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Brain Cancer Awareness

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-144666

Hansard session: Fifty-Eighth Parliament, First Session (58-1)


Brain Cancer Awareness

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (19:57:24):

I inform the House about an important issue for many across our State: brain cancer awareness. It is very close to my heart, and I am grateful to have the privilege of speaking about it today. As many members can probably attest to, cancer impacts far too many Australians in one way or another. Young or old, it does not discriminate. Most Australians know of someone who has had to face cancer of some kind, whether it is a friend, colleague or family member, or have themselves had to face it. Many in this Chamber would have their own personal stories to share either about their own cancer journey or diagnosis or that of a loved one or friend. My colleague and good friend Matt Cross, the member for Davidson, is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer. I know how tough that is for him and his amazing wife, Gessika. I am inspired by his bravery and strength each day. I wish Matt all the very best as he continues the fight. I want him to know that he is not alone in this battle, with his colleagues, friends and family supporting his recovery every step of the way.

With survival rates increasing for many cancers, I believe that only by working together can we put a stop to the disease once and for all. One of the most important aspects is awareness. The more you know, the better off you may be. That is why it is often frightening to know that brain cancer remains one of the biggest killers in Australia today. In fact, according to the Mark Hughes Foundation, brain cancer kills more Australians under 40 than any other cancer. Approximately 2,000 Australians are diagnosed with the horrific disease each year, and only two in every 10 people will go on to survive five years following their diagnosis.

As many members would be aware, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Sadly, brain cancer kills more children than any other disease. Approximately 120 children in Australia are diagnosed with brain cancer each year. For 45 per cent of those children, the disease will be fatal. In my own electorate, Gerry Tye tragically lost his son Talin in 2012 at just six years old. Through enormous loss, Gerry has become an active campaigner and advocate for brain cancer research, treatment and prevention. He serves as a committee member of the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia. We have discussed numerous times what can be done to better support those going through brain cancer in our community. I personally thank Gerry for his tireless efforts to fight the terrible disease.

Currently, the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia is organising an event at Parliament House in Canberra called "Head to the Hill", where an installation of shoes will be created on the Parliament lawns. I have been encouraging my Federal colleagues to attend the important event, as it serves as a moving representation of those impacted by brain cancer throughout Australia. It is clear that we need to do everything in our power to support those who are impacted by brain cancer. While we have made significant progress in terms of cancer treatment across the board, brain cancer remains an area where we are falling behind. However, I have hope that throughout New South Wales and Australia, important research into brain cancer is being undertaken every day to cure the disease.

Cancer Council NSW is one organisation that funds and conducts its own research and provides support to thousands of individuals and their families. I have had the privilege of working with the Cancer Council over many years. This year, we hosted the thirteenth annual Biggest Morning Tea in my electorate and raised over $3,200. That vital funding will go towards providing thousands of kids with SunSmart education, supporting calls to trained cancer professionals and it can even fund 26 days of a PhD student's world-class research. I thank Cancer Council NSW for all the work it has done over the years, and I encourage everyone to get involved, either by attending or hosting a morning tea, or becoming a regular donor to support the ongoing work and research.

It is fantastic to hear that support and lobbying groups like the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia are providing resources and practical support to thousands of Australians and their families going through this struggle. Through their work, they have raised thousands of dollars to directly support brain tumour research, creating better outcomes so that future generations will not face the same struggles. While brain cancer may be one of the deadliest forms of cancer, it does not have to stay that way. With increased awareness, more research and better support networks, I believe that change is possible. I will continue to advocate on behalf of my community and people like Gerry to ensure that brain cancer research receives the attention that it deserves. I hope that one day cancer is no longer something to be feared but, instead, something that is preventable, treatable and survivable.

Ms SOPHIE COTSIS (CanterburyMinister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Work Health and Safety) (12:02:42):

— I acknowledge the member for Oatley's important speech about cancer research. As somebody who has been diagnosed with breast cancer—members know my experiences—I will continue to raise the issues around awareness. We need to get that information out, particularly to non-English-speaking communities, and provide access to screening. Rural and regional communities also need access to screening. My best wishes and prayers go to the member for Davidson. I went through chemo. It is really tough and awful, but there is light at the other side. We need to do a lot more when it comes to brain cancer research, and I put my support on the record.

The House adjourned, pursuant to standing and sessional orders, at 20:04 until Wednesday 18 September 2024 at 10:00.