Brain Cancer Action Week

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Media Release - 22 April 2010

Leading brain cancer researchers, patients, survivors and their families along with major cancer charities including Cancer Council NSW are jointly spearheading Australia's first Brain Cancer Action Week - 2 - 9 May 2010.

The week is part of a collaborative support movement for increased awareness and funding for one of the least-funded, least-researched, least-understood, and yet one of the most fatal cancers.

The inaugural week has received support from high profile clinicians, scientists, patients and media identities such as: Dr Charlie Teo, Johanna Griggs, Julian Huxley and the widows of prominent Australians affected by brain cancer - Chris O'Brien, Stan Zemanek, Andrew Olle and Matt Price.

No significant improvement in survival rates has been made in two decades, yet there are more than 1,400 newly diagnosed cases of brain cancer each year. Despite this, research funding for, and survival rates of malignant brain cancer (high-grade glioma or HGG) remain regrettably low.

In aggressive cases, HGG patients can deteriorate from full health to being incapacitated within months. Once diagnosed, patients only have a 25 per cent chance of living past two years, and sadly, most die within six months.

The gap between the devastating impact of brain cancer, and the current amount of awareness and research funding for the disease is the driving forces behind the week, which also aims to foster a collaborative approach between Australia's major cancer researchers.

WHAT'S ON FOR BRAIN CANCER ACTION WEEK?

  • Brain Cancer Action Week Luncheon - Tuesday 4 May. Hosted by Marcella Zemanek, wife of brain cancer sufferer, the late Stan Zemanek, this lunch will be held at Aqua Dining, with Brain Cancer Action Week ambassador, Johanna Griggs as special guest speaker. All money raised will support brain cancer research. Bookings essential on 02 9334 1420.
  • "˜Grey Matters' Brain Cancer Trivia Night - Wednesday 5 May. Test your grey matter at a special fundraising trivia night at the Arthouse Hotel Sydney. The event will be MCed by Rebecca Wilson, with questions by quiz master, Ruben Meerman. Tickets are $135 per person, and include a three course meal, beverages, a host of prizes and entertainment. Bookings essential on 02 9334 1420.
  • Patient Forum - Wednesday 5 May. Hosted by Cancer Institute NSW at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney, this free forum is for brain cancer patients and their families. Brain cancer clinicians and professionals will present sessions on all aspects of the patient journey. Register at
  • Turn your regular brain teaser, quiz night or other event into a fundraiser for Brain Cancer Action Week.

Visit www.braincanceraction.com.au to find out more about how you can donate, get involved and make a difference

Media Contacts:
Casey Walton on 9334 1883/0413889283
Karen Kalpage on 9334 1960/0411 408 647