Premier Bligh wants Qld to be awash with pink
Published Tuesday, 23 October, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
October 22, 2007
Premier Anna Bligh will be wearing a pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s Pink Ribbon Day tomorrow and encouraging other members of Parliament to set a good example for all Queenslanders.
“I will be offering MPs a pink ribbon and encouraging them to show their support for Queensland women who have been affected by breast cancer,” Ms Bligh said.
“It’s a sad fact that most of us know someone who has been touched by breast cancer – it is still the most common cancer affecting Queensland women.
“This is why it is so vital that we get the message out to all Queenslanders about the importance of regular breast cancer screening.
“I’m urging women to wear pink and for men to show their support for this important day by wearing pink ties and/or the ribbons.”
“Pink ribbons and wrist bands are being sold across the state this month and all the proceeds will go towards breast cancer research, support services and education.”
“One of the key messages of Pink Ribbon Day is for women to take time out of their busy schedules to look after their own health – by having a free breastscreen.
Ms Bligh and Minister for Women Margaret Keech will attend the Mini Field of Women event being organised by breast cancer survivor Bonny Barry, the Member for Aspley. The event is at 2pm in Marchant Park, corner of Webster and Gympie Roads, Aspley.
“By coming along and buying a pink silhouette you are representing someone who has been diagnosed or has died from breast cancer,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh said that the BreastScreen Queensland Program provides free, high quality breast cancer screening services to women in Queensland aged 50-69 years. Women aged 40-49 years and over 70 can also attend.
“The program has 11 services conveniently located throughout the State covering more than 200 locations with multiple services in Brisbane’s northern and southern suburbs and on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
“I can assure you that all of the services are staffed by specially-trained, female health professionals who understand women’s needs.
“I strongly urge all women over 50 to make October the month they join the BreastScreen Queensland Program.”
Ms Bligh said it was “very concerning” that although more than 75% of breast cancers occur in women aged over 50, current statistics showed less than 60% of Queensland women in that age group were having regular breast cancer screening.
“Recent data shows that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 71% in 1982-1985 to more than 86% in 1996-2000,” she said.
“These figures are very positive and highlight the effectiveness of regular breast cancer screens and early treatment.
“Despite significant research, the causes of breast cancer are still unknown.
“Having a breastscreen every two years is the best way of detecting breast cancer early, before it’s noticed by the woman or her doctor. Early detection saves lives.”
For a BreastScreen appointment, please call 13 20 50
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Minister’s Office 3243 1190
Premier Anna Bligh will be wearing a pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s Pink Ribbon Day tomorrow and encouraging other members of Parliament to set a good example for all Queenslanders.
“I will be offering MPs a pink ribbon and encouraging them to show their support for Queensland women who have been affected by breast cancer,” Ms Bligh said.
“It’s a sad fact that most of us know someone who has been touched by breast cancer – it is still the most common cancer affecting Queensland women.
“This is why it is so vital that we get the message out to all Queenslanders about the importance of regular breast cancer screening.
“I’m urging women to wear pink and for men to show their support for this important day by wearing pink ties and/or the ribbons.”
“Pink ribbons and wrist bands are being sold across the state this month and all the proceeds will go towards breast cancer research, support services and education.”
“One of the key messages of Pink Ribbon Day is for women to take time out of their busy schedules to look after their own health – by having a free breastscreen.
Ms Bligh and Minister for Women Margaret Keech will attend the Mini Field of Women event being organised by breast cancer survivor Bonny Barry, the Member for Aspley. The event is at 2pm in Marchant Park, corner of Webster and Gympie Roads, Aspley.
“By coming along and buying a pink silhouette you are representing someone who has been diagnosed or has died from breast cancer,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh said that the BreastScreen Queensland Program provides free, high quality breast cancer screening services to women in Queensland aged 50-69 years. Women aged 40-49 years and over 70 can also attend.
“The program has 11 services conveniently located throughout the State covering more than 200 locations with multiple services in Brisbane’s northern and southern suburbs and on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
“I can assure you that all of the services are staffed by specially-trained, female health professionals who understand women’s needs.
“I strongly urge all women over 50 to make October the month they join the BreastScreen Queensland Program.”
Ms Bligh said it was “very concerning” that although more than 75% of breast cancers occur in women aged over 50, current statistics showed less than 60% of Queensland women in that age group were having regular breast cancer screening.
“Recent data shows that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 71% in 1982-1985 to more than 86% in 1996-2000,” she said.
“These figures are very positive and highlight the effectiveness of regular breast cancer screens and early treatment.
“Despite significant research, the causes of breast cancer are still unknown.
“Having a breastscreen every two years is the best way of detecting breast cancer early, before it’s noticed by the woman or her doctor. Early detection saves lives.”
For a BreastScreen appointment, please call 13 20 50
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Minister’s Office 3243 1190