Breast cancer remains one of the most significant health issues in Australia and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women.
Breast cancer occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the breast tissue. While it can affect both men and women, it is far more common in women. The most common forms are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.
Every day, 58 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer — equating to more than 21,000 diagnoses each year.
Statistics show that:
- 1 in 7 women and 1 in 550 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Around 1,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year — approximately 3 young women every day.
- More than 3,300 Australians lose their lives to breast cancer annually, including around 33 men. That’s approximately 9 Australians every day.
- Tragically, one woman under the age of 40 is expected to die from breast cancer each week.
- Over the past decade, breast cancer diagnoses in Australia have increased by 24%.
Key Points About Breast Cancer
Symptoms
Early signs of breast cancer may include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Skin changes such as dimpling or redness
It’s important to remember that some people may not experience any symptoms in the early stages.
Risk Factors
Risk factors can include:
- Increasing age
- Family history
- Genetic mutations
- Hormonal factors
- Lifestyle factors
Diagnosis
Breast cancer may be diagnosed through:
- Mammograms
- Ultrasounds
- Biopsies
- Other imaging tests
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer and may include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapies
Screening and Early Detection
Early detection plays a vital role in improving outcomes.
The BreastScreen Australia program offers free mammograms for women aged 50–74, while younger women at higher risk may also be eligible for screening.
Regular breast self-checks are encouraged to help identify any unusual changes early.
If you have any concerns about your breast health, please make an appointment to speak with your GP.
During October, we proudly hosted two Pink Ribbon Breakfasts in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Together with thousands of Australians across the country, we helped raise awareness and funds for the 1 in 7 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
A special thank you goes to Nurse Rose, who has been the driving force behind our Pink Ribbon Breakfasts, along with our incredible team of staff and doctors who generously supported the events.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who donated to this wonderful cause. Thanks to your generosity, we not only reached our fundraising goal of $100 — we exceeded it, raising an amazing total of $450.
Thank you for helping us support breast cancer awareness, research, and those impacted by this disease.
