Every October, communities around Australia and right here in Perth, come together in shades of pink to shine a light on breast cancer. It’s a time to inform, to support and to remind ourselves how much power lies in awareness, early detection, compassion, and collective action. Below is a fresh, hopeful look at what’s happening in Perth, what the stats tell us nationally, and how you can make a difference.
WHERE WE STAND IN AUS
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women, and accounts for about 28 % of all new cancers in women.
- In 2024, it was estimated that around 21,194 people would be diagnosed with breast cancer (about 20,973 women and 221 men).
- Tragically, the estimated number of deaths for that same year (2024) was about 3,305.
- The lifetime risk for a woman in Australia developing breast cancer is about 1 in 7 (and for men, though rarer, around 1 in 556).
- On the brighter side: improvements in screening, treatment and awareness mean five-year survival rates are now very strong, around 92 % for many people diagnosed between 2016–2020.
- Among younger women (ages 20–39), survival has also improved: five-year relative survival for that group rose from 77 % in the early 1990s to 90 % more recently.
So: more people are being diagnosed (in part because we’re better at finding it early), but fewer are dying (because of improved care). Yet, the work is far from over.
WHAT WA IS DOING!
In the Perth and WA region, the Pink wave is strong and growing – here are a few highlights:
- Walk for Women’s Cancer: This is one of the more visible community efforts. The New Town Toyota Walk for Women’s Cancer is a roughly 35 km fundraising walk, with the proceeds helping support cancer research through the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
- Community Health Talks: Breast Cancer Care WA is hosting free talks around the city, featuring survivors and nurses sharing their stories, insights and practical advice.
- “The Cott Goes Pink”: A local initiative brings fundraising and awareness activities across the infamous Cottessloe Beach Hotel this October for the 3rd year in a row! It’s a fun way for people to engage while supporting a cause.
- Purple Bra Day: A playful yet powerful street appeal in September where volunteers don purple bras, wigs, tutus and more to “shake a tin” (collect donations) and spark conversation. It’s striking, memorable and a terrific way to get people talking.
- Support & wellness programs: Breast Cancer Care WA offers ongoing programs, discussion groups, workshops, webinars, wellness activities etc. especially for those in recovery or living with metastatic disease.
- PYNKS Support Group (WA): This is a peer support group run by Breast Cancer Research Centre WA for people with metastatic or advanced breast cancer. It’s about connection, resilience and shared strength.
What’s wonderful is how these events span from heavy-hitting fundraisers to the gentle community supports that heal hearts as well as bodies, and these are just some of what WA is doing!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Whether you’re a business, a family or an individual who wants to make a difference, there are many ways to join this vital movement:
1. Get screened & stay “breast aware”
- If you’re in the 50–74 age bracket (or guided by your GP), take advantage of free mammograms via BreastScreen WA.
- Know your own “normal” – regular self-checks and awareness of changes (lumps, skin changes, nipple changes, etc.) are essential.
- Spread the message among friends, family, colleagues: “Have you booked your check?” is a powerful prompt.
2. Donate / Fundraise
- Consider donating to trusted organisations like Breast Cancer Care WA, Breast Cancer Network Australia, or the Harry Perkins Institute (via events like the Walk for Cancer).
- Host a bake sale, a pink-themed afternoon tea, a virtual raffle or a dress-up day at work. Even modest funds add up when many people pitch in.
- Support local initiatives such as “The Cott Goes Pink” or Purple Bra Day, often these programs allow direct community participation.
3. Volunteer your time or skills
- Volunteer for events: tin-shaking, event setup, administration, promotion, social media, there’s always something needed.
- Offer your professional skills: graphic design, marketing, writing, event coordination, accounting, web support, non-profits often run lean and welcome help.
- Mentor or host peer support groups: listening, facilitating or just offering presence can make a tremendous difference.
4. Raise awareness through your networks
- Use your social media: share survivor stories, myth-busting facts, screening reminders or upcoming local events.
- Partner locally: if you run a shop, café, gym or business – host a pink day, sell pink merchandise (with proceeds to charity) or put up awareness posters.
- Engage workplaces: organise a “pink dress day,” morning tea or information session. A little internal awareness goes a long way.
5. Advocate for policy, access & research
- Support calls for breast cancer treatments and drugs to be more accessible (for example, new drugs added to subsidy schemes).
- Encourage increased funding and visibility of breast cancer research, especially for metastatic and rare subtypes.
- Promote equity – many women (especially in rural, remote, or underserved communities) still face barriers to screening, support and treatment.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come and recommit ourselves to the journey ahead. Each pink ribbon, each footsteps in a walk, each social media post or donation, each conversation started in a café, holds power. Together, we turn awareness into hope, screening into early detection and community into belonging.