Every day in Australia, approximately 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer – that’s more than 20,000 a year. While the vast majority are women, about 212 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Australia, too.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer happens when breast cells grow abnormally and in an uncontrolled manner, forming a cancerous lump called a tumour. Left untreated, breast cancer may spread from breast tissue to other parts of the body, such as lungs, liver or bones.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Australia, after skin cancer. However, the good news is that the 5-year survival rate has increased by 17% in the past two decades, thanks to advancements in early detection and better treatment options.
Survival rates
The prognosis for breast cancer patients depends on various factors, including the type of breast cancer, the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health.
- Cancer limited to the breast has a 5-year survival rate of 96%.
- Cancer spread to regional lymph nodes has a 5-year survival rate of 80%.
The importance of early detection
To detect breast cancer early, it is crucial for women to be familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts. Self-examination and regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify any changes early on.
Key signs to watch for:
Pain, however, is rarely a symptom, so visual and physical changes should always be promptly investigated by a healthcare professional.
Mammograms and screening guidelines
The Cancer Council recommends that women aged 50 to 74 years undergo a mammogram every 2 years to help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.
Breast cancer risk factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including:
Understanding these risk factors can help women make informed decisions about their health and the need for screening.
Types of breast cancer
There are different types of breast cancer, which are classified based on their development and spread. The two main types are non-invasive and invasive breast cancers.
Non-invasive breast cancer
According to the Cancer Council, this type of cancer is confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast and has not spread to surrounding tissue. Common forms include:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) – this is not a cancer but increases the risk of developing cancer in either breast
Invasive breast cancer
Invasive breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. There are several stages of invasive breast cancer:
- Early breast cancer – cancer is still within the breast but may have spread to one or more lymph nodes.
- Locally advanced breast cancer – cancer has spread to nearby areas, such as the chest wall, but has spread beyond that region of the body.
- Metastatic breast cancer (also known as advanced breast cancer) – the cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones, liver or lungs.
How your pharmacist can help
Maintaining overall health is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Community pharmacies serve as valuable health hubs where you can receive advice and counselling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Your pharmacist can also provide guidance on medications you may be taking, particularly those related to breast cancer treatment.
Conclusion: stay informed, stay healthy
Early detection is the key to increasing survival rates for breast cancer. Regular screening, self-awareness and staying informed about risk factors are essential in the fight against this disease. If you are concerned about your breast health, consult your healthcare professional or local pharmacy for expert advice.
