The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows that nine out of the top 10 areas with the highest crude mortality rates are regional areas, which includes Gloucester and Taree.

In the report released in February 2018, the breast cancer statistics for mortality rates shows a national average of 24.7 from 2011 to 2015. The geographical area of Gloucester - Taree had a 35.1 average across all ages of women affected by the disease.

NBCF wanted to better understand and predict who makes up this percentage, so it has commissioned Professor David Roder, Chair of Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health at the University of Adelaide to conduct a research project.

According to NBCF chief executive officer, Professor Sarah Hosking the project is designed to help provide a better understanding of which women have worse health outcomes from breast cancer, the reason for the disparity, and what it means for all women affected.

"We will use the information generated by this project to make data-driven decisions in setting priority areas for breast cancer research funding to help us achieve our aim of zero deaths by 2030," Prof Hosking said. "This project will also help provide the evidence we need to advocate for changes in health policy and service delivery that could stop deaths from the condition."

A full break down of mortality rates can be found: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-statistics-for-small-geographic-areas/data

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia with nearly 20,000 new cases every year and although it has one of the highest survival rates, thanks largely to research, nine per cent of those diagnosed with breast cancer still die from the disease within five years.

The top five areas with mortality rates listed in the 2018 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare are: North Coast, NSW, Gippsland, VIC, Murrumbidgee, NSW, South Eastern, NSW, and Hunter New England and Central Coast, NSW.