Fur real, here’s a pawsome way to power breast cancer research

Taking the dog out for a walk to burn off those extra Christmas kilos is probably on your To Do list right now.

If you hit the road in February, not only will you increase your fitness and put a smile on your pooch’s face, but you can raise vital funds for breast cancer research at the same time.

Breast Cancer Trials, the nation’s largest oncology research group, is challenging dog lovers to participate in a “pawsome” challenge by walking 57km in February.

Why 57?

That’s the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every day.

More than 20,000 people grapple with breast cancer each year, and an estimated one in seven women will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

With detection rates rising, experts believe it’s more important than ever to continue to invest in finding preventions and treatments for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Trials community fundraising co-ordinator Kate Campbell said keeping fit and at a healthy weight is important for breast cancer prevention, but also to help with the recovery from breast cancer treatment.

"This 57kms walking challenge with your dog in February is a great way for people to get out for some gentle exercise with their fluffy friend and raise money that will all go to breast cancer research.

"'There are 57 people diagnosed with breast cancer every day, so we wanted to set that as the kilometre target to honour those who have been diagnosed.”