Mother’s Day Classic: help raise $2.1 million for breast cancer research

Posted on 2 May, 2019

There are less than two weeks to go until the annual Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC).

In that time, more than 500 women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer. There is now a one in seven chance that a woman will be diagnosed in her lifetime. It used to be one in eight.

As someone who was recently called back after their first mammogram to further investigate some dense tissue in their right breast, I’ve become even more aware of the statistics surrounding the detection, treatment and outcomes for those affected by the disease.

A figure worth noting is that since 1994 (just a few years longer than the MDC has been running) the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with breast cancer has improved from 76 percent to 91 percent – statistical proof that research and related treatment positively impacts survival rates.

Improvements in survival are attributed to earlier detection of breast cancer through regular mammograms and better treatment outcomes – adding weight to why funding research is so important.

The aim of this year’s Mother’s Day Classic event is to raise $2.1 million nationally for the National Breast Cancer Foundation for life-saving research, contributing to a goal of $40 million by 2020.

Canberran Janet Olsen booked her first free mammogram with BreastScreen ACT after she turned 50 in 2013 and dutifully did the follow-up examinations.

An area of concern was detected in her right breast following the 2017 scan which later led to the discovery of a low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – a non-invasive breast cancer. Around 1200 women are diagnosed with DCIS each year in Australia.

Janet says that her life and the life of her family was turned upside down. Within one month of diagnosis, she underwent a lumpectomy to successfully remove the cancer. The early diagnosis and successful surgery meant Janet didn’t require medication or treatment.

“I consider myself lucky and very fortunate to have BreastScreen ACT,” says Janet.

Janet Olsen

BreastScreen ACT will be one of several support groups represented at this year’s MDC, which is Australia’s largest breast cancer fundraiser, on Sunday 12 May at Rond Terrace.

Even though 53 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia, you never expect it will happen to you, says Janet who will be part of the Dragons Abreast dragon boat crew paddling around the lake on 12 May in support of an estimated 3000 participants.

But the MDC is much more than a walk and run – it’s an event with an atmosphere all of its own, bringing together people of all ages to honour a loved one touched by breast cancer. When anyone asks Janet Olsen what they can do to help after her 2017 breast cancer diagnosis, she replies “go and have yourself checked”. It is hard not to agree.

Thankfully, I won’t be requiring further treatment. But it is sobering to think that several of the 15 or so women recalled for more mammograms and ultrasounds on the same day as me undoubtedly will be.

To register for the 5km walk or run or 10km run or as a volunteer or fundraiser go to mothersdayclassic.com.au

the essentials 

What: Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic 2019
When: Event starts at 7 am on Sunday 12 May
Where: Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park
More information: mothersdayclassic.com.au