Cancer Council WA is encouraging the community to support WA cancer research by donating to its annual Cancer Research Giving Day on Tuesday February 6 2024, from 9.00am – 9.00pm.
Cancer Council WA’s CEO, Ashley Reid, said this year they were hoping to raise $350,000 to allow researchers to continue their ground-breaking work.
“In 2023, WA cancer research received a substantial boost with $167,500 donated to our annual Giving Day which was then matched by a group of our generous donors bringing the overall amount to $335,000,” Mr Reid said.
“This year, we are hoping the community will again dig deep to reach $350,000, including $175,000 in matched donations.”
Mr Reid said stopping cancer starts by understanding it and research is the key to unlocking the answers we need for a cancer free future.
“Survival rates for some of the most common cancers including breast, melanoma and prostate cancer is more than 90 per cent, and the overall five-year survival rate for all cancers is more than 70 per cent,” he said.
“This, in part, is thanks to research that informs improvements in screening, diagnosis and treatment.
“However, with 13,000 West Aussies diagnosed with cancer every year, we must continue to fund our world-class local researchers to improve diagnosis, detection and treatment for every cancer.”
For breast cancer survivor, 36 year old year Quietta Seaby, cancer research gave her an optimistic prognosis, treatment options and the best possible outcome.
“In May 2021, I was 34 years old with two young children when I discovered a lump in my breast,” Quietta said.
“After numerous tests I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive DCIS breast cancer. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in quick succession and now I am on long term hormone treatment.”
