Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard wants more breast cancer patients to survive and rallies the community to play a part in helping to make this happen.

"Breast cancer is still the most common cancer diagnosed in women and the second highest cause of death in Western Australia," said Dr Woollard.

"1 in 11 women are at risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 64 will die from breast cancer by age 75."

Dr Woollard said while these statistics are alarming, she is encouraged to learn the number of deaths has remained relatively constant in the past 10 years.

"Consequently, more women are surviving the disease, which was made possible by developments in the detection and treatment of breast cancer.

"However, more research still needs to be conducted to help women in their battle against breast cancer, and eventually find a cure for the disease," said Dr Woollard.

Dr Woollard noted that medical and scientific research is an expensive endeavour, which requires long term commitment. The Cancer Council of WA (CCWA) and the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) are two organisations which raise money to help fund life-saving cancer research. The CCWA commits more than $1.5 million to cancer research annually, while NBCF contributes more than $2.5 million to breast cancer research in WA.

"I would like to encourage the community to help raise money to fund research that will focus on prevention as well as further improve detection and treatment of breast cancer," said Dr Woollard.

"You can do this by making a donation; get your work colleagues, friends and family involved by organising a fundraiser; or support Pink Ribbon Day on Monday, 26 October by purchasing pink products available at many of your local businesses and stores.

"I hope to see many in the Alfred Cove community wearing pink and being involved in pink fundraisers throughout the month of October," said Dr Woollard.

For ideas on fundraising events, visit www.pinkribbonday.com.au or www.nbcf.org.au.