EMBARGOED UNTIL 13th October
Incurable breast cancer is affecting more than 10,000 Australians, many of them look very well.
The survival rates of women and men diagnosed with breast cancer are better than they’ve ever been but beating the disease is not possible for more than 10,000 Australians who have metastatic breast cancer and more than 3,000 die every year.
Metastatic breast cancer currently cannot be cured, advancements in treatment is helping people to live longer but they're largely overlooked in the health system due to lack of data on breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
WORLD METASTATIC BREAST CANCER DAY – Sunday ,13th October 2024
Breast Cancer Network Australia offers support to everyone at every stage of their diagnosis, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services, Vicki Durston says those with metastatic require treatment for the remainder of their life.
“BCNA supports people with metastatic breast cancer to live as well as they can for as long as they can. Ongoing treatment is often delivered outside of a hospital setting and many feel invisible because they aren't included in national data beyond their early breast cancer diagnosis, whats more they can look physically well even though they have a chronic illness. One of the legacies of the late MP Peta Murphy was supporting BCNA's roadmap for the formation of the National Cancer Data Alliance that received federal funding after her death, it's purpose is to ensure that those with life limiting cancer can feel counted. There is a lot of work to be done for these people who are hidden in plain sight.”
For support go to BCNA.ORG.AU
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
Women living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
BCNA Director of Policy and Advocacy, Vicki Durston
FACTS ON METASTATIC BREAST CANCER
- 9 people die from metastatic breast cancer every day in Australia
- Metastatic breast cancer is when breast cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain.
- Metastatic breast cancer is currently treatable but cannot be cured.
- It is not known how many Australians are living with metastatic breast cancer, it is estimated that by 2025 there will be around 12,840 people
- Metastatic breast cancer is the only breast cancer that people die from.
- The development of better treatments means that some people with metastatic breast cancer are living longer
- In 2023, it was estimated that 3255 women & 36 men will die of metastatic breast cancer in Australia
- De novo metastatic breast cancer is when someone’s first breast cancer diagnosis is incurable.
- Metastatic breast cancer is also called stage IV (4) breast cancer, secondary breast cancer or advanced breast cancer.
Key Facts:
10,000 Australians have incurable breast cancer
Available for interview now:
Women with incurable breast cancer
BCNA - Vicki Durston
- 9 people die from metastatic breast cancer every day in Australia
- Metastatic breast cancer is currently treatable but cannot be cured.
- Advancement in treatments is helping people live longer
About us:
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 175,000 individual members. BCNA supports, informs, represents and connects Australians affected by breast cancer and works to ensure that all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support appropriate to their individual needs.
Contact details:
Kellie Curtain M: 0412339690
