What’s happening?
Conquering Breast Cancer will screen at Capalaba BCC Cinemas on 2 and 9 August 2026. The feature documentary follows Australia’s quest to end breast cancer deaths.
Its national theatrical release began on 10 June 2026 at more than 25 locations. Screenings are being held through Event Cinemas, Village Cinemas and selected regional cinemas during winter.
Presenter Sue Collins takes audiences beyond the statistics through survivor stories and medical insights. The film examines prevention, early detection, treatment, research, clinical trials and the psychological effects of breast cancer.
Featured participants include First Nations survivor and mountaineer Kristal Kinsela and Olympic legend Raelene Boyle AM, MBE. Male breast cancer survivor and basketball champion Paul Maley also shares his experience.
The film asks whether Australia can rise to the challenge of conquering breast cancer. Its central message is to imagine a world without cancer.
Why it matters?
Breast cancer is Australia’s second most commonly diagnosed cancer after prostate cancer. It is also the most common cancer among women.
Five-year survival rates are above 90 per cent, and breast cancer is often viewed as a success story. However, the film argues the disease remains far from solved without a cure.
Conquering Breast Cancer examines the progress already made and the work still required. It calls for continued efforts to ensure no more Australians lose their lives to the disease.
Breast Cancer Network Australia founder Lyn Swinburne AO said the film combines scientific information with powerful personal accounts.
“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,” Swinburne said.
Local Impact
Capalaba audiences will have two opportunities to see Conquering Breast Cancer at BCC Cinemas. The screenings will take place on Sunday, 2 August, and Sunday, 9 August 2026.
The Capalaba dates form part of the film’s national cinema release. The release includes major cinema groups and selected regional locations across Australia.
The film includes stories recorded in cities, regional centres and remote communities. These stories show the experiences of Australians affected by breast cancer.
By the Numbers
- Around 56 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each day, equal to more than 20,000 diagnoses each year. One in seven women and around one in 600 men will receive a diagnosis during their lifetime.
- More than 3,300 Australians die from breast cancer each year, including around 40 men. This equals nine deaths each day, while approximately one woman under 40 dies each week. Diagnoses have increased by around 15 per cent during the past decade.
- About 80% of cases occur in women aged over 50. However, around 1,000 women under 40 are diagnosed each year, equal to about three each day. More than 160,000 Australians are living after receiving a diagnosis within the past 10 years.
Breast cancer is also expected to create a major health and economic burden between 2022 and 2031. Research predicts the loss of 4,286 years of life and 15,597 quality-adjusted life years.
Another 16,403 productivity-adjusted life years could be lost during that period. This would equal about $3.26 billion in lost Australian gross domestic product.
The diagnosis, age and mortality figures come from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The economic figures were published in Cancer Epidemiology in February 2025.
Zoom In
Alongside Kinsela, Boyle and Maley, the documentary features podcaster and clinical psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman. Activists Pratika Lal and Sarah Powell also appear in the film.
Lal is the founder of Treasure Chest Charity, while Powell represents Inherited Cancers Australia. Their contributions highlight the continuing work to find a cure.
Medical insights are provided by Professor Bruce Mann, Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips and Associate Professor Christine Chaffer. They discuss prevention, detection, treatment, research, trials and the psychological impact on survivors.
The documentary describes ending breast cancer deaths as a national health moonshot. Each personal and medical account challenges complacency around the disease.
National Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Dr Cleola Anderiesz said continued research would remain central 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,” Anderiesz said. “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 is the presenting partner of Conquering Breast Cancer. General Manager Kensi Naicker said the partnership supported fair access to early detection and 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,” Naicker said. “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
Conquering Breast Cancer is the third instalment of the Conquering Cancer documentary series. Multi-award-winning filmmakers and impact film pioneers Mike Hill and Sue Collins produced the film.
The production collected stories from across Australia, including cities, regional centres and remote communities. These accounts highlight both the progress made and the work still required.
The documentary calls for stronger prevention and greater access to life-saving care. It also supports crucial investment in treatments, targeted early detection programs and research.
The film presents breast cancer as more than a survival statistic. It examines the physical, psychological and economic burden carried by patients, survivors and the wider community.
What To Look For Next?
The Capalaba BCC Cinema screenings on 2 and 9 August will continue the film’s national theatrical release.
The documentary will keep its focus on prevention, early detection, treatment, research and access to care. Its stated goal is a future with zero breast cancer deaths.
Book tickets HERE
More information: www.
