Corinne Mulholland (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

This week is Women's Health Week. Today I'm wearing this badge to recognise the first-ever National Day of Awareness for Young Women's Breast Cancer, organised by an incredible new charity called So Brave. I congratulate Rachelle Panitz and her team for their incredible round table here on Monday at Parliament House discussing issues young women diagnosed with breast cancer face, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum.

Each year, 1,000 Australian women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, it is the most diagnosed cancer amongst young women aged 20 to 39. This is the exact time in life when women are making some of the most critical decisions about their future, work and families. As a new mum, I cannot begin to imagine what a cruel double blow it would be to be diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy and how that would upend everything that you thought motherhood would be. I can't imagine the heartbreak that comes with trying to cradle a young-born in one arm while receiving chemotherapy in the other, or the devastation I'd feel if I couldn't breastfeed my child, because chemotherapy medication had contaminated my breast milk.

I think the need for better support and resources for young women and young mums is obviously clear. I encourage everyone to find out more about this charity.