Breast cancer and you: what every woman needs to know

Did you know that breast cancer is expected to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia this year?

Although breast cancer affects both men and women, 99% of people diagnosed are women. It’s estimated by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that this year alone, 1 in 7 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by their 85th birthday.

Fortunately, Australia has one of the best survival rates of breast cancer in the world, with a five year survival rate of 91%. For women over 40, BreastScreen Australia provides free, two-yearly mammograms in more than 600 locations across Australia. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in its early stages, before the cancer has the chance to spread.

Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy doesn’t have the same amount of side effects – but it isn’t suitable for every breast cancer diagnosis.

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is the use of radiation to safely treat and manage cancer. Radiation oncologists use radiation to destroy cancer cells, reduce their growth or relieve symptoms of cancer.

You may also use the Deep Inspiration Breath Hold technique, which protects the heart during radiation therapy treatment for left-sided breast cancer patients.

The technique involves holding a certain number of breaths for short bursts during treatment, which allows the heart to move backwards into the chest while the breast is exposed to radiation.

People who go on to receive radiation therapy or chemotherapy can be treated at an oncology centre, such as Icon Cancer Centre, that allows them to schedule sessions at their own convenience.