TACKLING BREAST CANCER ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Breast Cancer Trials has launched a month-long awareness campaign this July, culminating in its role as the match day charity partner for day one of the NRLW Magic Round in Newcastle on 2nd August.

As Australia and New Zealand’s largest independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated solely to breast cancer clinical trials research, Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is thrilled to bring the importance of game-changing research centre stage—in our own backyard—during this landmark women’s sporting event.

While there have been very significant improvements to the treatment of breast cancer and survival rates, breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Between 2017 and 2021 in the Hunter region, 2,650 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 426 women passed away from the disease. Every day, 58 people are diagnosed in Australia, and there are still unanswered questions that need to be explored through clinical research to improve the quality of life and outcomes for every person, and for every type of breast cancer.

A national organisation, Breast Cancer Trials has been conducting life-saving clinical trials research for the treatment, prevention and cure of breast cancer for over 45 years.

Throughout July and on game day, Breast Cancer Trials will leverage the first ever NRLW Magic Round to raise awareness of this critical women’s health issue, as well as current and upcoming clinical trials tackling breast cancer. Education, awareness and fundraising are critical to future clinical trials and game-changing breast cancer research.

“Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting Australian women. We want to raise awareness of how clinical trials can help people, and empower them to engage in more informed conversations with clinicians about potential trial involvement – having more of a say in their own treatment,” said Karen Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Trials.

“Women participating in our clinical trials today, and those diagnosed in the future, will benefit from advances made possible by our work, which is focused not only on survival rates, but improving treatments for different types and stages of breast cancer, preventing breast cancer in people who have the highest risk, safely reducing the amount of treatment given, preventing breast cancer from coming back and improving the quality of life for those undergoing treatment.”

Breast Cancer Trials’ community engagement around this historic event will also highlight the importance of research organisations and jobs in STEM that are based in regional communities, in support of the NSW Government’s Women’s Strategy.

“Through our work, Breast Cancer Trials supports women in research, medicine and science. Our goals are strongly aligned to improvements in women’s health, including participation in sport. We know women are engaged in rugby league across all levels of the game, so the first ever NRLW Magic Round is a great occasion for us to reach new people, celebrate the successes we’ve made, and those yet to come. We’re confident that the local community and visitors to the region will get behind us,” said Ms Price.

Whether travelling to the ground on a specially wrapped bus, riding a tram, catching a train or flying into Newcastle Airport, the campaign will be highly visible in the City of Newcastle, as well as online. A key feature of the Breast Cancer Trials Campaign is the engagement of local community businesses, government and partners. Preparing for the Campaign, Breast Cancer Trials has seen great support, from local groups rallying around cause.

The initiative is being supported by a number of generous corporate partners, who will match community donations in the lead up to and throughout the NRLW Magic Round weekend. These include gold partners Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and Genesis Care, silver partners Hunter Imaging, bronze partners Molycop and Commercial Collective. The media partner for the campaign is the Newcastle Herald.

“We all know the importance of local community supporting local community initiatives. Novocastrian and Hunter communities are strong, loyal and really show up for each other. Breast Cancer Trials would like to sincerely thank these respected organisations for helping to champion better outcomes for those affected by breast cancer, including some excellent local healthcare services and employers showing their true colours in support of our region.”

Breast Cancer Trials is excited to see famous Newcastle landmarks light up in pink for the NRLW Magic Round, including the City of Newcastle’s City Hall, Port of Newcastle’s Welcome sign, and the iconic Crystalbrook Kingsley Hotel, in support of Breast Cancer Trials’ awareness campaign.

“We are incredibly grateful to the NRL, and to the Minister for Women and NSW Government for their support through a discretionary grant, for this opportunity to increase community engagement and raise awareness in the lead up to this historic women’s sporting event,” said Ms Price. “Our research is critical to better outcomes for the over 6,500 women diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW and more than 21,000 people Australia-wide each year.”

Given this is the inaugural NRLW, Breast Cancer Trials has worked with Steeden to produce a limited number of branded rugby league balls. The organisation is working with the NRL to have some of these balls signed and available for auction as part of its fundraising efforts.

For more information and to show your support, visit www.tacklebreastcancer.com.au. Breast Cancer Trials will have an information tent set up on game day for those attending to learn more about clinical trials and how to get involved.

From 28th July, Breast Cancer Trials will be selling raffle tickets as the 50-50 Foundation charity beneficiary, supported by the NRL, for day one of the NRLW Magic Round.

Contact: BCT Media & PR Lead, Sara McGregor – 0424 591 241 or sara.mcgregor@bctrials.org.au

Our life-saving breast cancer research is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters.

Please help continue this vital work by making a donation today.