The number of people diagnosed with breast cancer on the Border is increasing, with more than 160 people diagnosed in the last financial year.
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The number has increased by five on the previous year and by 20 compared to 2005-06.
As the rates go up, so does the need for nurses who can help support patients in the region.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the McGrath Foundation is spreading a bit of pink to help inform communities and to celebrate 10 years since its establishment.
The organisation released a report titled Keeping Abreast of Future Need off the back of data collected over the past decade.
Two of the foundation’s breast care nurses cover an area extending from Albury-Wodonga towards Wagga, Yarrawonga, Deniliquin, Corryong, Khancoban and up into the Alpine Shire.
One of those nurses is Jude Peterkin, who said all women should learn how to recognise early warning signs for breast cancer.
With one in eight women in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85, noticing a change could save your life.
“Women should know what is normal for them by feeling, looking and getting anything unusual checked out,” Ms Peterkin said.
“Women can have a mammogram from age 40, but the recommended time to have them is from 50 to 75.”
The need for education extends to men too who are not immune from the illness.
It is predicted 145 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia this year.
Despite fundraising efforts, the need for breast care nurses outweighs the number currently in action.
There is a shortfall of 79 nurses nationally which is expected to blow out to 109 by 2020.
To learn more about breast cancer head to www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.
