Local women to tackle The Way of Saint James to raise money for Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation

Ms Faithfull is hoping more people will join them as they take on a section of the pilgrimage route, also known as The Way of Saint James, in September 2017.

The Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation board member said every cent raised through the 10-day experience would stay in the region to provide assistance to local people living with breast cancer.

“We all have our own personal reasons for going, but we come together as a team, and it’s quite an emotional experience to do something like this,” Ms Faithfull said.

The foundation provides services such as transportation to and from medical appointments, post operative comfort cushions, and professional house cleaning and lawn maintenance services free of charge for those undergoing treatment. Other services include a wig library and financial assistance to low income patients.

“We are quite unique in the fact we provide that supportive, day-to-day care,” Ms Faithfull said.

Find out how to get involved in the trek by visiting hbcf.org.au.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the McGrath Foundation launched its Breast Health Index this week. 

The index measures awareness, confidence in recognising changes, knowledge of risk factors, and how frequently people checked their breasts. McGrath Foundation chief executive Petra Buchanan told the Newcastle Herald the study had revealed that while 73 per cent of individuals considered themselves “breast aware”, only 39 per cent could identify the risk factors.

“We need to make sure people understand the risk factors and are better informed,” Ms Buchanan said.

“Breast cancer is the number one diagnosis for women in terms of cancer – 44 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer today.”

Risk factors included being female, growing older, a family history of breast cancer, drinking alcohol and smoking.

 “If you are aware of those you can take the steps to lead as healthy a life as you can,” Ms Buchanan said.