The tables were filled and the room a hype of activity at the 2023 skin cancer awareness and prevention inspired Yarrawonga Friends in Common Cancer Awareness Breakfast held at the ClubMulwala Endeavor Room last Wednesday which was a roaring success.
More than 160 people were in attendance for FICs biggest fundraiser of the year, eating a delicious breakfast while listening to the facts and figures of skin cancer from Yarrawonga Denis Medical Clinic Dr Phyo Koko and Friends in Common President Christine Merrett.
Ms Merrett said the breakfast was an outstanding success with the organisation raising over $... and people speaking more about skin cancer awareness.
“What a wonderful breakfast we all had at ClubMulwala,” Mrs Merrett said.
“It was fantastic to see all of the Kennedy’s Builders tradies here for breakfast and to listen to Dr Koko before they left for work as well as numerous local businesses represented too, namely Bunnings who always assist us where they can.
“Thank you to Dr Koko for his time and sharing information on skins cancers, what services are available and for raising our awareness of the dangers of this common but wretched disease.
“Thank you also to Terry White Chemmart and Blooms Chemist who assisted us by donating sunscreen samples for everyone to take away and use and Jenny O’Brien from Yarrawonga Health with all her information provided.
“Also a massive thank you to the students of Sacred Heart College as well as teachers Marg Duncan and Sarah alongside our lovely CWA ladies, Dawn and Wendy who assisted with the raffles on the day.
“Massive thank you to ClubMulwala for hosting the event and the Mulwala Water Ski Club for their donation and continued support as well as Michael Price for doing a fabulous job as MC once again.
“We are so grateful for all the community support we receive, which allows us to continue to support the people in our communities who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
“Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and who made this event possible.”
Guest speaker Dr Phyo Koko was very insightful in his description of the varying stages of skin cancer and what medical care is available.
“There are three main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, with basal cell carcinoma (typically develops on parts of the body that have been chronically exposed to sun) the most common form and melanoma the most serious,” Dr Koko said.
“Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancers in the world with skin cancer being the third most common in Australia. You are also twice as likely to contract melanoma if there is a family history of it.
“More than 15,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year with 42 Australians diagnosed every day, close to one every half hour.
“We all need to be conscious of the Cancer Council campaign slip, slop, slap, slide and seek.
“Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, slide on sunnies and seek shade.
“Two in three people will develop skin cancer before 70 however 95% of these cancers that are detected early can be successfully treated.
“Skin cancers, namely melanoma, claims the lives of 1300 Australians every year (1 person every 6 hours), with the highest rate of incidence being between the ages of 20 - 39.
“Keep checking your skin, visit your gp regularly to check for any issues and know the signs.”
Ms Merrett then spoke in depth about the work of Friends in Common and about cancer prevention or treatment.
“Friends in Common are looking after 68 people in our local region this year who are suffering with a cancer diagnosis. Prevention is so much better than a cure which is why we wanted to raise the awareness of this issue in an outdoor loving region that could be doing more to protect themselves against the disease,” Ms Merrett said.
“Due to the climate and environment we live in here in Yarrawonga Mulwala, where we are said to have more sunny days than Queensland, we are prone to skin cancers so it is a smart idea to check and protect our skin.
“Many that live in the region and require treatment attend the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre so 20% of our raffle sales will go to the Albury Wodonga Cancer Trust.
“The biggest message is to keep checking your skin and going to see your GP if you notice anything different.”
As well as the money raised there were many lucky door prizes and raffles with a Kennedy Builder tradie taking home a nail gun kindly donated by Bunnings Yarrawonga while the major raffle winners were: Sharon who won the petrol voucher, Nell Duffy who took home the Bunnings pot and plant, Kae Kennedy who won the Blooms hamper, Pat Hutchinson who was the lucky winner of the coffee machine and Jai Barton who left with the knitted blanket.
Ms Merrett also added that anybody that is wanting to give back to the community can meet the ladies and become part of Friends in Common.
“If you would like to find out more about what we can do for you or about volunteering with us please phone 0497689027 or join us for a coffee and chat at St Cuthberts Hall, followed by our monthly meeting usually on the first Tuesday of the month,” Mrs Merrett said.
“Even if it is just for one of two hours a month, anybody that is looking to give back to the community can come and see what we do and take part.
“You can also message us or follow us on Facebook @friendsincommonyarrawonga.
“Everyone is welcome.”