The alarming statistic that 1 in 8 Australian women will develop Breast Cancer makes you pause to think. But this stat relates to the general population, what if you’re genetically at high risk to develop breast cancer? That could mean your lifetime risk is more like 1 in 3. Now that makes you draw a breath – what does that mean, how would you know and importantly- what can you do?
The impetus for the project was a phone call – ‘Hi, I’m Dyna and I’m at high risk of developing breast cancer, I’m struggling to work out my options and was wondering if the journey is worth documenting because it’s hard to find information and it might help someone else?”
It’s a sea of pink out there constantly reminding us about breast cancer and we all want loved ones to be safe so we donate to show support, but do we know what our personal risk is? Can it be prevented?
What if you learned your breasts had an increased risk to develop cancer? You’re young and you haven’t started your family yet, so do you tell your partner? Maybe you’re you’ve had kids so your breasts have done their job, do you have a mastectomy? Do you do nothing and hope for the best, after all there’s no certainty you’ll get breast cancer. Can you ‘put it out of your mind’?
These are big, emotional decisions and being able to get good advice is important. That’s what our film A Stitch In Time is exploring. Up to 5% of breast cancers are due to a faulty gene. This generates a good deal of stress for families when they learn of a breast cancer diagnosis in a relative and have to consider what that might mean for them.
As a filmmaker my passion is telling stories that make a difference, I decided to roll the camera on this issue. Through personal stories we’re taking you on a journey to discover how genetic risk is assessed, where you can find information and what options are available to women at increased risk. There’s information available if you search online but finding answers that are directly related to you and your situation is not so easy. A statistic can’t tell you about how you feel or answer questions, however watching another women share her story can help you connect and learn through their experience.
This is important stuff, by supporting this project your supporting women and families facing this challenge. One less woman with breast cancer equals one less family devastated. It’s often said that knowledge is power. When it comes to health it’s critical to know your options in order to make informed decisions. With familial breast cancer, a stitch in time really could save nine.
We’ve successfully completed 5 impact film projects and know this one will make a big difference to many women. This project is supported by Creative Partnerships Australia MATCH so every dollar donated is matched, up to $10,000, so 1 = 2 and your support makes double the difference.
Thank you & best wishes,
Sue Collins & Mike Hill
