Breast cancer can occur at any age.

The average age of women when they are diagnosed with breast cancer is 59 years. About 700 women under the age of 40 years are diagnosed.

Although rare, breast cancer can also develop in men.

The statistics of this most insidious disease may be grim, but there is also hope with survival rates on the increase in recent years.

This has been brought about by the tireless work of the nation’s top medical researchers and also increasing awareness among the general public of the disease, including the importance of breast screening.

The loss of high profile women including Jane McGrath and Belinda Emmett, and the public battle against the disease by the likes of Kylie Minogue, have done much to help public awareness.

We must win the battle against breast cancer – and together we can.

There are so many ways people can help – whether it be making a donation, buying pink products or hosting an event such as a Girls Night In or Biggest Morning Tea.

And as Glenn McGrath – Australian cricketing legend and husband of the inspirational Jane – says, everyone knows that real men wear pink.

It could be your mother, wife, daughter, best friend or some other loved one. Or even a male loved one. You just never know.

Please support Breast Cancer Awareness Day.