BCNA Pink Lady match 2023: Field of Women at MCG for breast cancer research

Blue ponchos have popped up in a sea of pink during the Field of Women event to honour men who have battled breast cancer.

The MCG was pretty in pink as thousands gathered for the sixth Field of Women event.

Decked out in bright pink, ten thousand people gathered on the turf of the ‘G for the Breast Cancer Network Australia Pink Lady event.

Emotion ran high as tributes were paid to those who lost their battles with breast cancer, as well as honouring the survivors who stood on the field and in the stands.

A smattering of blue ponchos also joined the crowd to honour and represent the men who have experienced breast cancer.

David Cowan was declared cancer free only four weeks ago and said he was thrilled to take part in the Field of Women event.

Friends Jann Wright, Bryce Wright, Sue Beckwith and Christina Hughes don their best bright pink outfits to honour those lost to breast cancer. Picture: Michael Klein

“My oncologist said ‘I never want to see you again’, and it was one of the best moments of my life,” Mr Cowan said.

“I was so, so, so happy.

“I didn’t know (men) could get breast cancer, but we do.

“I now tell guys all the time: get checked.”

At 66 years old, he said he was at the MCG to support everyone who had either experienced breast cancer or was supporting someone else’s diagnosis.

Thousands of Breast Cancer survivors and their families help make the shape of the iconic pink lady at the MCG in support of the Field of Women event. Picture: Michael Klein.

Tania Barker also took to the field in her pink poncho and said attending the event this year would have a “whole new meaning” after surviving the cancer herself.

“I’ve been a few times before but it’s different now, after having had my own experience with cancer,” Ms Barker said.

“Events like this are so important for awareness and community, so I encourage anyone struggling with their diagnosis to reach out to BCNA.”

After being diagnosed without showing any symptoms, Ms Barker said her story was one that demonstrated the importance of regular mammograms.

Katie Lovelock, Jo Lovelock, Sally Blake, Vicky Knoperis and Kerri-Anne Rose turn out to support the Field of Women event. Picture: Michael Klein

Chief executive of BCNA Kirsten Pilatti said it was a day of mixed emotions.

“It’s hard to believe that when we stood here in 2018, between then and now, every single seat in the MCG would be filled with the people who have been told that they have breast cancer – that’s 100,000 people,” she said.

“In those five years sadly, we’ve lost the lives of 15,000 people.

“Today is really a time to say to everyone that we are here for them and they will never walk alone.”