Pioneering breast cancer trials

A Newcastle organisation is currently making waves in global medical practice with its pioneering research into breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) boasts a conglomerate of world-leading doctors and researchers, based in Australia and New Zealand.

But, since 1987, it’s been coordinated out of the Hunter.

With the disease being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, BCT’s research is actively working to ensure a better quality of life for patients.

“It’s a well-kept secret because this organisation is so heavily involved in medicine and scientific breakthroughs and to be located here in Newcastle, it’s quite a remarkable thing,” said CEO Karen Price.

Currently, BCT has more than 60 staff operating in the Hunter across several institutions, including John Hunter Hospital, The Mater and The University of Newcastle.

According to Ms Price, more than 21,000 people are diagnosed annually.

“While the survival rate is over 90%, that doesn’t mean that those people aren’t living with side effects and other impacts of the cancer.”

BCT’s research has gone as far as to impact global medical practices, including a breakthrough trial which worked to reduce the impacts of breast cancer and treatments on a woman’s fertility.

Despite their groundbreaking work in the world of medicine, Ms Price said keeping the lights on could be tough at times.

“The amount of funding we receive for medical trials is under strain because research funding bodies receive a lot of applications and not all of them are successful,” she explained.

“But, a lot of what we’ve been able to do over time has been due to the generosity of individuals, companies and others who want to get behind our vision.”

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Story Olivia Goeldner