So Brave, Australia’s pioneering charity supporting young women with breast cancer, is proud to announce it has been awarded $1 million in funding under the Australian Government’s Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP).
This significant funding will support a first-of-its-kind, sector-wide initiative focused on improving early diagnosis, care, and support for women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.
The project will address the needs of women across a range of cancers—including breast, ovarian, cervical, bowel, melanoma, leukaemia and lymphoma—ensuring they receive timely diagnoses, coordinated care, and the resources needed to navigate complex treatment decisions alongside their care teams.
Leading the Way for Young Women
Founded in 2016 by CEO and cancer survivor Rachelle Panitz, So Brave has become a national leader in raising awareness of young women’s experiences with cancer. The organisation has long championed the often-overlooked challenges faced by young women—such as delayed diagnoses, limited access to tailored support, and a lack of visibility in cancer education and advocacy.
Now, So Brave is once again leading the way—this time at the critical intersection of cancer and motherhood, where significant gaps in understanding, diagnosis, and support still exist.
A Personal Mission
This project is grounded in lived experience. For CEO Rachelle Panitz, the issue is deeply personal: she was misdiagnosed during pregnancy and only received a correct breast cancer diagnosis when her son was five weeks old.
So Brave stands in awe of other Australian women that are fighting for a future where no woman faces cancer during pregnancy or postpartum without the care, clarity, and support she deserves, like Sarah Cao.
This project has resonated with young women from across the cancer community, including metastatic colon cancer patient and medical student, Sarah Cao who is dedicated to raising awareness and advancing knowledge of pregnancy-associated cancer to ensure better outcomes for both cancer care and pregnancy health.
“Through database research, translational studies, and the goal of establishing a comprehensive clinical care program, I am committed to helping to create meaningful change and advocating for improved, tailored support for women navigating the dual challenges of cancer and pregnancy.” – Sarah Cao.
A New Focus: Project Objectives
With the CPSP grant, So Brave will:
- Support earlier diagnosis for women during pregnancy and postpartum by raising awareness and equipping clinicians across disciplines with the tools and knowledge to recognise cancer symptoms early.
- Provide tailored information and resources to help women make informed decisions about treatment alongside their care teams.
- Deliver specialised training to clinicians across maternity, child health, and oncology, ensuring coordinated, compassionate care and improved patient outcomes.
- Build a national framework of support, of support, education, and advocacy for women, their families, and their medical providers.
CEO’s Vision
So Brave’s CEO, Rachelle Panitz, expressed her gratitude for the government’s support:
“The Australian Government’s CPSP program is instrumental in helping us shine a light on pregnancy and postpartum cancer, a critically overlooked area. We are proud to be leading the way in advocating for young women and ensuring they have access to the education, support, and healthcare they deserve.”
Rachelle, who founded So Brave following her own diagnosis at the age of 32, understands firsthand the challenges of being a young woman with cancer:
“A cancer diagnosis is devastating at any age, but for young women—especially those who are pregnant or new mothers—it is life-altering. This funding allows us to pioneer much-needed education, advocacy, and support, ensuring these women don’t face cancer alone.”
A Survivor’s Story
Stories like Regina Magnini’s highlight the need for this work. Diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer while caring for her 3.5-month-old and two-year-old sons, Regina described the challenges of managing treatment while breastfeeding:
“One of the first and most challenging hurdles I faced was being told I had to wean my boys immediately, as they were both breastfeeding. I was given no support or guidance on how to do this.”
Her experience underscores the pressing need for targeted postpartum cancer care and better integration of maternal health and oncology services.
Core Pillars: Education, Awareness, Advocacy, and Support
At the heart of this initiative are So Brave’s four core pillars:
- Education: Providing clear, relevant information to young women and health professionals.
- Awareness: Raising understanding that cancer can affect women during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Advocacy: Driving policy change to bridge the gap between oncology and maternal care.
- Support: Building peer networks and mental health services tailored to this life stage.
Looking Ahead
With this vital support, So Brave is leading a growing national coalition of organisations representing young women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy and postpartum. Together, this coalition is reshaping how cancer care intersects with maternity and early motherhood—working toward a future where early diagnosis, tailored support, and compassionate care are the norm, not the exception.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Australian Government for recognising the urgent need to support women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or postpartum. This funding is a crucial step forward—but it’s just the beginning. We need ongoing investment, awareness, and commitment to ensure women receive the care they need, when they need it most. So Brave is proud to be leading this work—and we won’t stop until every woman has access to early diagnosis, compassionate care, and strong support.” – Rachelle Panitz
For further information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact:
Carlos Aguilera
carlos@chillibeanmedia.com
+61 402 319 692
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