Awareness and Prevention

Breast Cancer Australia has ongoing awareness and prevention campaigns including our 'One in 11 women will be diagnosed before the age of 75' message in conjunction with our daily 'pink ribbon' message. Awareness and prevention continues to be a driving factor in reducing the number of deaths from breast cancer. Early detection is the key to successful treatment

An integral part of Breast Cancer Australia's awareness and prevention program is through our fundraising programs which have a dual purpose. The main objective is to make the Australian community completely aware of the benefits of early detection and to let people know about the services we provide. The secondary objective is to raise a significant amount of funds to continue our programs across Australia.

Retail program

Throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland Breast Cancer Australia regularly has information stalls set up in shopping centres, supermarkets and other retail outlets distributing information about breast cancer prevention. This also provides opportunity for our advocates to talk to members of the community on a face-to-face basis about preventative measures educating the community of the benefits of early detection.

Door-Knock

Breast Cancer Australia nationally knocks on over 1 million doors per annum. Our advocates distribute to both residences and businesses printed information about cancer prevention, in particular the benefits of cancer preventative measures such as diet and exercise and the benefits of regular screening for early detection.

Some known risk factors for developing breast cancer include:

• Getting older.

• Having a family history of breast cancer.

• Having previously been diagnosed with breast cancer or DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ - abnormal cells in the breast ducts, which over time could develop into breast cancer).

Other risk factors that seem to slightly increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer include:

• Starting menstruation, or 'periods', at a relatively early age (before 12 years); and starting menopause, or 'change of life', at a relatively late age (after 55 years).

• Not having children, or having a first child after 35 years of age.

• Not breast feeding – the more months spent breast feeding, the lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

• Taking combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) after menopause, especially when taken for 5 years or longer.

• Putting on a lot of weight in adulthood, especially after menopause.

• Drinking alcohol (more than 2 standard drinks a day).

• Taking the oral contraceptive pill. This appears to only increase the risk whilst taking the pill; the risk goes back down after you stop taking it.

• Having previously been diagnosed with LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) or AH (atypical hyperplasia).

Detection & Prevention

There is no known preventative treatment for breast cancer. However, early detection is the key to successful treatment.

Detection methods include:

• Regular self examination.

• Medical examination.

• Screening mammography.

When should I get checked for breast cancer?

From the age of 50 a mammogram is recommended every 1-2 years. However, if there is a family history or there are changes in your breasts please see your general practitioner for advice on getting checked earlier.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray test of the breasts (mammary glands) used to screen for breast problems, such as a lump, and whether a lump is fluid-filled (a cyst) or a solid mass.

How is a screening mammogram taken?

A radiographer will position and compress each breast in turn between two flat plates for about 10-15 seconds while the X-ray is being taken. There is no evidence that mammograms will harm the breasts.

What is BreastScreen Australia?

BreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program. It provides free screening mammograms at two-yearly intervals for women aged 50-69 with the aim of reducing deaths from breast cancer in this target group, through early detection of the disease. Women aged 40-49 and 70 years and older, who have no breast cancer symptoms or signs, are also eligible for free screening mammograms

What is a mastectomy?

A mastectomy involves the complete removal of a breast affected by cancer through surgery. A different type of surgery may be conducted if breast reconstruction is part of the consideration following surgery.

What is breast conserving surgery?

Breast conserving surgery involves the removal of a breast cancer and a small area of healthy tissue around it. Breast conserving surgery with radiation therapy is used with great effectiveness for most women diagnosed with early breast cancer.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the term used for any treatment involving the use of chemical anti-cancer drugs to stop cancer cells from growing. In most treatments a number of drugs may be given at the same time. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer.

What is Radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy, also commonly known as radiotherapy, uses x-rays to destroy or injure cancer cells so they cannot multiply.

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