10 Breast cancer events you need to sign up for

October is breast cancer awareness month and an opportunity for us all to get involved in events that support the fight against this disease. So in the spirit of all things pink, here are 10 breast cancer events to add to your date book.

What is it? An all-female triathlon series, Triathlon Pink aims to raise funds for charities that provide breast cancer support, education, research and advocacy. Pinkies can choose to run in one of the triathlon events (there’s even a kids triathlon), or can opt for the fun run (5 kilometres, 2.5 kilometres or a 1-kilometre kids-only run). If you’re up for a challenge, grab your running shoes and join in the fun at Triathlon Pink.

When and where:

• Oct. 27, 2013, on the Gold Coast.
• Nov. 3, 2013, in Perth.
• Nov. 24, 2013, on the Sunshine Coast.

What is it? The Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) annual Pink Lady Luncheon is a celebration of 15 years of BCNA and their work supporting Australians affected by breast cancer. Listen to keynote speaker Lesley Gillespie (co-founder, Executive Director and CEO, Bakers Delight) and raise funds to support BCNA. Become a “lady who lunches” and purchase your ticket here.

When and where:

• Oct. 15, 2013, at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.

What is it? An initiative of the Estée Lauder Companies, the Global Illumination campaign aims to literally put breast cancer awareness in the spotlight by illuminating buildings and landmarks in — you guessed it — pink. Purchase a table at an October event to ensure that Global Illumination can continue to shine a light on breast cancer awareness and raise funds for research. For more information, click here.

When and where:

• The “Touch of Pink” Breakfast will be held on Oct. 17, 2013, in Perth.
• The Pink Gala Dinner will be held on Oct. 23, 2013, in Canberra.

What is it? The Longest Table is Australia’s first virtually-connected fundraising dinner. On one night, dinners will be hosted by hundreds of people in their homes, offices or in restaurants. All of these dinners will be virtually linked together to “The Longest Table Studio”, with live-streamed music and entertainment, prizes and even an online auction. Check out The Longest Table website to host a party, RSVP to a party or bid in the pre-dinner auction. You can even bid on guest chefs, wine packages, babysitters and caterers in the “What Can I Bring?” pre-auction. Funds raised will go to Australian Breast Cancer Research, The Hospital Research Foundation and Australian Prostate Cancer.

When and where:

• Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, in any location you choose!

What is it? The Sussan Women’s Fun Run is a women’s-only run that supports the Breast Cancer Network Australia. Grab your mum, daughter, gran or girlfriends and join thousands of women for a 5, 10 or 21.1-kilometre run (or walk!). Become a a Pink Lady here.

When and where:

• Dec. 8, 2013, in Melbourne.

What is it? The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers is an epic 60-kilometre walk through Sydney over the course of two days. Proceeds from The Weekend will go to the O’Brien Lifehouse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to support the work of the LifeHouse Team and provide funding for clinical research, better diagnostics, patient care and vital equipment. Join the walk and raise vital funds for women’s cancer research and care by registering here.

When and where:

• Oct. 26-27, 2013, in Brisbane.
• Nov. 9-10, 2013, in Sydney.
• Mar. 1-2, 2014, in Melbourne.
• Mar. 15-16, 2014, in Perth.

What is it? Inspired by the style of jewellery designer Samantha Willis, the McGrath Foundation Signature High tea will raise funds for one of Australia’s leading breast cancer support organisations, the McGrath Foundation. Guests will sip champagne, drink tea and of course sample the High Tea nibblies, while listening to an array of inspiring guest speakers. This event is all about celebrating individual style, so don’t forget to wear your “touch of pink”. To register, click here.

When and where:

• Oct. 25, 2013, in Sydney.
• Oct. 4 and 5, 2013, in Melbourne.
• Oct. 12, 2013, in Brisbane.
• Oct. 19, 2013, in Perth.

What is it? Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Pink Pedal Challenge is an 11-day cycle tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. Proceeds raised by cyclists will go towards support and resources for Australians affected by breast cancer. If you’re up for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s for a good cause, click here for more information and to register.

When and where:

• Feb. 14-24, 2014, in Vietnam and Cambodia.

What is it? The 2013 Cancer Australia Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a corporate event celebrating key advances in breast cancer over 20 years. Attendees will be entertained during breakfast while supporting Australia’s Pink Ribbon day and improved outcomes for Australians affected by breast cancer. Tickets for this premier breast cancer event can be bought individually or in a table of 10. To find out more, and to register, click here.

When and where:

• Oct. 28, 2013, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.

What is it? Return of the Ashes is a lunch supporting the work of the McGrath Foundation. Cricket fans will be treated to lunch and entertained by a panel of experts, including Glenn McGrath, who will give their opinions and insider tips about the Commonwealth Bank 2013/14 Ashes Series.

When and where:

• Nov. 3, 2013, in Perth.
• Nov. 19, 2013, in Canberra.
• Nov. 26, 2013, in Melbourne.
• Dec. 2, 2013, in Sydney.

Did you know?

1. In 2007, 2,680 women and 26 men died of breast cancer in Australia (Cancer Council Australia).
2. Nine out of 10 women who get breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease (healthinsite Australia).
3. In 2013, it is estimated that 14,940 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer (Breast Cancer Network Australia).
4. Early detection can significantly improve breast cancer survival rates, allowing physicians and oncologists time to appropriately treat the cancer (National Breast Cancer Foundation).
5. Australian women have a one in eight lifetime risk of developing breast cancer (Breast Cancer Network Australia).

More on breast cancer

Reduce your risk of breast cancer
7 Embarrassing symptoms women shouldn’t ignore
Angelina Jolie’s double mastectomy