By Sonia Isaacs
BREAST cancer survivors and their supporters across Queensland are being urged to fight the disease by joining this year’s ‘Sea of Pink’.
Registrations for the International Women’s Day Fun Run on Sunday March 10 are now open and organisers are hoping to smash last year’s participation record of 23,000 people.
Hosted by Queensland X-Ray, funds from the event will go towards life-saving breast cancer research, as well as services and support for breast cancer patients across the state. The International Women’s Day (IWD) Fun Run event not only raises awareness and much-needed funds for people with breast cancer, but also offers a sense of camaraderie to those touched by the disease.
Last year saw over 20,000 people participate in the 5km Brisbane IWD Fun Run, with an additional 3,300 regional participants across Queensland running in their own fun run events.
Last year’s event raised more than $2m to support cancer patients.
Managing Radiologist at Queensland X-Ray’s Mater Women’s Imaging Centre, Dr Kerry McMahon, said her colleagues were at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer. Dr McMahon said breast imaging had progressed tremendously since the introduction of fullfield digital mammography in Australia in 2011.
In the next few months, Queensland X-Ray will launch contrast enhanced mammography, with a new GE Pristina mammogram machine.
She urged all eligible women to undergo breast screening and to prioritise their health.
“Many women fear having a mammogram, delay or just never present, due to and fears around discomfort,” Dr McMahon said.
“However, with experienced mammographers and modern equipment there should be minimal discomfort, with the compression only lasting a very short 10 to 15 seconds for each breast. “Many women put their own needs behind everyone else in the family – but all women should prioritise having a regular mammogram.” Dr McMahon said. www.womensdayfunrun.com.au
