Why am I taking part

DID YOU KNOW? -An estimated 138,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year, with that number set to rise to 150,000 by 2020. -1 in 2 Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. -Cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia – more than 48,000 deaths from cancer are estimated for 2018. In 2014, cancer was the second most common cause of death in Australia and accounted for about 3 in 10 deaths. -Around 17,500 more people die each year from cancer than 30 years ago, this is due mainly to population growth and ageing. However, the death rate (number of deaths per 100,000 people) has fallen by more than 24%. -69% of people diagnosed with cancer in Australia are still alive five years after a cancer diagnosis. -The most common cancers in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are prostate, breast, colorectal (bowel), melanoma and lung cancer. These five cancers account for around 60% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia. -In 2008, it was estimated that every year around 434,000 people will be diagnosed with one or more non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia. In 2015, 642 people died from non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia. -Cancer costs more than $4.5 billion in direct health system costs (6.9%). -In 2006-2011, $1.77 billion in funding was provided for cancer research in Australia. If that isn't reason enough to get back on my bike, I don't know what is.... If you are reading this, you; A) Know someone who is fighting the big C B) Know how much I love to hate getting on my bike C) Can definitely find it in your heart to skip one coffee this week and donate the money to this great cause Please help me raise some much needed funds by donating.