Why we support the National Breast Cancer Foundation

September 27, 2026

Over the past five years, through the Knit for the Girls community fundraiser, we've raised $186,000 AUD for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (Australia) (NBCF)and a further $146,000 CAD for Breast Cancer Canada & North American Breast Cancer Foundation.

Breast cancer has touched nearly all of us—whether personally or through someone we love. Through this fundraiser, our fibre arts community can come together to support research that saves lives.

So we thought it was timely to share an update from the National Breast Cancer Foundation as we head into our 6th annual fundraiser:

Breast cancer isn't done - and neither is the NBCF - until there are Zero Deaths from breast cancer.

The perception in Australia is that breast cancer is a problem we are overcoming.  However the reality is more people are being diagnosed with breast cancer, more lives are being lost, and the impact of breast cancer continues to grow.

We've seen remarkable results, but the job's not done.  Nine people still die from breast cancer every day in Australia.

Research is how we end deaths from breast cancer.  Every breakthrough that helps prevent, detect, treat and stop breast cancer returning starts with research.  Continued investment in research is essential to saving lives.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia's leading not-for-profit organisation funding world-class breast cancer research towards a vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer  NBCF won't stop, and neither will we - until breast cancer deaths stop.

Breast Cancer Incidence is rising and deaths are increasing. That's why breast cancer isn't done.

• In the last 10 years, breast cancer diagnoses in Australia have increased by around 15%.
• Over the next five years, more than 100,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and around 16,000 people will die from this disease - only research can change this.
• Nine people in Australia die from breast cancer every day.

Research is changing outcomes, and with continued investment, we can accelerate progress and save more lives.

• Since NBCF's inception, the death rate from breast cancer in Australia has reduced by over 40% - but the job's not done.
• We can accelerate progress with continued investment in research.
• NBCF has three powerful grant schemes designed to push scientific boundaries, accelerate progress and deliver real-world impact to end deaths from breast cancer.

Behind every statistic is a profound human impact.

• In Australia, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.
• 1 in 7 women in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.  Around 1 in 3 people may experience a reoccurrence of their breast cancer, which can occur decades after diagnosis and treatment.
• 56 people will be diagnosed and 9 people will die each day from breast cancer in Australia.
• In the next five years an estimated six million family members and close friends will be impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis highlighting the extensive societal impact of this disease.*

Source for statistics: AIHW 2025 Cancer Data in Australia with the exception where asterisked. *. Note: All statistics are updated annually.

A little more about the National Breast Cancer Foundation

Since their inception in 1994, NBCF has invested over $250 million into more than 650 world-class research grants across Australia, with international reach.

In this time, in large part due to research, the death rate from cancer in Australia has reduced by over 40%.

They've seem remarkable results, but the job's not done.

At NBCF, they're determined to create a better tomorrow.  They know research matters, and it is central and critical to improving breast cancer outcomes.

That's why they fund the very best breast cancer research in Australia through national, competitive grant schemes and rigorous, independent expert review processes.

Learn even more about their work at www.nbcf.org.au.

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