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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-11-01 Daily Xml
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee:

That this council—

1. Recognises that October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity for everyone to focus on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community and helps to raise awareness of the disease, educate about its symptoms and prevention and support fundraising activities;

2. Notes that the pink ribbon has become the universal symbol of breast cancer which aims to bring women together in solidarity by showing support for loved ones battling breast cancer and building an inclusive supportive network for families and friends;

3. Recognises that the flagship Pink Ribbon Breakfast Campaign for breast cancer celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, and that it is important to show appreciation to all amazing communities across Australia who, in the past 21 years, have taken part in the Pink Ribbon Breakfast events and come together to raise vital funds for breast cancer research;

4. Recognises that the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation funding world-class breast cancer research into causes, treatment and cure; and

5. Acknowledges that NBCF has invested over $200 million into more than 600 world-class research projects across Australia since its inception in 1994.

(Continued from 18 October 2023.)

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (17:48): I am sure I am speaking on a motion that everyone in this chamber will agree on. I thank the Hon. Jing Lee for putting this motion forward and I am pleased to speak on behalf of the government in support of this motion.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity to increase awareness about breast cancer and remind those eligible to check in and get a mammogram screen through Breast Screen SA. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in women in Australia, with approximately 57 Australians diagnosed every day. One in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and about one in 500 men. In South Australia, more than 1,400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Early detection of breast cancer is critical to enable early access to treatment services that improve long-term outcomes for those diagnosed. Research shows women who have regular screens reduce their chance of dying from breast cancer by up to 41 per cent.

BreastScreen SA is Australia's dedicated breast cancer screening program, providing free mammogram screenings every two years to women aged over 40. When looking around the chamber, while we all feel like we are 21, that would almost put all of us into that category. Each year more than 90,000 South Australian women have free mammograms through BreastScreen SA at one of their 11 clinics including three mobile screening units.

Recently, the South Australian government was pleased to announce that online bookings can now be made through the BreastScreen SA website, making booking a mammogram easier than ever before. In the first two weeks of online bookings opening, there was a massive 36 per cent increase in overall bookings, the largest booking week on record. This included a 21 per cent increase in new BreastScreen SA clients and 14 per cent of bookings for women overdue for their breast screen, which is an incredible increase and an important one at that.

The online booking system follows the recent rollout of more detailed breast screening reporting with information about an individual's breast density. During a recent study, clients who screened at participating clinics were informed of their individual breast density as part of their screening results. They were then invited to provide their feedback via an optional online survey. The survey found more than 90 per cent of respondents would like to continue to be informed of their breast density, with just 2 per cent preferring not to be told as part of their future appointments.

It also found that 65 per cent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that knowing their breast density meant they felt more informed to make decisions regarding their breast care. There are four categories of breast density and about half of women are regarded as having dense breast tissue which has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. BreastScreen SA now provides breast density reporting as part of their standard process through all clinics, including mobile clinics, across South Australia.

Cancer is a disease that touches the lives of so many South Australians. It is important to understand how we can better prevent people getting cancer but also the support needed for people with cancer and their loved ones. That is why the Malinauskas Labor government is delivering on our election commitment to implement the state's first statewide cancer plan since 2015. Public consultation on the draft SA Cancer Plan 2024-2028 was recently held with community feedback sought to inform the finalisation and launch of the final plan expected later this year.

The plan has been designed after extensive consultation with the community, including patients, families, clinicians and volunteers, and it covers all aspects of cancer care. The plan will benefit South Australians by providing an agreed vision and direction for all elements of cancer care. The South Australian Cancer Plan also aims to maximise prevention and early detection, enhance consumer experience, enable our health system to provide the best care possible, enhance the workforce and, crucially, strive for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer.

I would also like to recognise the advocacy and work of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and their vision of zero deaths from breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation works to fund research to improve our understanding of how breast cancer originates, grows and spreads so that we can stop it in its tracks. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I join BreastScreen SA in encouraging all women to check in with their breast health and remind women over the age of 40, especially those aged between 50 and 74, to book their next breast screen.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (17:53): I would like to thank the Hon. Emily Bourke for her contribution to support the motion that October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for also highlighting some of the really crucial and important steps to prevent breast cancer. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the National Breast Cancer Foundation for their great work. With those concluding remarks, I commend the motion.

Motion carried.

Sitting suspended from 17:55 to 19:45.

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