The statistics are compelling – around 10 women every day in Queensland receive the devastating news that they have breast or gynaecological cancer.
About 4000 Queensland women will be diagnosed with a women’s cancer this year, and sadly more than 750 women will die from breast or gynaecological cancer.
Cancer Council Queensland has launched a new campaign to Take on Women’s Cancers all year round, helping Queensland women reduce their cancer risk and detect cancer early.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said fundraising and raising awareness for women’s cancers was now a focus all year round, not only during October (Pink month).
“Taking on Women’s Cancers encapsulates all of our Pink Fundraising events including Pink Ribbon Day, Pink events, and Walk 4 Breast Cancer,” Ms Clift said.
“The extension of this campaign will allow us to make a real difference to those affected by breast and gynaecological cancers through prevention programs, support services and world-class research.”
Queenslanders are invited to Take on Women’s Cancers in a number of ways throughout the year, including purchasing Pink merchandise or volunteering on Pink Ribbon Day (October 27).
Hosting a Pink fundraising event such as a Girls’ Night In or registering for a Walk 4 Breast Cancer event in Cairns, Mackay or the Sunshine Coast are also ways to show your support.
Cancer Council Queensland is encouraging all women to take simple measures to reduce their cancer risk and help detect cancer early, to combat worrying breast and gynaecological cancer trends.
“Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer diagnosed in Queensland women and over 2,900 Queensland women will be diagnosed with the disease this year,” Ms Clift said.
“It is important for all women to be breast aware and remain vigilant about their health.
“To help detect breast cancer early, mammographic screening every two years is recommended for women aged 50-69 years.
“If every eligible woman had a Pap smear every two years, 90 per cent of cervical cancers could be prevented. All women aged 18 to 70 years who have ever been sexually active should get screened.”
For more information about Cancer Council Queensland’s Taking on Women’s Cancers campaign or to register for any events, visit www.womenscancers.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Easy steps all women can take to help reduce cancer risk:
Quit Smoking
Understand your body and get checked
Eat healthily and drink less alcohol
Stay SunSmart every day
Take time to be active
Seek the advice of your GP if you notice any of the following symptoms of breast or gynaecological cancers.
Breast cancer detection and symptoms:
A lump, lumpiness or thickening of the breast
Changes in the skin of a breast, such as puckering, dimpling or a rash
Persistent or unusual breast pain
A change in the shape or size of a breast
Discharge from a nipple, a nipple rash or a change in its shape
Gynaecological cancer detection and symptoms:
Irregular vaginal bleeding
Changes to the skin of the vulva such as redness, ulceration or irritation and itching
Discomfort or bleeding during or after intercourse
Pelvic pain, swollen legs or backache
For more information, please contact:
Kim Ryan, Senior Media Advisor, Cancer Council Queensland P.(07) 3634 5239
For interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland P.(07)3634 5372 M.0409 001 171