What’s Happening?
Australian feature documentary Conquering Breast Cancer will screen at Event Cinemas Mackay Mount Pleasant on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
The 3:00pm session gives local audiences access to a film examining Australia’s efforts to end breast cancer deaths. Tickets are available through Event Cinemas.
Produced by filmmakers Mike Hill and Sue Collins, the release is the third instalment in the Conquering Cancer documentary series. It combines patient experiences, medical knowledge and advocacy gathered across Australian cities, regional centres and remote communities.
The production company has reported a strong audience response since the film entered cinemas. Its official trailer previews the personal stories and medical issues covered throughout the documentary.
Why It Matters?
Breast cancer remains Australia’s second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the most common cancer among women. Although survival has improved, thousands of Australians still die from the disease each year.
The film challenges the idea that breast cancer has been solved. Instead, it examines prevention, early detection, treatment, research, clinical trials and the psychological effects carried by survivors.
Its central question asks whether Australia can bring patients, researchers, advocates and communities together to end breast cancer deaths. The documentary also calls for better access to care, advanced treatments and targeted early detection programs.
Local Impact
The Mackay screening brings this national health discussion directly to a regional audience. It gives patients, families and other residents an opportunity to hear from people affected by breast cancer.
Regional and remote experiences also form part of the film, alongside stories gathered in Australian cities. This broader focus reflects how diagnosis, treatment and access to care can affect communities across the country.
By screening locally, the documentary may encourage conversations about diagnosis, treatment and the lasting effects on patients and their families.
By The Numbers
Figures supplied by the National Breast Cancer Foundation show the continuing scale of breast cancer across Australia.
- More than 20,000 Australians are diagnosed each year, equal to 56 people every day. Lifetime risk affects one in seven women and around one in 600 men.
- More than 3,300 Australians die from breast cancer annually, including about 40 men. This equals nine deaths daily, while one woman under 40 is expected to die each week.
- Around 80 per cent of cases occur in women over 50, although about 1,000 women under 40 are diagnosed yearly. Diagnoses have risen by approximately 15 per cent during the past decade.
- More than 160,000 Australians are living after a diagnosis received within the past decade. Five-year survival currently sits above 90 per cent.
A 2025 study also examined the wider health and productivity burden between 2022 and 2031. It projected 4,286 lost years of life and 15,597 lost quality-adjusted life years.
The study predicted another 16,403 productivity-adjusted life years would be lost. That reduction was valued at approximately $3.26 billion in lost Australian gross domestic product.
Zoom In
Presenter Sue Collins takes audiences beyond the statistics through survivor accounts and medical knowledge. These stories show how breast cancer affects people from different backgrounds and stages of life.
First Nations survivor and mountaineer Kristal Kinsela appears alongside Olympic legend and patient advocate Raelene Boyle AM, MBE. Basketball champion and male breast cancer survivor Paul Maley also shares his experience.
Podcaster Dr Charlotte Tottman contributes another survivor perspective. Medical knowledge comes from Professor Bruce Mann, Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips and Associate Professor Christine Chaffer.
Their contributions cover prevention, detection, treatment, research, clinical trials and survivors’ psychological wellbeing. Activists Pratika Lal, founder of Treasure Chest Charity, and Sarah Powell from Inherited Cancers Australia also appear.
Breast Cancer Network Australia founder Lyn Swinburne AO said the film combines scientific information with personal experiences.
“Conquering Breast Cancer is a must-see for all Australians. You will be informed by the science and at the same time moved and inspired by the personal stories.”
National Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Dr Cleola Anderiesz said continued research investment would be vital to achieving zero deaths.
“The film highlights both the incredible progress we’ve made and the ambition required to go further, brought to life through powerful personal stories of those impacted by breast cancer. Conquering breast cancer will rely on continued investment in world-class breast cancer research, transforming breakthroughs into a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer.”
Hologic Australia and New Zealand general manager Kensi Naicker said the presenting partnership supported fair access to breast cancer care
“As the presenting partner of Conquering Breast Cancer, Hologic is proud to champion equitable access to care, because every woman deserves the chance for early detection, better outcomes, and a future beyond breast cancer. Together, through innovation, partnership, and unwavering commitment, we’re not just confronting breast cancer, we’re rewriting the future for every woman it touches.”
Zoom Out
The documentary presents breast cancer as more than a medical issue. It also examines the emotional, family and economic effects that can continue after treatment.
While Australia has made major progress in survival and care, the filmmakers argue that a cure remains the ultimate goal. Achieving that goal will require prevention, research, clinical trials and fair access to treatment.
The film also highlights the Australians already contributing to that work. Their experiences show both the progress achieved and the work still required to prevent further deaths.
What To Look For Next?
The Mackay screening may encourage further local discussion about early detection, treatment access and support for affected families. It could also strengthen public interest in breast cancer research and clinical trials.
Residents can book the 3:00pm screening before Sunday. More information is available through the Conquering Cancer Campaign.
