PRINCIPAL CHARITY
National Breast Cancer Foundation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting and promoting research into the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The foundation is committed to funding high quality research responsive to the needs and interests of women affected by breast cancer. Since being established in 1994, the foundation has awarded more than $40 million to 164 breast cancer research projects across Australia. This includes two recently announced $5 million five year collaborative grants.
Initiatives such as this Simpson Desert MultiMarathon provides a greater chance for the foundation to make a difference to another woman’s life.
100% of all funds donated on this website will be given directly to the NBCF. All costs associated with making the event happen (approximately $40,000) will be covered by corporate sponsorship.
The Facts - Breast Cancer In Australia Today
Based on the latest national figures available, from 2006 *.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Australia, with more than 13,000 new cases expected this year- new diagnoses are also expected in 95 men.
More than 2,640 women will die from the disease in a single year- making it the leading cause of cancer-related death in females. Early detection is the best method for reducing deaths from breast cancer.
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing, but with continued support and funding from organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, improvements in research mean survival rates are on the rise.
- One in 8 women will be diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85.
- A total of 2,641 women died from breast cancer in Australia in 2004, making it the most common cause of cancer-related death in women. In addition, there was an average of 601 additional cases per year from 2000–2004 in which breast cancer was an associated cause but not the underlying cause of death.
- Despite the substantial loss of life, prospects for survival are better than ever. Over 96% of women will survive at least one year after diagnosis, and almost 87% will survive five years or more – a 15% increase since the 1980’s.
- In Australia, there are currently 113 801 women and 730 men who are alive after being diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 20 years.
- Breast cancer death rates (1994 to 2003) declined by an average of 2% per year. Survival is improving due to better detection and improved treatment resulting from excellent research.
- Survivors often encounter problems ranging from physical limitations to psychosocial difficulties following diagnosis and treatment. These issues are now emerging as new targets for researchers.
- Getting older is the most common risk factor: about 13% of new cases are among women aged 20-44, 61% in women aged 45-69 and 26% among women over 70. Women of all ages need to understand the importance of finding and treating breast cancer early.
- Survival is improving due to better detection and improved treatments which are the result of excellent research.
* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) & National Breast Cancer Centre 2006. Breast cancer in Australia: an overview, 2006. Cancer Series no. 34. cat. no. CAN 29. Canberra: AIHW
www.nbcf.org.au
