The Minns Labor Government and Breast Cancer Trials have today announced a partnership to raise awareness of breast cancer trials across the Hunter, aligning with the NRLW Magic Round.
This high visibility campaign is supported by a $50,000 grant awarded by the NSW Government.
It is expected that more than 60,000 fans will descend on Newcastle next month for the NRLW Magic Round, with Breast Cancer Trials the match day charity partner for day one on Saturday 2 August.
Not only is the NRLW Magic Round a significant moment to increase the profile and participation of women in sport, it is also now an opportunity to raise awareness and provide educational resources about a health issue that impacts thousands of women each year.
Whether rugby league fans arrive in Newcastle by plane, train or road, this “Tackle Breast Cancer” awareness campaign will feature on billboards at railway stations, on local buses and trams – even at the airport.
The campaign also includes newspaper, radio, television and social media advertising, as well as an onsite presence at the game to be held at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The awareness raising and education campaign, which kicks off today, aims to enhance community engagement and awareness of breast cancer trials that are critical to better outcomes for people diagnosed with breast cancer, which remains the most diagnosed cancer in women.
More than 21,000 breast cancer diagnoses are expected nationally this year, including 6,500 in New South Wales alone. Between 2017-21, there have been 2,650 instances of breast cancer in the Hunter.
Age is the biggest risk factor, with more than 75 per cent of breast cancers occurring in women aged over 50. Family history, genetic, reproductive and modifiable risk factors like diet and alcohol consumption can also increase a person’s risk of the disease.
Regular breast screening is the best way to detect breast cancers early, with 98 per cent of breast cancers treatable if caught early. Women aged 50 to 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years. Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
Early detection and access to innovative clinical trials are critical to improving survival rates and quality of life.
Women in regional communities can face additional barriers to cutting-edge treatment and support. Knowledge of clinical trials can empower women to seek information and ask their clinicians about specific trials they may benefit from, helping them engage in a conversation about treatment options.
The Cancer Institute NSW is investing $68.9 million this financial year in breast screening, supporting the delivery of screening for women at more than 200 clinics and mobile vans across NSW.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at BreastScreen NSW.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in NSW, with more than 1,000 women expected to lose their life to the disease this year.
“Reducing cancer’s devastating impact on our community is a key priority. I’m pleased this campaign is helping to raise awareness about the essential role research and clinical trials play in building a healthier future for people in NSW.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“Events like the NRLW Magic Round show how our state continues to lead the way in creating a brighter future for women in sport. It is critical we seize this opportunity to also raise awareness and provide education around important health issues, such a breast cancer, that will affect thousands of women each year.
“The government is pleased to be partnering with Breast Cancer Trials in this awareness campaign, with its strong contribution to improve breast cancer survival rates and the quality of life of patients, through game-changing clinical trials research.
“Every person with breast cancer benefits from the decades of research and progress made in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing effort to find better clinical responses for every person and every type of breast cancer. Supporting education and awareness raising campaigns such as this will help drive new research, and improve access to better treatments, and improve outcomes for women across NSW and Australia.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp MP said:
“This partnership brings together two teams that Newcastle is proud to call our own – the NRLW Newcastle Knights and Breast Cancer Trials.
“This is a great opportunity to use the inaugural NRLW Magic Round to spread awareness of breast cancer across the nation.
“I am pleased that the Minns Labor Government is supporting this campaign, continuing our support of both women in sport and breast cancer awareness and prevention.”
Breast Cancer Trials CEO Karen Price said:
“Breast Cancer Trials is a Newcastle success story. We are a national and internationally significant contributor to developing new evidence for improved responses to breast cancer. Through this campaign, we aim to inform more people about clinical trials and their impact, how they can find out more, and help support this vital research that saves lives.
“That’s why we are so excited to be able to promote our work in the lead up to this historic sporting event. We thank the NRL for choosing us as the charity partner for the first day of the NRLW's inaugural Magic Round in Newcastle, which is a unique opportunity to speak about such an important health issue.
“We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for their support, which will help us to enhance community engagement and raise awareness of breast cancer clinical trials in the lead up to this high-profile women’s sporting event.
“Ultimately, we want to empower people diagnosed with breast cancer to engage in conversations about their treatment options, including exploring if there is a trial that may be available to them.”
