Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the breast. There are different types of breast cancer, and it can begin in different areas of the breast, and spread to other parts of the body.

How many women get breast cancer? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women. In 2021 approximately 20,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Can men get breast cancer?

Approximately 150 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year. Symptoms are similar to those experienced by women including a lump in the breast, change in shape, discharge, pain in the area or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit.

What are the causes of breast cancer? Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include:

• Family history
• Age
• Exposure to female hormones
• Previous history of a breast cancer diagnosis
• Past history of other cancer diagnosis

Lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer include:

• Being overweight
• Consuming alcohol
• Low physical activity

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Whilst some people experience no symptoms of breast cancer, there are things we can look out for including:

• Lumps or thickening to the breast
• Nipple changes including changes to the shape of the nipple or sores
• Discharge from the nipple
• Changes to the shape or size of breasts
• Dimpling in the skin
• Swelling, pain or discomfort in the armpit
• Red, swollen breasts or a rash

Early detection and breast awareness

In Australia, women aged 40-49 and over 75 are eligible for free mammograms. Speak to an Our Medical GP for more information.

Women aged between 50 and 74 will be invited every two years to access free screening mammograms. Patients with a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer are advised to speak to their GP about options available to them.

Tests to diagnose breast cancer may include physical examinations by a GP, a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and other scans. Treatment varies between patients but may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Depending on the treatment, breast cancer patients will have a network of different health professionals.

If you would like more information, advice, or to request breast cancer screening, speak to an Our Medical GP.

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