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Breast CancerBreast cancer is a growth of malignant cells within the breast tissue. Most breast cancers form in the milk ducts or lobes of the breast. There are two types of cancers, non-invasive (or in-situ) which have not spread to the surrounding tissue or other parts of the body and invasive cancers which have spread elsewhere. Breast cancer will usually first spread to lymph nodes within the breast and the armpits. It may also spread to other areas of the body including the bones, liver, brain and lungs. Tumours in these locations are called 'secondary tumours'. Some facts and figures
The incidence of breast cancer is slowly increasing, partly as a result of improved detection through the introduction of mammographic screening. The age standardised rate of cancer incidence rose from 89.5 cases in 1998 to 111.8 cases in 2003 (5). The mortality rate for breast cancer has increased by 3.8% between 1993 and 2003 (6). Risk factorsAs yet, it is not known what causes breast cancer, although some groups of women seem to be at greater risk than others. There does appear to be an association between some clinical and lifestyle factors in women's lives and the risk of breast cancer. It is likely that these factors work together to trigger breast cancer, rather than there being a single cause. The major risk factor associated with breast cancer is age. Women aged 50 and over made up approximately 76% of breast cancer cases in 2002 (7). Other factors indicating a higher than average risk of breast cancer include:
Australia's incidence and mortality rates compared to rest of the worldThere is considerable variation around the world in breast cancer incidence and mortality. It is thought that environmental rather than genetic factors play a role in this variation, since the incidence rates of breast cancer amongst a migrant group generally shift to match those of the local population, rather than the population of the migrant group's country of origin (9). Age standardised incidence and mortality rates per 100 000 for 2002 (10)
Breast cancer preventionThe major effort in the fight against breast cancer has been directed at establishing an effective breast cancer screening program, based on the fact that breast cancer is more likely to be cured if found early. There are two main components to an effective screening program:
Women are encouraged to become familiar with their breasts so that if a change occurs they are more likely to notice it. Signs of breast cancer include:
Women who are eligible women should have a mammogram (an x-ray of the breasts) every two years (12). Breast cancer screening policyIn 1991, the Australian Government launched the National Program for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer (now BreastScreen Australia), which aims to ensure that women in the relevant age groups have a mammogram every two years. This national program is designed as a mammographic screening program for women who do not have any symptoms of breast cancer. While women aged 40-49 can have a mammogram, the program is primarily directed at women aged 50-69 (13). This is because mammograms are generally less effective at detecting early breast cancers in the denser breast tissue of younger women, as well as the fact that breast cancer becomes more common after 50. Women aged 70 and over are also eligible to participate if they wish to do so. The age at which it is most effective to begin mammography has been the subject of considerable debate in a number of countries recently. Well-known Queensland breast cancer specialists have stated their belief that mammography for the whole 40-69 age group would be cost-effective(14) Participation in screeningDuring the 2 year period 2003 & 2004, 1 627 115 women were screened by BreastScreen Australia. Participation among women aged 50-69 (the priority target group) was 55.6% (15). These figures do not include women screened outside of the BreastScreen Australia program, such as in private breast clinics. Treatments for breast cancerThere are four main aspects to treatment. Most women have surgery, but other treatments depend on the type of cancer and the stage it has reached.
References
For further information sources on this topic see our Internet resources for assignments page. This student factsheet is one of a series produced by Women's Health Queensland Wide. They have been developed in response to students' most frequently asked questions and reflect a range of topics examined by high school and tertiary students. It has been reviewed by our Editorial Committee. This factsheet is designed for student assignment purposes and, therefore, may not be an appropriate source of information for personal use. Last Modified: October 30, 2007 |
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