Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the breast. These cells grow and develop into a cancerous growth that can have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
In 2018, more than 18,200 Australians were estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer, with 99% of these cases estimated to be women.1
Fortunately, Australia has one of the best survival rates of breast cancer in the world, with five and ten year survival rates of 90% and 83% respectively.1
In 5-10% of cases, breast cancer is hereditary. The cancer is caused by specific gene mutations (changes) in the BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene one) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene two) genes.1 There are several other genes other than BRCA1 and BRCA2 that also help make up this percentage.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for cell repair and growth, as well as healthy function of breast, ovarian and other body tissues.2 Sometimes, these genes develop mutations which can then be passed down through family generations, increasing the chance of breast (and ovarian) cancers.2
Breast cancer classification is complex, but it is typically classified into stages from 0 – IV based on:
Stage 0 is the earliest stage of breast cancer, ranging up to Stage IV.
Stage IV is the most serious stage, meaning the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.4
Breast tissue can typically feel lumpy, therefore it can be difficult to know what is normal and what could be a cancerous lump.
However, some common symptoms to look out for are; 5
Knowing your breasts is one of the most important things you can do to help detect changes.6
You can do this by routine, monthly self-examinations.
There are a number of treatment options depending on the type and stage of your breast cancer, and your own needs.
Some treatments include;
Surgery can either be breast-conserving surgery such as a lumpectomy (removal of the lump within the breast tissue) or a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). To find out if the breast cancer has spread to axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, one or more of these lymph nodes will be removed and looked at under the microscope. This is an important part of figuring out the stage (extent) of the cancer. Lymph nodes may be removed either as part of the surgery to remove the breast cancer or as a separate operation.7
Hormone Therapy is a form of therapy that can target any cancer cells within the body.9 Depending on the type of breast cancer, hormone therapy may not be suitable for all women.9
Icon offer an innovative technique for left-sided breast cancer patients called Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH). DIBH reduces the potential impact of radiation on the heart.
The process 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.
Icon centres offer a range of breast cancer treatments to ensure a personalised treatment plan for every patient. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies and access to clinical trials.
Visit our treatments page to find out more information about the range of treatment methods and technology available at Icon
Our research centre at Icon offers Australia the largest private clinical trials program in cancer research, with over 35 clinical trials currently open for recruitment.
Clinical trials specific to breast cancer research can be found here.
Icon’s collaborative approach to clinical trial research not only enables continual advancement and breakthroughs in breast cancer research, but also ensures the most up to date treatment options are available to all patients regardless of health insurance.
Our specialists utilise the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat breast cancer. Icon centres offer a range of breast cancer treatments to ensure a personalised treatment plan for every patient. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and access to clinical trials.
There is no one cause of breast cancer, rather it is a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that can increase your risk.
Risk factors include:
There is convincing evidence that combined (oestrogen-progesterone) replacement therapy increases the risk of breast cancer.11
Risk increases with the duration of HRT use, and it is higher in those women who start replacement therapy close to their menopause.11
There are several lifestyle factors you can control to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, including:
*To calculate your BMI = (weight (kg))/(height(m))2
The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides detailed information about the different stages of breast cancer.
Breast cancer in men is not that common, and only makes up approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases.
Like women, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk for breast cancer for men, including; 20
For more information, you can look at the Breast Cancer Network Australia’s booklet – ‘Men get breast cancer too’
