Drive change with every ticket: Support the fight against cancer

A diagnosis of breast cancer came as a shock to Brisbane's Ross Schumacher, who found himself fighting the same disease which tragically claimed his mother's life 30 years ago.  

A freelance TV cameraman, Ross had just returned to Brisbane from filming an overseas golf tournament when he found a lump on his chest, just beside his right nipple.  

Ross's wife Una, who is a nurse, insisted he see his GP the very next day, with a biopsy of the lump revealing breast cancer. Ross didn't realise that breast cancer could also affect men but, to his surprise, his doctor told him that one in 100 Australian cases of breast cancer are found in men.  

"Men need to hear that breast cancer can affect them too," Ross says. "Just like women, men need to look out for lumps and changes."  

"Everyone has been very empathetic to me and there's no need to be secretive about this – it's totally the opposite."  

Aged 64, Ross is one of more than 200 Australian men diagnosed with breast cancer every year. After the shock of his diagnosis, he is determined to ensure this form of cancer no longer catches Australian men off-guard.

"Some people say there's a stigma for men, but that’s not true," he says.

"This is just another type of cancer, and it can happen to anyone, even though it's rare for men."

Mater breast cancer specialist, Dr Ben Lancashire, echoes Ross's sentiments.

"Male breast cancer tends to be overlooked and forgotten, and we need to change that," Dr Lancashire says.

"There's a lot of awareness of prostate and bowel cancer among men, but not breast cancer, so it can be a real shock for those patients."

Overall, an estimated 169,000 cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2024, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Around three of every 10 deaths in the country this year will be due to cancer.  

The good news is that Australia's five-year survival rate for cancer has increased significantly, rising from 55 per cent in the 1990s to 71 per cent today, thanks to world-class research and treatment options.

Ross's family knows the fight against cancer all too well. Having lost his mother to breast cancer, Ross successfully fought prostate cancer five years ago. His two sons have also had their own journeys with cancer.

The Mater Foundation has funded crucial Australian cancer research for more than 20 years. It supports ground-breaking medical research and leading patient care services in the community.

Every Mater Cars for Cancer ticket sold supports Australian cancer research and helps people like Ross and his family, by enabling them to access world-leading treatment options in their battle with cancer.  

Every ticket sold goes into the draw for the chance to win the ultimate first prize package, while purchasing three tickets adds an extra entry into the bonus multiple ticket $5000 gift card draw.

VIPs with a monthly membership gain automatic entry into every Cars for Cancer draw, along with exclusive VIP draws for $1000 gift cards and $10,000 in cashable gold bullion. 

Kylie (whose name we have changed for privacy) from Holland Park, Queensland, is a lucky Mater Cars for Cancer winner. The lottery win saw her upgrade her off-road touring set-up with the amazing prize package of a Toyota LandCruiser Sahara ZX, the Lotus Off Grid Caravan and more than $77.5K in gold bullion. 

The Sahara ZX delivers touring comfort in spades, with premium features and luxury touches throughout. With a 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 227kW and 700Nm, it's the most powerful diesel LandCruiser ever.

There's also a cooler box in the centre console, a leather-lined interior, illuminated side steps, heated and ventilated seats, 20-inch alloy wheels and much more. 

The LandCruiser is hauling the state-of-the-art Lotus Off Grid Caravan, boasting a slick hybrid aluminium and timber frame, modern furniture, Italian leather lounge seating, reverse-cycle air conditioning and heating. Other creature comforts include Fusion's premium entertainment system, along with a microwave, fridge and washing machine. 

Thrilled with their win, Kylie and her husband are very happy to support Mater Cars for Cancer due to their personal connection to Mater.  

"Our little girl was a premmie, born and cared for at Mater Mothers' Hospital. That's why we'll always help and be part of it, because the team was so beautiful with her," she says. 

"It's such an amazing prize, the car is glorious, and the caravan is so well kitted out, but really we're just happy to support Mater in the great work it does."