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Passing on the Pink Baton
The future directions of diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and advocacy were discussed at a public forum during the Leura VI International Breast Cancer Conference in Sydney recently. 

Janet Green (standing) and other breast cancer survivors at the Leura VI International Breast Cancer Conference 2008 at Darling Harbour recently.
Janet Green (standing) and other breast cancer survivors at the Leura VI International Breast Cancer Conference 2008 at Darling Harbour recently.

Breast cancer experts from around the world presented the latest information and research about a disease that affects more than 13,000 women every year in Australia, at the conference, which was hosted by the Breast Cancer Institute NSW (BCI) at the Sydney Convention Centre in Darling Harbour from 18 to 21 September.

Elizabeth Florendo and Mary Day man the BCI stand.
Elizabeth Florendo and Mary Day man the BCI stand.

BCI Executive Director Professor John Boyages said the conference, which is held every four years, was a resounding success and attracted more than 700 international and local delegates as well as a strong contingent of breast cancer survivors.

“This is the first breast cancer conference in Australia that offers broad clinical sessions addressing current issues in a variety of disciplines and it’s our 20th anniversary,” he said.

“It takes some effort to stay up to date but this conference makes the latest information available to both health care professionals and the public.” 

Dr Michael Krychman from California and Prof John Boyages talk with breast cancer survivors.
Dr Michael Krychman from California and Prof John Boyages talk with breast cancer survivors.

A free public consumer forum, hosted by the Breast Cancer Action Group (BCAG) NSW, was a key feature at the conference and drew breast cancer survivors from across the state.  

BCAG chair Janet Green said the forum pinpointed the need to share the vast experience of breast cancer to benefit people with less publicised cancers without losing any momentum to continue improving breast cancer services.

"Some people feel a bit over the pink but we still think there's a fair way to go and lots to share with others," she said.

Prof Boyages (standing) chairs a session with experts at the Leura VI International Breast Cancer Conference.
Prof Boyages (standing) chairs a session with experts at the Leura VI International Breast Cancer Conference.

Professor Boyages said another key issue was passing on the breast cancer baton to the next generation. "Many of the breast cancer treatments, services and support groups that are now taken for granted, weren't available twenty years ago.There's a real need for mentorship and leadership - to pass the baton on to the next generation of trail blazers who will continue the fight against breast cancer," he said.

Last Updated on Thursday, 18 June 2009 22:22