themed morning teas, across the organisation and in a number of its branches throughout Australia during October, which is recognised internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ms Julie Callaghan, General Manager of the BCIA, said one in 10 women in Australia will get breast cancer at some stage of their life. However, more women are surviving breast cancer long term due to advances in early diagnosis and treatments produced through clinical trials research.

Ms Callaghan said the Commonwealth Bank’s support has been vital in supporting this research.

The Commonwealth Bank’s long-term commitment has helped fund the fight against breast cancer since 1995 and has so far contributed more than $1.3 million to the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia,” she said.

By purchasing a 2010 Australian Women’s Health Diary for just $14.95, all Australians can make a contribution in funding research to help save women’s lives.”

The diary is a valuable resource for women of all ages. It contains guidance on a number of important women’s health issues and includes self help information sections accompanied by colour pictures, diagrams, statistics and checklists. Plus, every diary has a bonus pink pen.

For more information on the 2010 Australian Women’s Health Diary, or to purchase a copy online, visit www.bcia.org.au.

About the Breast Cancer Institute of Australia (BCIA): The BCIA is committed to funding the Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group. This is Australia’s national organisation dedicated entirely to breast cancer clinical trials research. Its research aims to identify the most effective treatment to cure every person diagnosed with breast cancer, and prevention for all those at risk.

Spanish singer Paco Clavel attends the Spanish premiere for ‘Volver’ at the Palacio de la Musica Cinema on March 16, 2006 in Madrid, Spain.

(Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images) Content © 2009 Getty Images All rights reserved.

WOMEN AROUND AUSTRALIA GIVEN UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO GET INVOLVED IN INTERACTIVE PROGRAM ON BREAST CANCER

Women around Australia will have the opportunity on to get involved in a unique, interactive program which addresses many of the issues that arise when women complete treatment for breast cancer, through a special live internet webcast produced by the Rural Health Education Foundation and the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute in Sydney.

The ninety minute program entitled ‘Breast Cancer: Challenges after Treatment’ will be presented live on Tuesday October 27^th as a simultaneous interactive satellite broadcast and internet webcast, as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The program has been developed to provide women with answers to frequently asked questions and will offer strategies to assist them in gaining accurate information and access to appropriate support. It will also explore ways in which health care professionals can assist women to find their ‘new normal’.

Rural Health Education Foundation CEO Don Perlgut says the joint collaboration between the Foundation and the Institute on the interactive program provides a rare opportunity for both women and their healthcare advisers to gain from the program.

He says: “With more than 13,000 women in Australia affected by breast cancer each year, programs such as this aim to assist in supporting as many of those women as possible – as well as benefiting the healthcare professionals who treat them.”

Director of the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, A/Professor John Boyages, says after breast cancer treatment many women experience unexpected physical and emotional changes, coupled with confusion over follow-up care and concern about their future.

He says. “Breast Cancer: Challenges after Treatment addresses those issues by presenting the latest strategies from expert practitioners.”

Details on the program

The program format is a panel discussion chaired by A/Professor John Boyages, Director of the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute.

The panel of medical practitioners features:

• Dr James French, Head of Breast Surgery at the NSW Breast Cancer Institute, located at Westmead Hospital in Sydney;
• Dr Tony Hobbs, General Practitioner from Cootamundra in NSW;
• Associate Professor Judy Kirk, Director of the Familial Cancer Service;
• Ms Louise Koelmeyer, Occupational Therapist and Lymphoedema Specialist at Westmead Hospital;
• Dr Nicholas Wilcken, Director of Medical Oncology at Westmead Hospital and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney.

Breast Cancer: Challenges after Treatment has been funded by the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute with support from the Sydney West Area Health Service and the community.

Broadcast details

Breast Cancer: Challenges after Treatment will be broadcast across the Rural Health Education Foundation’s satellite television network and simultaneously as an Internet webcast on: Tuesday 27th October: 8.00pm (AEDT) by going to: www.rhef.com.au

The satellite broadcast of the program will be repeated at:

· 8.00pm Perth time that same evening (two hours later); and 12.30pm on Friday 30th October (AEDT).

The program will also be available free on the Internet after the live broadcast for viewing via web-streamed video or listening via an audio podcast.

For more information on the program, including presenter details, access instructions and associated educational resources – refer to the program summary on the Foundation’s website at www.rhef.com.au or contact the Foundation on (02) 6232 5480.

About Breast Cancer

• Every day, 35 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer and it remains by far the most common cancer diagnosed in women and in 2005, made up over 27% of all cancer diagnoses.

• An Australian woman has a 1 in 8 lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and a 1 in 56 chance of breast cancer causing her death.

• The risk of breast cancer increases with age – and the average age of diagnosis is 60 years for a woman.

• Breast cancer is also the most common cancer experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, but the incidence is lower than for the non-indigenous population.

(Source: All statistics quoted are provided by the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute – Sydney)

ABOUT THE RURAL HEALTH EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Rural Health Education Foundation is the premier body for the continuing education of rural and remote health practitioners around Australia.

A not-for-profit independent organisation, the Foundation provides quality broadcast television programs through part funding from the Australian Department of Health and Ageing and the voluntary participation of Australia’s leading medical experts.

Professionals can access these programs via satellite television, the internet as web-cast, web-streamed or podcast resources, on DVD and other television broadcast services.

ABOUT THE WESTMEAD BREAST CANCER INSTITUTE

Since its inception in 1995, the vision for the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) has been to be a leader in the provision of breast cancer care for women, their families and the community.

With funding from NSW Health, The Cancer Institute of NSW, SWAHS, and the support of the community, the BCI is part of the Sydney West Area Health Service, with its head office at Westmead Hospital.

The BCI offers a comprehensive range of screening, diagnostic and treatment clinics including multidisciplinary breast cancer care, family history, plastic surgery, benign disease, metastatic breast cancer, surgical, radiotherapy for new patients and those requiring check-ups after treatment.

The Institute’s vision is “Supporting Women with Breast Cancer Today and Every Day”.

THE organising committee for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Global Illumination Gala Cocktail Party are up to their ears in ‘pink’, collating and wrapping a mass of prizes worth more than $30,000 for the October 10 event.

The massive pool of prizes have all been donated with money raised at the Sea World based gala event directed towards finding new and improved treatments for the thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

Global Illumination is a unique initiative to put the spotlight on breast cancer awareness and is part of ‘Pink’ October – internationally recognised as Breast Cancer month.

Gold Coast Global Illumination Committee Chair, Dr Robyn Cameron said she has been overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who have donated prizes.

At a time when many people and businesses are doing it a bit tough I cannot believe how many willingly came forward with the most wonderful gifts and prizes for this event.

We have an eclectic mix, from a superb Audi car for a weekend, to a signed Titans jersey, a week’s luxury resort accommodation, golf games, a drive safe course and a fully catered dinner party for ten people in your own home.

It is shaping up to be a wonderful evening at Sea World – the prize pool makes it even more exciting for our guests who will enjoy a unique night of entertainment including a ‘pink’ ‘Imagine Dolphin Show,” Dr Cameron said.

The Global Illumination campaign is an initiative of Estee Lauder companies, an organisation on a mission to create a world without breast cancer.

Twelve Global Illumination events will be held across Australia to raise vital funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation

Kathy McEvoy, breast cancer survivor and founder of Celebrate in Pink , LLC, is promoting socially responsible partying that leads to a greater good.

After searching for pink ribbon themed party ware for a post walk celebration, Kathy discovered that it wasn’t available anywhere in the world. She believes that women deserve a beautiful way to show their passion about a cause near and dear to their hearts and at the same time, supports women who need financial help with their treatment.

Kathy has dedicated the last two years bringing her unique collection to women everywhere. She is an inspiration to all survivors and wants them to know that cancer can be the start of a better life and that we shouldn’t need a cancer diagnosis to change the life we currently have.

The collection includes dinner and dessert plates, luncheon and beverage napkins as well as note cards and invitations. The signature pink ribbon design represents the hearts of women everywhere, especially those with breast cancer.

We all know a friend, sister, daughter, or mother who has been affected by breast cancer. Now there is a great way to celebrate with them and to celebrate it forward" says Kathy.

The party ware can be used for any special occasion or event. The many reasons to celebrate in pink include milestone anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, walk day celebrations, bunco, bridge, gatherings with friends and family, fundraising and more. By making everyday gatherings a way to give every day, now women everywhere can provide help to women who need it most; let the partying begin!

About Celebrate In Pink

Celebrate in Pink , LLC is the sole provider of distinctive pink ribbon theme paper tableware. Its signature pink ribbon represents the heart of women everywhere. Founder Kathy McEvoy, a four-year breast cancer survivor, and her partner, Deb Pfiffner, are committed to introducing exciting pink ribbon merchandise that directly support sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends undergoing breast cancer treatment. Visit http://www.celebrateinpink.com or call 888-314-PINK for additional product information. Celebrate in Pink , LLC is a privately held company based in Fairfax, VA.

Based on the success of the last collection the iconic burlesque dancer, Dita Von Teese has returned to the drawing board to create a second line for Wonderbra, and House of Fraser was the first online retailer to stock the collection.

The designer bras collection launched at House of Fraser on 11 September and is titled the ‘Party Edition’.

Speaking about her inspiration for the line, Dita said: "I wanted to re-invent the existing collection for a few reasons, one being that I love it so much myself, and I was so happy with the execution of the new bra shapes Wonderbra made for me, that I kept fantasizing about having it in other colors and fabrics."

The Sparkle Teese lingerie is sure to excite customers, with its combination of sequins, tulle and ruby red tassles. Designed to provide sexy yet sophisticated styling, the Sparkle Teese is available in a cleavage and balcony bra, brief and thong bottoms and matching suspender belt.

The Satine Teese lingerie has been created to provide pure silver screen glamor. The line comes in two shades of a fiery red satin and a delicate mauve with a sensual lace trim. The Satine Teese introduces the shaping high suspender to exaggerate curves and sits alongside a matching cleavage bra, thong and brief.

Wonderbra lingerie continues to have a strong following, thanks to its range of designs, in particular their bestselling Wonderbra Strapless bra as well as a variety of different underwire bras. From one icon to another, Wonderbra by Dita Von Teese is a fabulous addition to the House of Fraser lingerie collections. Both in store and online shoppers can find a whole host of brands including Elle MacPherson intimates, Freya, Calvin Klein and DKNY.

Dita Von Teese’s ‘Party Edition’ Wonderbra range can be purchased from House of Fraser stores and online.
 
About House of Fraser
House of Fraser is a department store group with 62 locations across the UK and Ireland and a fully transactional website. As one of the best known names on the high street, for women’s clothing and more House of Fraser has presented customers with a nationwide department store for more than 160 years.

The company was acquired by the Highland consortium in November 2006 marking the beginning a new chapter in its history. The group has annual sales in excess of GBP1.25bn and employs 6500 House of Fraser staff and 10,000 concession staff through 5 million sq ft of selling space.
Website: http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/

This Sunday the 20^th September the Belmont 16ft Skiffs will be sailing on Belmont Bay in support of “the Hunter Breast Cancer Education and Support Committee (a sub group of the Newcastle Breast Centre Research Association)

The boys will be a picture on the bay wearing pink shirts in honor of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer and of the committees work in supporting these women. .

This dedicated group of volunteers donate their time, professional skills and experience to educate and support not just women with breast cancer but also their families and the wider community in which these women live.

Members of the Education Committee represent a broad range of breast cancer stakeholders from both the public and private health sectors and the wider community. Their passion and commitment extends to working collaboratively to ensure that all women of the Hunter diagnosed with breast cancer and their families have access to the best information and support available, whether they are treated within the private or public health systems.

Many of these committee members are professionally qualified in treatment and counseling, most have either experienced breast cancer or been carers of women with breast cancer and are family members which in itself renders them more than qualified to assist as a supporter or mentor.

The Hunter Breast Cancer Education and Support Committee is associated with nationally respected cancer organizations such as The Cancer Council and Breast Cancer Network of Australia and treatment centers such as the Calvary Mater Newcastle, The Breast Centre, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, and Lingard Private Hospital.

The money raised by our Belmont 16ft Skiff sailors on the day will be directed to both research and education.

If you would like a birds eye view of the “Pretty in Pink Parade” you will find it from the deck or in air conditioned comfort behind the floor to ceiling windows of the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club. The race begins at 11.00am.

The Hunter Valley Gardens 5^th annual Festival of Flowers kicked off in spectacular style yesterday with over 250,000 annuals on display throughout the many themed gardens. A full calendar of fun activities and events will be held throughout the Festival, including The Pink Tea in aid of breast cancer awareness on Saturday 26 September.

The event takes place from 2pm in the Formal Garden with Wilson & Hunter fashion parade showcasing the latest Spring collections. Feast on a sumptuous high tea with sparkling wine and a variety of tantalizing teas, while enjoying the upbeat sounds of the Dixieland Jazz Band in the beautiful surrounds of Australia’s largest display garden and being inspired by guest speaker and cancer survivor, Anne Berry who will share her journey of survival.

Erin Radnidge, Events Manager at Hunter Valley Gardens says, “The Pink Tea is a great opportunity to get the girls together for a great afternoon out, while supporting a truly wonderful cause.”

The Pink Tea costs $75 per person and includes a gift bag of special treats to take home.

The Festival of Flowers runs until Wednesday 30 September 30 and will immerse visitors in a sensory experience they will never forget. With fabulous entertainment, activities, attractions, demonstrations, talks, tours and workshops to take part in, the Festival provides a visually stunning and interactive experience for everyone.

For further details about The Pink Tea and for bookings, please contact Katey Twist on 02 4998 4000 or at kateyt@hvg.com.au

For a full calendar of events during the Festival of Flowers, visit www.hvg.com.au or call 02 4998 4000

Pink becomes the nation’s favourite colour in October!

The National Breast Cancer Foundation is all about friends and fundraising, rocking a ribbon and funding research for prevention and cure.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Australia, with 1 in 9 expected to be diagnosed by the age of 85. The NBCF’s research into prevention and cure is helping to create better treatment options and improved outcomes. In the last decade, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by approximately 22%.

By attending an event, holding a breakfast at work or at home, or simply by spending your spare change on a pink ribbon, you can make a direct contribution to stopping this disease that affects mums, wives, sisters, girlfriends and their families.

Here’s how you can support the work of the NBCF:

Global Illumination

The brainchild of Ms. Evelyn Lauder, Global Illumination sees famous icons worldwide lit pink to promote breast cancer awareness. 2009 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies Global Illumination campaign in Australia, with the Sydney Opera House and Federation Square in Melbourne turning pink, with many more to come!

The official launch of Breast Cancer Month will take place on Thursday September 24, with an exclusive cocktail event in Sydney on this date, with various other fundraising events around Australia during October. Visit www.globalillumination.org.au for more information.

Pink Ribbon Breakfasts

Anyone, anywhere around Australia can host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to support breast cancer research, so spread the word! Celebrity chefs and NBCF ambassadors, Peter Evans and Michael Moore will be sharing their yummy pink breakfast ideas throughout October. Of course if you like a sleep-in, why not have a brunch or afternoon tea? Your only limit is your imagination!

Since it began in 2003, more than 20,000 Australians have held a breakfast and helped raise over $10million for research. Our aim is to take this figure past $13million this October so we need thousands of enthusiastic brekkie hosts.

An exciting new way to join in the fun is the option of holding a Virtual Breakfast! You might be overseas, too time-poor to hold an actual breakfast or just prefer the convenience of online fundraising. Setting up your own Pink Ribbon Breakfast page at www.pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au where friends and family can donate to your virtual breakfast is quick and easy (and there’s no washing up to do afterwards!)

You can raise money through gold coin donations, food sales, raffles and auctions, with a Pink Ribbon Breakfast the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family and support a good cause at the same time. All hosts will receive a Host Information Booklet with fundraising ideas and suggestions to make your breakfast a scrumptious success.

Registrations open from mid-August, and Breakfasts can be held throughout September and October. Visit www.pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au for more information.

Pink Ribbon Day

Rock a ribbon this October and show that you’re a supporter of breast cancer research. Every ribbon sold helps take us one step closer to prevention and cure so wear it proudly on Pink Ribbon Day, Monday October 26. But it’s not just ribbons – there’s a funky new bauble bracelet, and for the guys, a ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ button badge!

Street sales of the pink ribbon will take place around the country on Friday October 2, and through select retail outlets.

Pink Products

Looking to ‘pink up’ your breakfast or fundraising event? Then log onto NBCF’s online shop www.pinkribbonshop.org.au, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reliable delivery throughout Australia means you can order anything from a pink ribbon t-shirt, to balloons and mugs, and have them conveniently bought straight to your door. NBCF merchandise makes a thoughtful gift, and with every purchase, you’re contributing directly to helping us find a cure.

Our merchandise isn’t just for the ladies, with the black polo with subtle pink ribbon a great way for men to show their support for the cause; of course, there’s a pale pink version as well! There’s a whole range of unisex items to suit both the chef and the sportsperson, with a new design striped pink apron, oven mitt and tea-towel set getting you ready for your Pink Ribbon Breakfast, while pink sports socks and wrist sweatbands will keep you cool on and off the court.

It’s the perfect excuse to go shopping, without the guilt! Visit www.pinkribbonshop.org.au today.

About the National Breast Cancer Foundation

The NBCF is the leading community-funded national organisation in Australia raising money for research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Since the NBCF was established in 1994, over $55 million has been awarded to Australian-based researchers across every state and territory to improve the health and wellbeing of those affected by breast cancer.

One woman’s life that changed the lives of more than five million others [1]

Just over 12 months since her passing, even Jane McGrath would have been left speechless by the number of Australian women who report being aware of her experience with breast cancer and just how many have been motivated by her story to become more “breast aware”. [2]

New Australian research reveals the impact Jane McGrath had on millions of Australian women.

According to the Newspoll research released today, almost all (97 per cent) of the women surveyed had heard of Jane McGrath. However, beyond the high level of awareness about her story, it is the level of impact and influence Jane McGrath had on other women that is of most significance.

The research shows that two in three (64 per cent) Australian women took direct action as a result of the media attention surrounding Jane’s experience with breast cancer and the work of the McGrath Foundation, which Jane established with her husband Glenn McGrath immediately following her initial diagnosis with breast cancer.

Commenting on the results, Tracy Bevan, Jane’s long-term friend and an Executive Director at the McGrath Foundation said, “In the year since Jane died, it is extremely moving to hear how her life not only touched those who knew her personally, but also touched so many women in the community who are or could be impacted by breast cancer.”

Of these women, one in four started conducting regular self-breast examinations; two in 10 asked their doctor to conduct a breast examination; and one in 10 have become involved in breast cancer education and awareness campaigns.

The national survey of more than 1,000 Australian women (half aged 18-39, and half aged 40+) found that although eight in 10 women consider themselves to be breast aware – there is still a significant lag between awareness and action, leaving room for greater education, particularly amongst young women. 

Jane would be so proud to know that her experience with breast cancer and the work of the McGrath Foundation has directly impacted so many women, particularly younger women, to become more breast aware. However, there is still work to do as while 80 per cent of women say they are breast aware, only one in three (31 per cent) are actually doing anything tangible with that increased awareness by conducting regular self-breast checks,” Ms Bevan said.

I hope Jane’s story can continue to empower women to do regular breast checks so they become more familiar with their own breasts and are able to detect any changes early.”

Despite nine in ten women surveyed having had a dental check up and eight in 10 having had a pap smear, 32 per cent of all women surveyed had never had a breast examination conducted by their doctor.

Dr Lucy France, General Practitioner and long-time friend of Jane McGrath, believes this research is a timely reminder for doctors to include a regular breast check for patients, with the research revealing that only two thirds (67 per cent) of Australian women, aged 18 years and over, had ever had a breast examination conducted by their doctor.

As GPs, we have a unique opportunity to start a discussion around breast health and breast cancer with our patients, particularly younger women. It is important patients feel comfortable talking about any breast health concerns with their doctors and that they are given the knowledge and skills to become familiar with their own breasts.” Dr France said. 

The survey also found that further research to find better treatments for breast cancer (92 per cent) and improved access to new therapies (86 per cent), is of most importance to Australian women. This was followed by improved access to specialised breast cancer services (82 per cent) and improved breast cancer education programs (79 per cent).

About the research:

The national breast cancer survey was conducted by Newspoll Market Research, Australia’s leading public opinion polling company. The research was carried out via telephone from 8-31 May 2009. It involved 1,023 female respondents aged 18 years and over, with respondents selected via a random sample process.

The research was supported by GlaxoSmithKline Australia.

[1]  Newspoll data is weighted and projected to the latest ABS population statistics. The Newspoll survey indicates that over 5 million Australian women have actively undertaken one or more of a range of actions as a result of the media attention surrounding Jane McGrath.

[2]  Definition of “breast aware”: familiar with their own breasts so that they can identify a change in the look and feel of their breasts.

Minister for Roads Michael Daley today announced that the RTA’s “Pink Plates” initiative, launched in April of this year, had already raised more than $53,000 for the McGrath Foundation.

Mr Daley urged motorists across NSW to get on board with the pink initiative, with just over two more months left to run.

This is a fantastic initiative that’s raising valuable funds for McGrath Breast Care Nurses throughout NSW. It’s also raising awareness of breast cancer as increasing numbers of pink plated cars hit the streets of NSW.

And its not just women who are snapping up the new plates – around 400 men have showed their support by pinking up their cars.

Mr Daley said the RTA was on the way to raising a record donation for the McGrath Foundation by the end of the campaign on 31 October 2009.

With Fathers Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to give Dad a pink plate so he can show support for someone in his life who may have been touched by breast cancer.

Sadly, there wouldn’t be many men out there who have not had a mother, sister, wife, daughter, niece or aunt affected by breast cancer at some stage and buying a pink plate is a great way to increase awareness of the disease,” Mr Daley said.

About Pink Plates

More than 2,200 pink plates have been sold in NSW.

The slimline hot pink plates with white characters have been the most popular with around 1,600 sold, and about 60 per cent of the customers who bought a pink plate have chosen to personalise it.

• Plates are available in hot pink, lipstick pink, white with pink characters and the prestige hot pink.
• Cricket legend Glenn McGrath was the first person in NSW to fit customised hot pink number plates to his car.

Pink plates can be ordered from your local RTA registry or by logging onto www.myplates.com.au.

For more information about the McGrath Foundation visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.

Women in rural Australia diagnosed with breast cancer will now have access to better information and support with more than $2.7 million of Federal funding directed to the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre and the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Announcing the investment at the Regional and Rural Day of the Breast Cancer Network national summit in Melbourne today, the Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, said the Supporting Women in Rural Areas Diagnosed with Breast Cancer project offers support to both rural women with cancer, and rural health professionals.

This funding brings together two important breast cancer organisations to deliver practical initiatives to help rural women, their families and carers,” Mr Snowdon said.

Making available online video technology so that women away from home for treatment can see and talk with their family; ensuring rural health professionals, including Indigenous health workers, have access to information on the latest breast cancer treatments; and forums such as today are just some of the ways this project will make a real difference.”

The Supporting Women in Rural Areas Diagnosed with Breast Cancer project complements other Government breast cancer initiatives including:

• $120 million for the latest digital mammography equipment for BreastScreen Australia;
• $168 million for the continued funding of the Herceptin program, which provides Herceptin for the treatment of people with metastatic breast cancer;
• $31 million over five years to reimburse external breast prostheses for women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer; and
• more than $28 million in other measures to assist in the treatment and management of breast cancer including $12 million to the McGrath Foundation to employ breast care nurses now located in 44 communities across Australia.

In addition, the Government has committed $560 million to build a network of ten best-practice regional cancer centres, to help improve access and support for cancer patients in rural and regional Australia.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and together we will fight it, and win.”

The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute today announced the launch of a new national art competition, the Mural of Survivorship at the inaugural Ray of Hope fundraising dinner. 

The competition, open to all those affected by breast cancer and their family and friends, has been created to celebrate ‘survivorship’ – the term used to describe the time from diagnosis of breast cancer. 

Director of the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Professor John Boyages said the Mural of Survivorship competition has been developed to provide women with breast cancer, and their loved ones a creative and healing platform to share their pain, laughter and experiences.

Better screening and advances in treatment mean that many more women are surviving breast cancer.

This art competition celebrates this achievement and acknowledges that all breast cancer patients are survivors,” Professor Boyages said. 

A website has been created for the competition at www.muralofsurvivorship.com.au.

As each artwork is entered via the Mural of Survivorship website the artist will be given the opportunity to have the artwork and story displayed on the website so other women can share their experience.

Professor Boyages said all forms of art will be accepted including photography, drawing, painting and sculpture.

The Mural of Survivorship is an opportunity for women and their loved ones to share experiences and emotions at all stages of breast cancer, from diagnosis through to treatment and beyond. You don’t have to be a professional artist.  This is about sharing experiences and inspiration. 

Going through breast cancer is distressing and sufferers may often feel down, lost and lacking focus for the future. Engaging in activities such as exercise, music and art can be an important part of healing,” Professor Boyages said.

Developed by the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute and supported by Novartis Oncology, the Mural of Survivorship art competition closes on October 2, 2009 and there is $3,500 in cash prizes available including $1,000 for first place and $1,000 for the people’s favourite.

The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute is a leader in the provision of cancer care in Australia with multidisciplinary research, clinical care, breast cancer screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and follow up. 

The Ray of Hope is the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute’s fundraising campaign which aims to support women with breast cancer today and every day, providing much needed funds for ongoing patient initiatives. The Mural of Survivorship is an example of one of the many patient programs implemented by the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute to provide support for women and their families.  

For further information or to enter the competition go to: www.muralofsurvivorship.com.au.

To enter the competition

To enter, entrants will need to visit the Mural of Survivorship website www.muralofsurvivorship.com.au to download an entry form or to enter online.

Entrants will be asked to take a good quality photo of their artwork to upload on the website along with a 150 word submission on what the artwork means to them.

All forms of artwork will be accepted including photography, sculpture, sketching and painting.

The artworks will be displayed on the Mural of Survivorship website throughout October to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Eco-Panda swimwear featured in the August 2009 Issue of Coco Eco Magazine.

The culturally diverse styles, Jungle Beat & Mandalay, caught the eye of Coco Eco’s Fashion Director, who chose to feature them in the Living La Vida fashion spread in the current issue, as seen on pages 18 and 20.

The featured styles including the Mandalay Halter Bikini, Jungle Beat Monokini, and Jungle Beat Bandeau Halter Bikini are all limited edition styles with no plans for future reproductions.

Coco Eco is known as the modern girl’s style guide on the road to being gorgeous, glamorous and green, and your new source of everything eco-chic, that’s good for the planet, and good for you too. As the world’s first recycled nylon swimwear line, Eco-Panda is committed to supplying fashionista’s and eco-chic divas with affordable, eco-chic swimwear that refuses to compromise quality or style.

"Responsible Fashion, Affordable Luxury"

Eco-Panda is committed to being a green company, and utilizes all recycled materials and eco-friendly shipping methods. By using post-consumer recycled nylon, Eco-Panda helps sustain the environment for future generations by diminishing greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming, minimizing the use of landfill sites and incineration, and helping to prevent exhaustion of our limited natural petroleum resources.

Recycled nylon uses 27% less natural petroleum resources, and emits 28% less greenhouse gases.

Eco-Panda apparel is available exclusively at www.eco-panda.com

Meat intake and meat preparation in relation to risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in the NIH-AARP diet and health study.

A number of studies have reported that intake of red meat or meat cooked at high temperatures is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, but other studies have shown no association.

We assessed the association between meat, meat-cooking methods, and meat-mutagen intake and postmenopausal breast cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study cohort of 120,755 postmenopausal women who completed a food frequency questionnaire at baseline (1995-1996) as well as a detailed meat-cooking module within 6 months following baseline.

During 8 years of follow-up, 3,818 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified in this cohort. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

After adjusting for covariates, intake of total meat, red meat, meat cooked at high temperatures, and meat mutagens showed no association with breast cancer risk.

This large prospective study with detailed information on meat preparation methods provides no support for a role of meat mutagens in the development of postmenopausal breast cancer.

From the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY.

Full article: click here

From Journal Watch:

Applying dietary study results to clinical practice is always challenging. This study was large and prospective, but, as AARP members, the participants might not be representative of the general U.S. population.

Nonetheless, although they were not associated with breast cancer risk in this study, red meat, processed meats, saturated fat, and meat mutagens might be associated with other types of cancer, as well as with cardiovascular disease.

Women who are concerned about breast cancer risk needn’t fear eating grilled meats, but all women should follow healthful, varied diets that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins.

 Diane E. Judge, APN/CNP

Breast is best – that’s the message Hunter New England Health is hoping mums and dads will hear this week, Breastfeeding Awareness Week (1-7 August).

HNE Health Midwife Consultant based at John Hunter Hospital (Newcastle, Australia), Rosalee Shaw, said breastfeeding is the best start a family can give to their baby’s life, and a way of warding off debilitating illness such as influenza.

Breastfeeding is a key way that mothers can protect their babies against all strains of influenza and respiratory infections this winter,” Ms Shaw said.

When a mother is exposed to illness, like the flu, she develops antibodies against the strain of infection which are in turn passed onto the baby during breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is not only the most appropriate nourishment for a baby, it also has many other important benefits – and it’s free! So it’s important to keep breastfeeding your child for as long as possible.”

While women living in the HNE Health region are among the best in the state at starting and maintaining breast feeding, it is important that more families realise the benefits of the practice and more importantly how to get help if they experience difficulty.

We know that most NSW mothers – more than 90 per cent – begin to breastfeed after giving birth, but about half of all NSW mothers stop by the time their baby is about six months old,” Ms Shaw said.

In Australia, it is recommended that as many infants as possible be exclusively breastfed until six months of age and it is further recommended that breastfeeding continue until at least 12 months and beyond, alongside family foods.

It’s also important that families know they always have somewhere to turn if they find it hard to continue breastfeeding their baby.”

Breastfeeding guidance can also be given by your local lactation consultant, midwife, child and family health centre or your doctor.

More information and guidance about breastfeeding can also be found by calling the Australian Breastfeeding Association on 1800 686 2 686 (1800 MUM 2 MUM).

You can also go to www.breastfeeding.asn.au.