Vicki Ward MP

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Announcements, Media Releases and Other Updates

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Breast Cancer is the leading cancer affecting Australian Women, and sadly we all know someone who has been affected by it. From the moment you wake up today, to when you go to bed tonight, 57 Australian women will have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

So let’s raise awareness, let’s get regular breast screens and let’s do at home checks. Early detection can save lives, so what are we waiting for?

To commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kate Thwaites MP, Danielle Green MP and myself will be co-hosting a series of events to raise awareness and hear from women going through the diagnosis and treatment journey. We will also be calling for donations from the community for women going through treatment - from blankets, to beanies and so on. For more information or to register for the event, please continue reading.

Register to attend the In Conversation: Breast Cancer Awareness Event

Hosted by Vicki Ward MP, Kate Thwaites MP and Danielle Green MP we will come together to raise awareness and learn about Breast Cancer. 

We will be joined by Dr Belinda Yeo (FRACP, MD, MBBS, BA), Medical Oncologist, Clinical Scientist, Translational Breast Cancer Program from the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute, Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate Lindsey Kennedy, and Councilor Natalie Duffy to talk about diagnosis, the importance of checks and how to support women going through treatment. 

The event is free, but a personal donation to Breast Cancer Australia is encouraged. Spaces are limited, so register ASAP to avoid disappointment. 

Event Details: 7:00 - 8:00PM Wednesday 3 November 2021 via Zoom 

Register here: https://bit.ly/3FGJ7DK

Register to attend the Policy Roundtable: Lived Experience Event

We know Breast Cancer has affected, and continues to affect, many women and families in our community. If either you, or someone in your family have been affected by Breast Cancer you are invited to attend our Policy Roundtable. 

We know Breast Cancer has affected, and continues to affect, many women and families in our community. If either you, or someone in your family have been affected by Breast Cancer you are invited to attend our Policy Roundtable. 

We want to hear about your experience, understand what you feel can be done to support women going through diagnosis and treatment and what more governments can do. Along with other suggestions and interventions that may need to be in place to spread awareness and encourage regular checks to boost early detection. 

The event is free, spaces are limited so please register ASAP. 

Event Details: 1:00 - 2:00PM Thursday 4 November 2021 via Zoom 

Register here: https://bit.ly/3FzVRf8

Donate a Care Pack to women undergoing treatment

To support women going through Breast Cancer treatment, we're asking the local community to come together and donate care packs that will be donated the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Research Centre.

These packs will be distributed by ONJ to women going through treatment. They can include whatever items you think will be comforting to women going through this journey, but some ideas to get you started are things like:

  • A soft blanket

  • A heat pack

  • Lip balms

  • Hand creams

  • A journal/pen

  • Gratitude/affirmation cards

  • A book

  • Slippers/comfy socks

You may also chose to include a message of support and strength from yourself with the donation, noting to just leave your first name and no contact details. Items must be specifically purchased for this purpose - due to COVID-19 no second hand items will be accepted. 

All donations will be received at my office 718 Main Road, Eltham VIC 3095. Please get in touch to arrange a time to deposit them.

Donations will be accepted until Monday 22 November 2021. 

Book your Breast Screen today

Don’t wait, book in today for your regular Breast Screen if it has been over two years - services are still running during COVID-19 lockdowns. Early detection can save lives, so please do not put it off.

You can book using this link: https://www.breastscreen.org.au/

Monthly at-home checks

Set a monthly date and regularly check your breasts at home. Look out for any unusual or new lumps and if something doesn’t feel right speak to your GP straight away. Don’t wait for your Breast Screen to do the check, it is a simple and easy measure you can implement into your monthly routine at home.

For more information on what to look for check out this link.

Vicki Ward