Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide according to the World Health Organization  (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 

Each year, thousands face this life-changing diagnosis, but with increased awareness and proactive screening, there is hope for early detection and improved survival rates. 

In this blog, we’ll explore causes of breast cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, breast and mammogram screenings, and ways you can participate in breast cancer awareness and prevention efforts.

Awareness and Statistics

According to the WHO survey,  in 2022, the number of people affected by cancer globally was around 20 million with 9.7 million mortality. About 1 in 5 individuals are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The survey on Universal Health Coverage (UHC)  also revealed that only 39% of countries provide basic cancer management services, and just 28% offer palliative care

In 2024, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) predicts cancer diagnoses could surpass 200,000, with 169,000 new cases expected, a 93% increase in 24 years due to population growth and aging.

Breast cancer remains common, with 1 in 7 women and 1 in 550 men expected to be diagnosed. Over 3,300 Australians die from it each year, mostly women over 50, though about 1,000 younger women are also affected.

Breast Cancer Development

Australian Breast Cancer Research explains, cancer starts in the cells which make up a tissue. When cells become damaged or age, they are typically replaced by new ones. 

However, this natural process doesn’t always go normally. There are instances that cells can grow abnormally, gradually accumulating into a lump, tumour, or mass in the breast. This can result in either benign (non-cancerous) lumps or malignant (cancerous) lumps.

Having said, breast cancer develops when cells start to have unusual growth and multiplies in a  form of tumour or mass. 

Breast lumps can be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)

If not detected early and left untreated, these tumours can spread throughout the body, leading to the formation of additional tumours, a process known as metastasis.

According to research by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to funding top-tier breast cancer research since 1994, the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, although damage to cell DNA is a known factor.

Early Detection of  Breast Cancer

In addition to NBCFresearch, the mortality rate related to breast cancer in Australia was reduced by over 40% with the help of new and improved breast cancer treatments.

Early detection and diagnosis can provide a high chance of survival. 

Based on the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and remains in the localised stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Early detection involves monthly self-breast exams, routine clinical check-ups, and mammograms.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer, such as:

  1. A lump or thickening in one breast
  2. Changes in breast size or shape
  3. Alterations in the nipple, such as crusting, sores, redness, or inversion (where the nipple turns inward)
  4. Skin changes on the breast, like dimpling (resembling orange peel), rashes, scaling, or unusual redness
  5. Fluid or discharge from the nipple without squeezing
  6. Ongoing, unusual pain that doesn’t go away
  7. Swelling or discomfort in the armpit

While these signs and symptoms do not always indicate breast cancer, they should never be ignored. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s highly advisable to visit your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Importance of Breast Screening

Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer can greatly improve survival chances. The five-year survival rate is 92%, meaning those diagnosed are, on average, 92% as likely as people without the disease to live for at least five years. 

However, individual survival depends on factors like the cancer stage, age, gender, and breast cancer type. 

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) The five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer (Stage 1) is nearly 100%, while Stage 2 has a survival rate of 95%. For Stage 3, or locally advanced breast cancer, the rate drops to 81%. However, for Stage 4 (metastatic breast cancer), the five-year survival rate is much lower at 32%.

Moreover, with the development of new technologies and the help of advanced research, breast cancer prevention is now possible.

Doing a breast screening can help with the  early detection of breast cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Regular screenings empower individuals to take charge of their health and promote awareness of the importance of proactive healthcare measures.

Early detection is the key and breast screening can save lives.

To accurately assess whether you have symptoms of breast cancer, it’s essential to undergo a breast screening. 

There are several methods for breast screening, including:

1. Breast Self-Examination

Healthcare providers recommend practising self-breast examination at least once a month, as they are one of the most effective tools for early detection. 

Knowing how your breasts usually look and feel is key to noticing any changes. 

“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

_Lllie D. Shockney, Johns Hopkins University Distinguished Service Professor of Breast Cancer states.

As advised by NBCF, to ensure a thorough breast self-exam, follow these three essential steps every time you check.

  • Breast Features Checking:
    In the shower, Using the pads of your three middle fingers, examine the entire breast and armpit area with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts monthly, feeling for any new lumps, thickening, hardened knots, or other changes.
  • Breast Inspection In Front of the Mirror:
    With your arms at your sides, visually check your breasts for any changes in shape or contour, dimpling, swelling, or skin irregularities on or around the breasts, as well as any changes in the nipples.
    Then, place your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or other changes, especially on one side. Keep in mind that it’s normal for breasts to not be perfectly symmetrical.
  • Lying Down Checking:
    When lying down, your breast tissue spreads evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and rest your right arm behind your head. With your left hand, use the pads of your three middle fingers to examine your right breast and armpit, covering the entire area.
    Apply light, medium, and firm pressure to check for any new lumps, thickening, hardened knots, or other changes. Also, gently squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. Repeat the process for your left breast.

2. Clinical Breast Exam

If you are uncertain on how to conduct self-examination, you can always go on a clinical breast examination. Your health care provider will conduct a physical examination on your breast to see any abnormalities. They can also include thermography and tissue sampling.

3.Mammogram Screening

Mammogram is the most common screening test for breast cancer. It’s a low dose x-ray picture of the breast which allows the doctor to identify any abnormalities or changes in the breast. 

This method can facilitate the early detection of breast cancer, leading to more successful treatment outcomes.

Why go for mammogram screening?

  1. Early Detection: Mammograms can identify breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear. Early-stage cancers are more likely to be successfully treated.
  2. Reduced Mortality Rates: Research indicates that participating in regular mammography screening through BreastScreen, Australia’s national breast screening programme, can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 54% to 63% compared to women who have not undergone screening. This underscores the importance of early detection in improving survival outcomes.
  3. Peace of Mind: Regular screenings can provide reassurance and peace of mind, knowing that any potential issues are being monitored.

How Is a Mammogram Done?

Before making appointments, it’s important to let the examiner know about your breast implant, disability, or any assistance if there are any, for safety purposes. 

During a mammogram, each breast is gently compressed between two X-ray plates, spreading the tissue to capture clear images. Both breasts are examined, typically with two X-ray pictures taken of each one. While this process may cause some discomfort, it lasts for only about 20 seconds.

Screening mammograms are performed by health professionals known as radiographers or mammography technologists, all of whom are female at BreastScreen Australia. Your radiographer will collect your forms and guide you through the screening process.

In a private X-ray room, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up. The radiographer will position one breast at a time between two plates on the X-ray machine. The machine will apply firm pressure on your breast for about 10 seconds to capture the image. Typically, two images are taken of each breast: one from the side and one from above.

The actual mammogram procedure takes just a few minutes, and the entire appointment generally lasts around 20 minutes.

Who Should Undergo Regular Mammogram Screening

Women aged 50 to 74 are encouraged to undergo free mammogram screenings through the BreastScreen Australia program every two years, as approximately 75% of breast cancer cases occur within this age group. Additionally, women aged 40 to 49 and those aged 75 and over are also eligible for this programme, but participation requires a recommendation from their doctor. 

Understanding The Results

The result of your mammogram screening will take up to two to six weeks.  If the result show negative from any breast cancer, it’s advisable that you still undergo regular screening every two years as cancer can develop anytime.

If the result shows positive, it’s important to be calm and consult your healthcare provider to conduct another test for them to be able to provide the proper treatment needed. 

Get Involved and Join Breast Cancer Awareness Advocacy

There are several ways to support individuals in their journey to prevent breast cancer. If you know someone who is concerned about the possibility of having the disease, encourage them to schedule a breast screening.

Be A Friend. Tell A Friend. You might save a life

Here are some ways you can help:

  1. Tell them about the benefits of breast screening. 
  2. Help them book an appointment
  3. Accompany them on their appointment to help ease nervousness.
  4. Tell them some encouraging words.
  5. Spread Breast Cancer Awareness in social media

Early detection is key to preventing breast cancer. Familiarise yourself with the unique characteristics of your breasts and make it a priority to schedule regular check-ups and screenings. By staying proactive about your breast health, you can empower yourself to take action if any changes occur. Remember, knowledge and vigilance are your strongest allies in the fight against breast cancer.