As the CEO of So Brave, I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting on what this moment means — not just for us as an organisation, but for every young woman in Australia who is facing, or will face, a breast cancer diagnosis.
Receiving $1 million in Federal Government funding is a landmark achievement. It signals, finally, that the voice of young women matter, that their experiences are unique, and that the gaps in care, support, and research cannot be ignored any longer. The outpouring of support we’ve received since this announcement — from survivors, families, clinicians, and the community — has been overwhelming and affirming. It reminds us why we do this work: to change the future for young women affected by breast cancer.
But now, the question we’re hearing from every corner is: how do we keep this going?
As we fast approach the Federal Election, we need to ensure that this momentum — this long-overdue recognition — doesn’t stop with one grant or one budget.
We are calling on all political leaders, across all parties, to commit to lasting support for young women with breast cancer. We’ve built something powerful, and now we must protect it and grow it. With the voices of our community behind us, we will continue advocating for policy change, dedicated funding, tailored mental health supports, and national education strategies — so that no young woman is left behind.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that early intervention and education can save lives. That’s why So Brave is investing in programs that empower young women to understand their breast health, recognise the signs and symptoms, and advocate for themselves in medical settings.
By educating women before they become patients — when they’re students, professionals, new mums, or simply navigating early adulthood — we equip them with the tools to take action earlier and seek the care they need.
With the right information and support, we can dramatically improve outcomes and change what a breast cancer diagnosis looks like for young women in this country. Prevention and awareness are not just nice-to-haves — they are essential components of a future where fewer young women face late diagnoses and more young women thrive.
This election, we urge our community to look closely at the policies and priorities of their local candidates — and to ask the important questions about how they will support the health and wellbeing of young women. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate by postcode, and young women across Australia deserve equitable access to education, early detection, timely diagnosis, mental health support, and specialised care.
We need leaders who are committed to funding, backing, and believing in the power of prevention and patient-centred solutions. Your vote has the power to shape the future — not just for you, but for every young woman whose life could be forever changed by a breast cancer diagnosis.