Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2016 is celebrated every October and is a great opportunity for the community to focus on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Survival rates continue to improve in Australia with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis. Take the time this month to find out what you need to know about breast awareness and share this important information with your family, friends and colleagues.

Women at increased risk of breast cancer

The Australian Government has really good information about healthy living and breast cancer. Some women may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer due to a family history of the disease or other factors. Use the online risk calculator to assess your level of breast cancer risk compared to another woman your age. The Government asks you to note: the risk calculator is intended for use by women who have not had breast cancer. Whatever your age, if you have had breast cancer or a pre-invasive breast disease you will need regular follow-up to make sure that if breast cancer comes back it can be found and treated promptly.

Fundraising Ideas – Girls Night In

The month of October has a dual purpose to raise awareness and to fundraise for research into cures and treatments for cancer. Women never need an excuse to get together and Cancer Council encourage girlfriends to host a 'Girls' Night In' during October as a great way to raise funds to help Cancer Council beat women's cancers.

Although fundraising seems daunting this one is easy and the Cancer Council explains how to in easy steps:

1. Register Your Event

Go to girls night in and click on the register button and fill in your details to register your event. This sets up a personal fundraising page to share with your friends and keep track of their donations. It also lets Cancer Council stay across the total funds raised by women having a Girls' Night In.

2. Your Host Kit Arrives

Once you've registered, you'll receive a Host Kit in the mail which provides you with planning and fundraising tips, and ideas to help you start planning your own event.

3. Plan Your Event

There are many ideas provided for your Girls' Night In such as hosting a clothes swap, a games night, movie night or a pamper session….all of it set to be a really fun event with your Besties.

4. The Big Night and the Funds

Enjoy the night and have an unforgettable evening with your friends. Of course, the purpose is to raise money and the Cancer Council wishes you to bank your donations as soon as you can afterwards. They have an incentive to bank the funds before November 14th.

It's a great cause. Have fun and good luck with your efforts!

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