Alister Henskens portrait
Alister Henskens portrait

Hornsby Relay for Life

Hornsby Relay for Life

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (18:13): Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether it is a family member or friend who has been diagnosed, we all know someone who has been affected by cancer. My father and more recently my friend and colleague the member for Davidson have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Cancer is one of the most significant medical challenges faced by not only our country but the whole world. It is estimated that 165,000 Australians were diagnosed with cancer in 2023. That equates to 452 people every day. Almost two in five Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Recently I attended an important local event to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Cancer Council, the Hornsby 2024 Relay for Life, which was held at Rofe Park. I was joined by the member for Davidson; the member for Hornsby; the Federal member for Berowra, Julian Leeser; Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council Warren Waddell; Councillor Sallianne McClelland; and Councillor Nathan Tilbury.

On the day, 435 relay participants took part in the event, making up 59 teams. People were dressed in all sorts of colourful outfits, bringing some joy and brightness to the day. Despite the gloomy and rainy start, the community came out in support of this great cause. The 24-hour relay commenced with fantastic performances by Peter Kirkland, OAM, on the didgeridoo, the Hornsby RSL Pipe Band and the Golden Kangaroos Hornsby Concert Band. The participants and teams continuously walked throughout the night and into morning to complete the relay. So far, the event has raised more than $100,000.

It is absolutely critical that we continue to spread awareness about all types of cancer so we can be better equipped to recognise different symptoms and detect early signs of cancer. Regular skin checks and blood tests can help ensure that treatment begins as soon as possible. The story of the diagnosis of the member for Davidson is an important one. He was donating blood when staff at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood told him to visit a doctor. The doctor then asked him to get a colonoscopy, and he was then diagnosed with bowel cancer. That is an important reminder to not only get regular blood tests but also donate blood if you can—it could end up saving your life as well as someone else's.

The most common types of cancers that are diagnosed in Australia include prostate cancer, with approximately 24,000 people diagnosed every year; breast cancer, with approximately 20,000 people diagnosed every year; melanoma, with approximately 17,700 people diagnosed every year; bowel cancer, with approximately 15,700 people diagnosed every year; and lung cancer, with approximately 14,500 people diagnosed every year. Each cancer brings its own unique characteristics and challenges, with no two cancers the same. The statistics are sobering and remind us of the importance of looking after our physical health, ensuring that we are making the time to see our doctors and getting regular skin checks and blood tests.

Recently, when the Cancer Council visited Parliament to hear the debate on the motion moved by the member for Davidson, we had the opportunity to speak with the CEO and the people who work at the Cancer Council. They emphasised that certain foods and lifestyle activities such as drinking, smoking or a lack of exercise can all contribute to a heightened risk of cancer. We are very fortunate to live in a country that has some of the best hospitals, clinicians and treatments in the world. With treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and targeted therapies having transformed the fight against cancer, we must continue to invest in our cancer treatment and research, hospitals and technologies.

While a cancer diagnosis comes with a range of emotions such as fear and grief, it also brings hope—hope for a future with treatments and cures for all types of cancer. I often tell the story of my father, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 58 and lived to a good 92½ years of age. The Cancer Council's Relay for Life is an important way for my local community to take part in raising funds for the Cancer Council and raising awareness of the importance of regular health checks. I cannot speak highly enough of the work that the Cancer Council does in research, cancer education and awareness. I thank everyone who was involved in organising the event and all those who participated in the Relay for Life. I hope to see more people involved next year.