April 2005

Breast cancer support grants

Seeding grants of up to $10,000 are now available to local groups to improve community-based support for women with breast cancer.

The National Breast Cancer Centre is seeking applications from community groups, volunteer organisations and health providers with innovative ideas to improve access to health and support services for women with breast cancer in medically-underserved areas.

The grants are funded by fashion company Polo Ralph Lauren.

More than 11,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year.

Thirty per cent of these women live in rural and regional areas where access to treatment and support services can be difficult.

Director of the National Breast Cancer Centre Helen Zorbas said there was a need for local support for women with breast cancer in these communities.

‘In addition to the physical impact of their disease, women with breast cancer are dealing with emotional, psychological and practical day-to-day issues,’ Dr Zorbas said.

‘We are offering the seeding grants to help launch projects that will improve support for these women in their own communities.’

Last year, two grants were awarded to improve support for women with breast cancer in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales and the Port Pirie region of South Australia.

The seeding grants are administered by the National Breast Cancer Centre and are part of the Polo Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Initiative.

Applications close Friday, May 20.

The National Breast Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with women, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve health outcomes for women with breast and ovarian cancer.

• For more information and application forms visit www.breasthealth.com.au/pinkpony or phone the National Breast Cancer Centre on 02 9036 3030.