“We thank everyone across Australia who has donated during the Pink Test. We’re immensely grateful – we just could not do what we do without the support of people across this great country,” said Petra Buchanan, McGrath Foundation CEO.

“It costs more than $12 million every year to fund our 117 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, and the money raised will go towards helping us achieve our mission to ensure that every family in Australia experiencing breast cancer has the support of a specialist breast care nurse, No matter where they live – for free,” she said.

With five-year survival rates for breast cancer now at 90 per cent,1 and the number of people living with a previous breast cancer diagnosis growing from 159,235 in 2008 to a projected 209,200 in 2017,1 Australia has a critical gap in breast care nursing services which is set to widen by 38 per cent in the next five years.2

“For those who want to bring the magic of the Pink Test to life in their own community, Pink Stumps Day is a fun way to turn your own cricket match pink – register at www.pinkstumpsday.com.au,” Buchanan said.

References

1. Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (2012). Breast Cancer in Australia – an overview.

2. Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association (2015). Keeping abreast of future need: a report into the growing demand for breast care nurses. Available at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/FutureNeeds