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Breast Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth
and spread of abnormal cells. Breast cancer is the abnormal
growth of cells in the breast. Normally, the body's cells
reproduce themselves in an orderly manner so that growth occurs
and damaged or worn-out tissues are replaced. Sometimes, however,
cells continue growing into a mass of tissue called a tumour
which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant
(cancerous).
Malignant cells can build up into a lump or tumour. In some
cases, the malignant cells can spread to other parts of the
body through the blood or lymph system. New cancers formed
in this way are called secondaries or metastases.
In NSW, breast cancer is the most common cancer in females
with approximately 1 in 11 women developing the disease before
the age of 75 years. About 900 women die in NSW each year
from breast cancer. The average age at which breast cancer
is diagnosed is 64 years.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Most breast changes are not cancer, but you should see your
general practitioner if you notice any of these:
- lump in the breast
- thickening of the breast skin
- dimpling of the breast skin
- discharge from the nipple
Factors that are known to increase an individual's chance
of developing breast cancer are:
- being female
- increasing age
- family history of breast cancer.
How can I prevent breast cancer?
The earlier that breast cancer is detected, the better the
chances are of successfully treating it. There are a number
of ways to detect breast cancer at an early stage, including:
- Mammography - Women aged 50-69 should have a mammogram
(breast X-ray) every two years.
- Clinical Breast Examination - Your general practitioner
should examine your breasts each year for any lumps or unusual
changes.
- Breast Self-Examination - You should examine your breasts
monthly and see your general practitioner if
you notice any breast changes.
How can breast cancer be treated?
Breast cancer can be treated effectively. There are several
different treatments available and these are often used in
combination, depending on individual circumstances. Possible
treatments are:
- Surgery - this could be the removal of the cancer and
a small part of the breast surrounding it (lumpectomy) or
the removal of the entire breast (mastectomy).
- Chemotherapy - this is a course of drugs given to kill
or control the cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy - this is a course of high energy X-rays
to the breast area to kill the cancer or control the cells.
- Hormone therapy - this treatment controls the growth of
cancer cells that need the female hormone, oestrogen, to
grow.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your General Practitioner or contact:
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