Grey Matters: Raising awareness for brain cancer

Cancer is generally not a pleasant topic for conversation. But when it comes to cancers of the brain, what good could be said?

Brain cancer is a devastating disease. In its most malignant form, it is nearly 100% fatal – and most patients will not survive past two years. Disturbingly, it can target anyone at any age, even young people in the prime of their lives. In fact, the latest statistics show that brain cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in children aged under-10 years. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in females aged 0-44 years (after breast cancer).

One of the reasons that brain cancer is such a deadly disease is that little is understood about many aspects of the condition. This is largely because historically brain cancer has been one of the most under-funded and under-researched of all the cancers. Thankfully, a brain cancer committee, called Grey Matters, has now been established through Cancer Council NSW. Taking on the mantra that ‘grey matters’ a primary goal of this committee is to raise awareness and funds for urgent research into the potential causes and treatment options for brain cancer patients.

Ambassadors for Grey Matters include the eminent neurosurgeon, Charlie Teo, racing royalty, Kate Waterhouse, as well as Marcella Zemanek, the wife of the late great radio personality, Stan Zemanek.

For more information, or to make a donation, please go here.

YOU’RE INVITED to Bubbles@Bondi, part of Brain Cancer Action Week 2012.

When: Saturday 5 May, 2012, at 9am – 10am
Where: On the beach by the Cancer Council NSW stand to the left of the Bondi Pavilion.
What: FREE event. Give support by helping release over 1200 bubbles. This spectacular display will symbolise hope and raise awareness for brain cancer.  Together we will fill the sky with bubbles! Bubbles will be provided.
Why?: Around 1200 people pass away from brain cancer in Australia each year, yet it is still one of the most under studied of all cancers. It is the leading cause of cancer death in young people under the age of 39. Your support will help change people’s lives. The more people that attend, the more impact we will have in raising awareness.

For information go here.