Research for a world without breast cancer.

More than 35 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every day.

Each of these women can receive a treatment which has been proven safe and effective through the clinical trials research process.

Because of this research, the likelihood they will survive longer and free of breast cancer is higher than at any other time in history.

The Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG), supported by its fundraising department Breast Cancer Institute of Australia, has for over 30 years conducted Australia’s only collaborative clinical trials research program for the treatment, prevention and cure of breast cancer.  Our research has contributed to the 27% fall in deaths from breast cancer seen over the past 20 years.

When the ANZBCTG was established in 1979, almost three quarters of women diagnosed with breast cancer died from their disease.  Since this time, there have been significant advances in our understanding of breast cancer, its detection and how it is treated:

– Clinical trials research has established the safety of less surgery for women diagnosed with breast cancer. A radical mastectomy, removal of the entire breast, was the standard surgery for many years.  Today, many women can have optimal surgery with a lumpectomy (removal of just the tumour) and this has improved quality of life for many millions of women without compromising their long term survival.

– The introduction of routine mammography screening for women aged 40 and over has resulted in many thousands of lives saved through early detection and prompt treatment.

– The introduction of chemotherapy and hormone therapy after surgery has reduced the risk of breast cancer returning and improved survival.

– Clinical trials research has helped to “tailor” treatments to particular subtypes of breast cancer.  The targeted treatment trastuzumab (Herceptin®) for women with a specific type of breast cancer called “HER2-positive” has saved many lives.

– Progress has also been made in breast cancer prevention.  Clinical trials have shown that we can prevent breast cancer in some women at increased risk of the disease.  Research must continue to build on this knowledge and provide options for all women at risk of breast cancer and ultimately to prevent all breast cancers.

The researchers of the ANZBCTG are committed to saving every life for women diagnosed with breast cancer and achieving the ultimate goal of “a world without breast cancer”.

You can help support this important research by purchasing the 2013 Australian Women’s Health Diary.

This wonderful diary has raised a remarkable $8 million which has been critical to research progress over the past 15 years, helping women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families and undoubtedly saving many lives.

The Australian Women’s Health Diary is special in other ways too.  Not only is it a practical and useful diary helping to keep busy lives organised, it is also a unique resource on many important health issues facing women of all ages.

Bursting with valuable health information, the diary aims to inspire women to improve their general health and wellbeing and that of their families too.  This includes advice on first aid, skin care and sun sense, heart attack and stroke, pregnancy and baby, breast cancer, diet and exercise, lifestyle issues, financial management and even how to use the internet in a healthy way!

All wrapped up in a beautiful cover and with a bonus pink pen – this A5 size diary is a must-have for all women and makes the perfect gift for family and friends.

Get your copy today for just $14.95 from newsagents, Commonwealth Bank branches, selected Woolworths supermarkets, online at www.bcia.org.au or by calling 1800 423 444.