One in every nine Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. It could be a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece or friend. Whoever they are, one thing they have in common is that they will all need our help and support.

This year, Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon Day is on Monday, October 26th. Pink Ribbon Day is your chance to help raise money and awareness for all Australian women affected by breast cancer.

For as much as we do to help improve survival rates and treatments, the fact is there is still so much more to be done.

Show your support for breast cancer by ordering pink products to sell, volunteering your time to help, buying pink, holding a pink fundraiser, or making a donation. Go to www.pinkribbonday.com.au for more information.

A significant decline in breast cancer rates amongst Australian women aged over 50 years has been linked to a recent dramatic decrease in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), according to new research by The Cancer Council NSW.

The research, published in Medical Journal Australia , found that the use of HRT in Australia dropped, by 40 per cent from 2001 to 2003 following the US Women’s Health Initiative study, which highlighted HRT’s adverse effects.

During the same period, there was a significant seven per cent drop in breast cancer rates among women aged 50 and over, which is equivalent to 600 fewer cases of breast cancer among Australian women. Dr Karen Canfell, lead author of this new Australian research said, “This research replicates recent findings from the US, which also showed a substantial decline in breast cancer attributed largely to declining use of HRT”.

Associate Professor Emily Banks at Australian National University, co-author of the study added, “To increase the reliability of our study, we ruled out breast cancer screening trends and other factors, including use of medication, as major contributors to this fall in breast cancer incidence in women 50 years and over.”

Dr Andrew Penman, CEO at The Cancer Council NSW believes these findings are positive, indicating that the decision of women and their health professionals to curtail the use of HRT has resulted in a substantial drop in breast cancer at population level.

“The correlation between the drop in breast cancer cases and HRT use is clear and its importance can’t be underestimated. This study’s findings are great news for women. They warrant further investigation to review all available evidence on HRT and its links with breast cancer,” said Dr Penman.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration recommends that HRT should only be used for menopausal symptoms and not for long-term prevention of any disease. Periodic re-evaluation of whether HRT should be discontinued is recommended at least every six months. This is because, in terms of serious disease, the overall harms of HRT outweigh the benefits.

However, the National Health Survey of 2004-2005 found that whilst there were fewer users of HRT overall there remain a substantial minority of women who have been using HRT for five or more years.

“It appears that although women and GPs are taking heed of warnings on the long term dangers of HRT there is still potential for more women to reap the benefits of giving it up. Women with severe menopausal symptoms need to talk to their GP and decide whether they are willing to run the increased risk of breast cancer and other conditions.” Dr Penman said.

Article from BCIA

Avon Race for Research is an annual 5km fun run/walk for serious athletes as well as for beginners and families held on the Newcastle Foreshore, NSW.

Since the inaugural event in 1996, race for research has raised more than $294,000 for our breast cancer research programs.

Our 2006 event attracted 2,556 participants and is the largest not-for-profit fun run in the Newcastle and Hunter Region. For photos of our 2006 event click here.

The 2007 Avon Race for Research will be held on Sunday 21 October on the picturesque Newcastle Foreshore.  The event is open to women, men and children of all ages.

Enter Online

You can help to raise money for breast cancer research by asking your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor your participation in the 2007 Avon race for research.  Register for the Newcastle Permanent Sponsorship Challenge and you could win a great prize.

Our event is only possible due to the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers.

Race Details

Categories:

A    Open Female (15 years and older up to 44 years)       
B    Open Male 15+ (15 years and older up to 49 years)   
C    Under 15 Female (Under 15 years)       
D    Under 15 Male (Under 15 years)            
E    Senior Female 45+ (45 years and over)       
F    Senior Male 50+ (50 years and over)
G    Open Team (minimum 3 – maximum of 8 people)       
H    Family Team (minimum 2 – maximum 6 people)
I    Mixed Corporate (minimum 3 – maximum 8 people)
J    Female Corporate (minimum 3 – maximum 8 people)
K    Male Corporate (minimum 3 – maximum 8 people)
L    Wheelchair            

Entry Fees:

Individual Categories:
Adults (15 years and over)  = $20.00
Under 15 years  = $15.00
Under 5 years  = FREE – But entry form must still be completed and signed by an adult or guardian

Team Categories:

Individual entry fees apply as above except for Family Team   
            
Family Team (minimum 2 – maximum of 6 people) = max of $60.00
(If the Family Team entry totals over $60.00, then only a maximum of $60.00 will be charged

HOWEVER – THE FAMILY TEAM MUST HAVE NO MORE THAN TWO ADULTS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS RATE)

Entries Close:

Monday 15 October at 5.00pm. 
Any entrant wishing to enter after this date can only do so on Race Day. 
No team entries will be accepted after Monday 15 October.

Late Fees:
• Individual Late Entries will be accepted on Race Day ONLY.
• Adults (15 years and over) = $25.00
• Under 15 years = $20.00
How to enter Avon race for research

Entrants wishing to enter an individual category can do so online.

Team entries cannot be accepted online as each team member must complete an entry form and submit all of the forms stapled together as one “team” entry.

Online entries should be completed only by the person entering the event.  In the case of the entrant being under the age of 18, a Parent or Guardian must complete the online registration.

OR to enter a team, and/or an individual category, please download the entry form and submit to:
Any branch of the Newcastle Permanent (entry forms can also be obtained from the Newcastle Permanent).

Breast Cancer Institute of Australia (BCIA):
In person to Suite 2, 227 Darby St, Newcastle during office hours
(8.30 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday).
Fax with credit card details to (02) 4925 3068.
Post to BCIA, PO Box 283, The Junction NSW 2291