October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month which provides an opportunity to focus on breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
According to the National Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women with one in eight women diagnosed by the time they turn 85.
But the latest AIHW figures reveal that breast screening among women aged 50-69 declined from 54.4 per cent in 2012-2013 to 53.7 per cent in 2013-2014 and from a national high of 57.6 per cent in 2001-2002.
The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital Breast Clinic Director and experienced breast physician Dr Debbie Pfeiffer said the figures were concerning because there was no way to prevent breast cancer and early detection was critical.
“The major risk factors for breast cancer are that you are female and getting older, two things none of us are able to change.
“Therefore early detection, through being aware of breast changes and undergoing screening mammography on a regular basis leads to improved survival rates and treatment options," Dr Pfeiffer said.
Changes to look for include:
- a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast
- a change in the size or shape of your breast
- a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- an unusual pain that doesn't go away.
The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital Breast Clinic provides a comprehensive service including same day screening and diagnosis, breast cancer risk assessment for women with a family history, access to leading breast surgeons and oncologists, rehabilitation and psychology.
The Clinic offers the latest technology 3D mammography which gives significantly more information than a standard mammogram.
The Breast Clinic is modelled on the renowned Wesley Hospital Breast Clinic in Brisbane, a sister organisation of The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital. Both hospitals are part of UnitingCare Health, one of the largest not-for-profit private hospital groups in Queensland.
For more information on The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital Breast Clinic visit www.sunshinecoasthospital.com.au/breastclinic or phone 5452 0500.