40 YEARS OF BCT RESEARCH

40 Years of Breast Cancer Trials Research Recognised by the City of Newcastle

Newcastle-based research group Breast Cancer Trials will be honoured by the City of Newcastle this Friday in a Key to the City presentation, recognising 40 years of life-saving breast cancer clinical trials research.

When: 8-9am, Friday 9 March 2018

Where: Level 2, City Hall, King St. Newcastle

“It’s incredibly special to be recognised by the City of Newcastle for the work done by Breast Cancer Trials over the past 40 years,” said Soozy Smith, CEO of Breast Cancer Trials.

“Our research has led to significant advances in breast cancer treatments and preventative therapies over that time, and has saved millions of lives in collaborative research worldwide.”

“40 years ago, we thought breast cancer was just one disease and most women were treated with mastectomy. But now we know that breast cancer is many diseases and it requires many different approaches to not just identify the type of breast cancer a patient may have, but to personalise that patient’s treatment.”

Established in Melbourne in 1978 by a small group including Professor John Forbes AM, the research group relocated to Newcastle in 1987 and has co-ordinated its trials program from the city ever since. Breast Cancer Trials has approximately 800 members across Australia and New Zealand who are involved in the research program and more than 15,300 women have participated in BCT clinical trials.

Breast Cancer Trials has been involved in groundbreaking research such as:

• The landmark IBIS clinical trial which proved that Tamoxifen reduces breast cancer rates by nearly a third. Continuing research now shows the protective benefit of the drug continues for many years after treatment.
• The HERA trial for women with HER2-positive breast cancer showed that Herceptin (trastuzumab) can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
• The POEMS trial which increased the chances of younger women with breast cancer being able to have children after their cancer treatment.

Breast Cancer Trials joins recent inductees as City of Newcastle Ambassadors including:

• Retired High Court judge The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG who was a Deputy Chancellor of the University of Newcastle in 1978
• The Youth With A Mission medical research vessel, The Ruach, whose home port is Newcastle
• The Newcastle Eye Hospital Foundation

Breast Cancer Trials is the largest, independent, oncology clinical trials research group in Australia and New Zealand. Formally known as the Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group, Breast Cancer Trials has conducted a national clinical trials research program for the treatment, prevention and cure of breast cancer since 1978. For more information about Breast Cancer Trials, visit www.breastcancertrials.org.au.

To media enquiries contact: Anna Fitzgerald, Communications Manager 0400 304 224 or anna.fitzgerald@bctrials.org.au

BCT CEO Dr Soozy Smith, BCT Founder Professor John Forbes AM, BCT Chair Professor Bruce Mann and Newcastle Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

Our life-saving breast cancer research is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters. Please help continue this vital work by making a donation today.