It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Victoria for the Melbourne International Joint Breast Congress.

Victoria has been at the forefront of evolving state, national and international approaches to improve breast cancer outcomes. We are proudly home to some of the best and brightest medical minds who are leading the way in revolutionary discoveries that will save lives.

The Victorian Government has a broad, comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer and cancer-related illnesses, through our Victorian cancer plan 2016-2020. The plan establishes long-term goals to prevent cancer, increase survival, improve the experience of the cancer treatment and care system and achieve equitable outcomes for all Victorians.

Breast cancer is the most common new cancer for women in Australia. We know that a diagnosis of breast cancer can be challenging for the patient, their family, their friends and their community.  It is wonderful to know that over the last few decades, advances in treatment and care have led to Victoria achieving a five-year survival rate of 91 per cent.

The Victorian Government is proud to support services and initiatives across the whole cancer continuum including breast cancer screening, peer support organisations, survivorship, clinicians and researchers to improve outcomes associated with breast disease.

The Melbourne International Joint Breast Congress brings together world leading experts to discuss current issues in breast disease including medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, pathology, reconstruction, breast imaging, allied health and survivorship issues.

I encourage you all to use this event as an opportunity to share ideas and strengthen international relationships to effectively address clinical and therapeutic problems in breast disease.

As you take part in this important event, I hope you have the chance to enjoy some of what our great state has to offer.

Melbourne is a city celebrated for its food, shopping, sports, arts, culture and year round festivities, and, within a stone’s throw of the city we have spectacular coastlines, wildlife reserves, wineries, temperate rainforests, surf beaches, mountains and historic townships.

Please enjoy your time here in our wonderful state, and I wish you the very best for a very productive meeting.

Yours sincerely,

Hon Jill Hennessey MP
Minister for Health
Minister for Ambulance Services
State Government of Victoria