Fiona Scott (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Saturday I had a fabulous day with the Penrith Pendragons. These spectacular ladies are breast cancer survivors. They have taken to their dragon boat, and up the Nepean River they go. This weekend, the Penrith Pendragons will join the National Paddle Day on Darling Harbour.

This vivacious crew is made up of ladies who are mostly cancer survivors, all of them supporting each other. The paddling action does two wonderful things for these ladies. Firstly, it is symbolic of these women moving forward; but, secondly, it has therapeutic benefits. The actual activity of paddling has an effect on the lymph nodes which is positive and beneficial for the body's recovery.

Breast cancer is a serious issue that affects so many women right across the world and here in Australia, affecting one in eight women in their lifetime. Over 15,000 women are predicted to be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia. Sadly, almost 10 women a day die from this horrible disease, but 90 per cent of women diagnosed will live at least five years. It is wonderful that we are supporting breast cancer so much. Locally, we are also holding two morning teas, one in St Mary's and one in Penrith, on 19 and 20 November.

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