Breast Cancer Awareness

November 5, 2026

Breast cancer is serious business. In 2024 (the latest year for which WHO statistics are available) breast cancer in women was the second most common cancer worldwide (behind lung cancer) and the fourth most common cause of cancer death.

On Friday, October 30, Oberon got together at the Pink Ribbon Morning Tea, hosted by the Friends of Oberon Library (FOOLs) and Oberon Council, to talk about the problem and how to detect, manage and maybe avoid it. A talk was give by Dr Sivakamy from the Oberon Medical Centre presenting the facts about breast cancer to a sizeable audience, many of whom would be in the riskier age group for the disease. A part of the day was collecting money to support both research and treatment of breast cancer and $1,651.90 was raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The important message is "If in doubt, ask your doctor". Don't put it off, and don't get advice from anyone except a real doctor. A few years ago an oncologist at Westmead Hospital did a survey of patients presenting too late even for successful double mastectomies and found that the overwhelming cause was getting advice from quacks and only going a doctor when it was really too late.

Video courtesy of Oberon Medical Centre