A 2017 research poll by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) revealed that despite the majority of Australians (83%) being aware that breast cancer can spread beyond the breast and metastatic breast cancer is the most deadly stage of the disease (88%), only three per cent of Australians realise that breast cancer can stay dormant in the body for more than 10 years.
Metastatic breast cancer is the most challenging to treat, with only 26% of women still alive five years after their first diagnosis. I urge the Australian community to raise funds through Pink Ribbon Breakfast this year to ensure continuous research for this stage of breast cancer.
This type of research is essential to provide answers for the women and men who live in fear about their cancer recurring. Significant in-roads have been made in the last few years, but a lot more research is needed to fully understand this problem.
To support NBCF's research focusing on metastatic breast cancer, register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at www.pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 16 Oct 17
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