Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women*. It’s time to share this important information with your family, friends and colleagues – let’s spread the word about breast cancer awareness, Geelong.
Breast cancer. Am I at risk?
- 1 in 8 women in Victoria will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
- Most women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease
- Getting older is the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer
- However, every day two women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer**
To find out your risk of breast cancer, have a chat to your doctor next time you visit Park St General Practice. We can help sort out the facts from the myths.
Finding breast cancer early
Breast cancer survival rates continue to improve in Australia with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis.
Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of survival.
How can I stay breast aware?
Even if you are having regular breast screens, it is important to be breast aware because breast cancer can develop at any time. Knowing your breasts could save your life.
- Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts
- Contact us immediately if you notice any unusual changes such as shape, lumps, redness, dimpling or nipple discharge
- Contact us if you have any other unusual breast pain that doesn’t go away
Most changes aren’t due to breast cancer, but it is so important you see your doctor without delay and we will do a clinical breast examination to ensure this is the case.
It’s recommended that women aged 50–74 years have a breast screening mammogram every two years as this is the age group in which the benefit of mammography screening has been shown to be the greatest.
BreastScreen Australia offers free screening mammograms for women aged 40 years and over.
Please talk to us about what mammography screening involves and the possible outcomes.
Park St General Practice Geelong have doctors who are experienced in Women’s Health. Speak with us about your risk of breast cancer at your next appointment.
Resources: Australian Government, Cancer Australia
*excluding non-melanoma skin cancer
**Australian Government, Cancer Australia
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with a GP. Links to other (“third party”) websites are provided solely as a convenience and not as a guarantee or recommendation by Park Street General Practice for the services, information, opinion or any other content on such third party websites or as an indication of any affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement of such third party websites.
