Breast Cancer Trials

Join us for our next free and online Q&A on Wednesday 12 June, discussing the topic ‘Is Less More: Rethinking Breast Cancer Treatment’, moderated by Author and Journalist Annabel Crabb.

It is a common myth that more treatment is always better when it comes to breast cancer.

Certainly 40 years ago, our grandmothers and mothers were treated with radical mastectomies, which involved the removal of the entire breast, the skin and underlying muscle, as well as the lymph glands – and this was standard treatment.

But since then, research has shown time and time again that more isn’t always the best approach.

In this Q&A, our leading researchers will discuss the latest in optimised treatment research such as EXPERT, OPTIMA and PROSPECT, as well as recent findings on the psychological impact of optimised treatment on patients. We will also hear a patient perspective on choosing to have less treatment and her breast cancer outcomes.

For more information or to register visit: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/qa-events/qa-is-less-more-rethinking-breast-cancer-treatment/

In HER2-positive breast cancer, there are too many HER2 receptors on the surface of the cancer cell. Having too many receptors can cause breast cancer cells to grow and divide very quickly.

Anti-HER2 medicines work to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells by attaching to the HER2 receptor proteins on the surface of cancer cells and blocking the growth signals.

The TUGETHER clinical trial aims to find out if adding tucatinib and pembrolizumab to the usual treatment given to people with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer slows down the growth of the cancer.

TUGETHER will involve 16 sites in Australia, is open to both men and women and will enroll 50 participants in the study.

For more information visit: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/trials/tugether/

MEET OUR EXPERT PANEL

Join us for our next free and online Q&A discussing the topic ‘Is Less More: Rethinking Breast Cancer Treatment’.

Moderated by Author and Journalist, Annabel Crabb, we’ve lined up a panel of experts to answer your questions about this important topic, including:

Professor Boon Chua: Professor of Medicine at the University of New South Wales, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, and Director of Cancer and Haematology Services at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney. She is also the Study Chair of the EXPERT clinical trial.

Dr Belinda Kiely: Medical Oncologist who specialises in the treatment of people with breast cancer. She works at Campbelltown and Concord Hospitals in Sydney and is actively involved in breast cancer research. She is also the Australian principal investigator of the OPTIMA clinical trial.

Ms Michelle Sinclair: Psychologist and Psycho-Oncology researcher. She has worked with the Royal Women’s and the Royal Melbourne Hospitals, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and is a Breast Cancer Trials Clinical Fellow.

Ms Margaret Lopreiato: Has a history of breast cancer, completing her 10-year surveillance last year, and was a participant in the PROSPECT clinical trial.

Register now for this free event on Wednesday 12 June from 5-6:30pm (AEST).

https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/qa-events/qa-is-less-more-rethinking-breast-cancer-treatment/

A fungating breast tumour is an advanced form of cancer that leads to the development of ulcers or infections on the skin of the breast or its vicinity.

This type of tumour emerges when the cancerous mass breaks through the skin, resulting in the formation of a wound or ulcer characterized by leakage, an unpleasant odour and pain.

Fungating tumours are rare, and if they do develop, they are more likely to occur with skin cancer, breast cancer, or head and neck cancer, as these cancers can occur close to the skin.

Approximately 2-5% of locally advanced breast cancers develop into a fungating breast wound.

Find out more at: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/fungating-breast-cancer/

The FINER clinical trial aims to find out if cancer will remain under control for longer in patients with advanced ER-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer.

"I think this treatment we are looking at in the FINER trial has a very good chance of being an exciting next step for women and men with breast cancer." - Study Chair, Professor Andrew Redfern.

For more information about the FINER trial visit: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/trials/finer/

Curious about the optimisation of breast cancer treatments?

Why not register for our free and online Q&A being held on Wednesday 12 June from 5-6:30pm (AEST), on the topic ‘Is Less More: Rethinking Breast Cancer Treatment’.

For more information visit: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/qa-events/qa-is-less-more-rethinking-breast-cancer-treatment/

Phillip Island Golf Club has been a long time supporter of Breast Cancer Trials and doesn’t hold back when it comes to organising a pink-tastic day out on the course. This year, over 90 women gathered to raise an exceptional $12,724, bringing their grand fundraising total to over $38,000! 🎉 🙌

13 holes, a few champagnes and many laughs later, the golf wrapped up and the indoor action began with a series of raffles, silent auctions, auctions & pink cupcake sales. This is where the generosity of the Phillip Island community truly shone 🌟.

We are continually blown away by the generosity of the Phillip Island Golf Club community. Your support is essential to finding new and improved treatments to save lives from breast cancer – THANK YOU! ❤️

We understand the psychological impact that breast cancer can have on yourself or a loved one, and adjusting to life after treatment, including managing any side effects or returning to work can be extremely challenging.

How did you find your 'new normal' after a breast cancer diagnosis?

Have you got questions about the optimisation of breast cancer treatments?

Join us for our next free and online Q&A on Wednesday 12 June from 5-6:30pm (AEST), discussing the topic ‘Is Less More: Rethinking Breast Cancer Treatment’, moderated by Author and Journalist Annabel Crabb.

In this session, our leading researchers will discuss the latest in optimised treatment research such as EXPERT, OPTIMA and PROSPECT, as well as recent findings on the psychological impact of optimised treatment on patients.

We will also hear a patient perspective on choosing to have less treatment and her breast cancer outcomes.

For more information or to register visit: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/qa-events/qa-is-less-more-rethinking-breast-cancer-treatment/

Just eight weeks after undergoing heart surgery and having a pacemaker inserted, Tina received the shocking diagnosis that she had lobular breast cancer. For months during chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, she has shared her story on Instagram, hoping to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage people to be breast aware and have regular screening 💗 .

Now, Tina and her family are planning an epic gala event, The Pink Tie Affair, to support Breast Cancer Trials. The event, which will be held in Sydney on May 30th, will host a raffle with an incredible lineup of prizes, including a PS5, Dyson Airwrap, Apple Watch, Air Pods, vouchers and much more. Raffle tickets can be purchased through the link below for $5 each and winners will be announced on the night of the gala and notified in the following days. Get involved for this amazing cause!! ❤️

Buy your tickets here:
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/330801/pink-tie-affair

Mother’s Day is a time when we celebrate and recognise the amazing mums in our lives, but also when we remember those that we have lost ❤️ .

Dederang Mt Beauty Football Netball Club decided to support Breast Cancer Trials through their Mother’s Day fundraising event, raising over $770! They put on a delicious spread of pink baked goods and had amazing raffle prizes up for grabs that included vouchers for local restaurants, retail stores and other fantastic items.

Thank you so much to the Dederang community for your wonderful support, we are so grateful 💜

If you’re interested in holding a fundraising event to support breast cancer research, please visit https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/fundraise/hold-an-event/

Naomi Richards is a wife and mum of three daughters, Mila, Lottie, and Eden, living in Wagga Wagga.

In 2023, Naomi felt a lump in her left breast, and after undergoing days of testing, including a mammogram and an ultrasound, she was diagnosed with breast cancer on 8 March 2023, which also happens to be International Women’s Day.

We spoke with Naomi about her shock breast cancer diagnosis, navigating breast cancer with a young family, and the importance of supporting clinical trials research.

Find out more: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/navigating-breast-cancer-with-a-young-family/

The Pink Tie Affair isn’t just a gala event raising funds and awareness for breast cancer, it is the vision of Steph and her mother Tina who is currently facing breast cancer.

After Tina was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2023, the two decided to do something to make a difference. Tina said:

“It feels as though Easter 2023 marked what became the beginning of my cancer journey. I was absolutely devastated, felt so desperate, helpless, I lost all direction of my life. I was living every day being non-productive, crying in silence as I didn’t want it to affect my family.”

“Pink Tie Affair became my new outlet with Steph and the team putting my vision onto paper. Raising awareness for breast cancer was a mission for me and so many women I have come across or spoken to. Whether it be friends, family, acquaintances. Over the last 12 months the amount of women who have had a test because of my journey has been the most rewarding thing. It puts that warm and fuzziness back inside of me. It lifted my spirits and gave me a purpose.”

You can support The Pink Tie Affair by purchasing raffle tickets through the link below 💖

https://www.mycause.com.au/p/330801/pink-tie-affair

This Mother’s Day take a moment to appreciate all the things your mum has done for you and say thanks. ❤️

Did you know the average nurse walks about 8km a shift?

We all know how hard nurses work and they deserve so much gratitude. So find a nurse and thank them this International Nurses Day! 👩‍⚕️

Was there a nurse involved in your breast cancer care that you'd like to thank? Comment below!

Women who carry a BRCA1 gene mutation have an approximate 70% risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.

Prevention strategies for those with the BRCA1 gene mutation are currently limited to protective surgery via removal of both healthy breasts or hormonal therapy medicines such as Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor.

But we want to offer a new option for these women.

The BRCA-P clinical trial is investigating if the drug Denosumab decreases the risk of developing breast cancer in women with a confirmed BRCA1 gene mutation, who have not received a breast cancer diagnosis.

Learn more about BRCA-P here: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/current-clinical-trials/brca-p

We are off to a great start! Thanks to our kind community, we are already 50% of the way towards our target 💕

Please donate now and have your gift doubled to support breast cancer research 👉 https://fundraise.breastcancertrials.org.au/event/giving-day/2024

🙂 Your $25 becomes $50
😊 Your $50 become $100
😍 Your $100 becomes $200

Please donate today for the mums currently facing breast cancer—and the one in seven women who will experience breast cancer in their lifetime.

And for our mums we’ve already lost—to honour the memories of the nine women who die every day from breast cancer in Australia 💔

Gemma received her breast cancer diagnosis when she was only 27. One of her biggest fears was that she may never be able to be a mum or live to raise her children.

Thanks to kind supporters like you, Breast Cancer Trials has made incredible discoveries through clinical trials into treatments which can protect a patients' fertility when undergoing chemotherapy. These findings are giving women with breast cancer who want to start a family more options.

Please give generously, for our mums!

Breast Cancer Trials World-leading breast cancer clinical trials research based in Australia and New Zealand.

As donations flood in for our Giving Day today, we have been overwhelmed with messages of support from our donors. Breast cancer touches the lives of so many.

Today, when you make a donation to Breast Cancer Trials your gift will be DOUBLED!

This means that your gift will have an even greater impact in helping to find new treatments and strategies to save lives from breast cancer. Donate now at
https://fundraise.breastcancertrials.org.au/event/giving-day/2024

Do it for our mums ❤

🎉 The For Our Mums Appeal is officially live 🎉

For the next 24 hours only, every dollar you donate will be doubled. That means if you donate $25, Breast Cancer Trials receives $50! 🎁 = 🎁🎁

💖 Please donate now and have your gift doubled to help find better, kinder treatment options for more mums - https://fundraise.breastcancertrials.org.au/event/giving-day/2024

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer today will be in their 60s like Louise. Just like Louise and her husband Ray, they have worked hard for their retirement and are looking forward to their future with their family and friends.

And just like Louise, many of these women are mums and grandmothers.

Thanks to you, Louise was able to be part of our EXPERT trial to help investigate whether some women could avoid radiation therapy and its harrowing side effects—without compromising their survival.

Louise shared: “I really hope I can be part of changing the future for other women, so they can spend quality time with their families too.”

Your support today will go further than ever in the search for better ways to treat breast cancer—and give so many mums like Louise the hope of a future with their family.

🤗 Share this to help reach more generous people to fund life-saving treatments of breast cancer.

⏰ Our first ever Giving Day begins tomorrow at 9am ⏰

That’s 24 hours to have your donation doubled to support the “For Our Mums Appeal” raising funds for life-saving breast cancer research.

Please join us tomorrow in honour of mums with breast cancer:
🎉 At 9am the doubling begins!
👩‍💻 Visit our website to donate: www.breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday
🎁 See your donation instantly doubled thanks to some very generous supporters of Breast Cancer Trials.
🏁 We’ll keep you updated throughout the day as we get closer to our fundraising target!

Your doubled gift will help mums like Louise. She describes the devastation of her breast cancer diagnosis with her husband:

“We cried. We talked about the plans we had for our future. Ray always thought he would die before me, and suddenly he was feeling very vulnerable because I had cancer too.” 💔

Louise jumped at the opportunity to be in a clinical trial so she could help other women in her situation.

“I hope I can be part of changing the future for other women, so they can spend quality time with their families too.”
See you tomorrow morning!

Fugen Constructions is a Sydney-based construction company who have generously raised thousands of dollars for charity, by entering a team in the Cole Classic in Manly for the last 10 years.

In 2024, the Fugen team decided to raise funds for Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) and entered the Cole Classic, where an army of over 60 swimmers named the “Fugen Rack Pack”, took to the water and raised a whopping $78,907 for breast cancer clinical trials research!

By becoming a Pink Champion and entering a sporting event, like Fugen Constructions, your workplace can raise vital funds for breast cancer research.

Whether it's running, walking, or swimming, there are hundreds of events across Australia that your team can enter to fundraise for BCT.

We had the pleasure of speaking with the Race Director of the Cole Classic, Mr John Thomson, as well as the CEO of Fugen Constructions, Mr Stephen Flannery, about the day and what to expect.

To find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQF1Tb_an-E

This Thursday 9th May, when you make a donation to Breast Cancer Trials your gift will be DOUBLED!

This means that your gift will have an even greater impact in helping to find new treatments and strategies to save lives from breast cancer.

Your donation can help support our mums currently facing breast cancer, and the one in seven women who will experience breast cancer in their lifetime. Donate for our mums who have already left us - to honour their memories, and the nine women who die every day from breast cancer in Australia.

Donations will only be matched on Thursday 9th May ❤️.

Find out more: https://fundraise.breastcancertrials.org.au/event/giving-day/pre-giving-day