Pink Ribbon Day

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:24): I too would like to wish all my constituents from the Indian community a happy Diwali. There would hardly be a family, a friendship group or a workplace untouched by cancer. Of course, our thoughts in this place at this time are very much with the family and loved ones of the late Dr Bob Such, whose passing reminds us that this dreadful disease does not discriminate on any basis. Cancer is a cruel thief of lives, young and old, men and women, regardless of background or present circumstances. It can unite us though in what must be a tireless search for a cure, in never-ending work for prevention and awareness and in providing support for those most directly affected.

While both men and women are affected by cancer, today I wish to highlight women's cancers in particular and the campaign this month organised by the Cancer Council. It is estimated that about 50 women are diagnosed each day with breast and gynaecological cancers, including ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers. A staggering one in eight Australian women will be found to have breast cancer by the time she turns 85.

The colour pink has become a worldwide symbol of the fight against breast cancer in particular, with sport being one of the most visible examples thanks to the work of the likes of the McGrath Foundation. Former Australian test cricketers Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds famously used hot pink grips on their bats, while US Masters golf champion Bubba Watson has been teeing off with a pink driver for several seasons as a breast cancer awareness statement.

But we do not have to be sporting professionals to show our true colours when it comes to this vital cause. October is the feature month for the Cancer Council's Pink Ribbon fundraisers, which raise money and awareness to support the thousands of women affected by breast and gynaecological cancers. This year, Monday 27 October is Pink Ribbon Day and I would encourage all members to consider how they might be involved in the effort. I look forward to joining with fellow community members volunteering at a Cancer Council Pink Ribbon Day stall at a shopping centre in my electorate of Torrens.

In addition to wearing a pink ribbon or volunteering on a stall on either the 27^th or on Friday 24 October, there are many other opportunities to contribute: from ordering a Pink Ribbon box of merchandise to sell, donating funds, organising Pink Ribbon fundraisers, registering to host a Girls' Night In or making a Pink Ribbon Promise with someone close to your heart. The Cancer Council's aim is to slash the numbers of women in our community affected by breast and gynaecological cancers, through world-leading research, prevention programs, the best possible treatment and ongoing support.

The format for Pink Ribbon fundraisers or Girls' Nights In is only limited by the hosts' or organisers' imaginations. A Girls' Night In could bring together female friends, family, colleagues or club mates for a small fundraising event in a private home or a large event at a public venue. Apart from a Girls' Night In, a Pink Ribbon fundraiser could take the form of a breakfast, morning tea, lunch, high tea, BBQ, bake-off or raffle; the options really are endless. You could even hold a 'wear pink' day at the office or community group.

While the Cancer Council's campaign runs until the end of October, fundraising events can be held at any time throughout the year. For those interested in more information on Pink Ribbon Day or to register to volunteer or to host a fundraiser go to www.pinkribbon.com.au. This is not work we can afford to leave to other people. There is still plenty to be done. The Cancer Council has a target of $9.47 million for cancer research, prevention and support and has so far raised $416,946 towards this goal.

While all cancer cannot be eliminated by changes in lifestyle alone, the Cancer Council does recommend that all women take the following seven measures to reduce the risk of cancer: quit smoking, have a regular pap smear and mammogram, be sun smart, be active, limit your alcohol intake, maintain a healthy body weight and eat a balanced diet. Wouldn't it be great if we could all be part of the decline of women's cancers.