Donation to Ararat Breast Cancer Support

The Ararat Breast Cancer Support Group has received a cheque for $3200 from the Buangor Community Sports Centre Committee (BCSCC), to purchase equipment for East Grampians Health Service Oncology Unit which treats women with breast cancer from the Grampians region.

The money was raised by the Buangor community group at a recent fundraising “Pink Night” held at the Sports Centre. Lauren Smithwick (of the BCSCC) presented the cheque to Ararat Breast Cancer Support member Jane Clark at East Grampians Health Service Oncology Unit this week.

Sarah Carter, Breast Care Nurse from East Grampians Health Service, who spoke at the “Pink Night” said “It is estimated that 15, 930 women and 150 men in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. It is very important to be breast aware.” She said that while free screening targets a certain age bracket, breast cancer can be diagnosed at any age, “Women should be familiar with the way their breasts normally look and feel. If there are any changes then women should see their GP as soon as possible.”

Women from 50 -74 are eligible for free two yearly mammograms at Breast Screen, who can be contacted on 13 20 50 for appointments at their nearest clinic.

East Grampians Health Service CEO, Nick Bush thanked the Ararat Breast Cancer Support Group and Buangor Community Sports Centre Committee for the very generous donation to purchase new equipment, saying “the contribution of local groups really makes a difference to the care patients receive”.

Pictured above (L-R): Lauren Smithwick, Mary Kinsella, oncologist Dr Craig Carden and Jane Clark at EGHS