Breast Cancer Facts

The most common cancer in women in Australia, breast cancer is the cancer with the second highest fatality rate in women after lung cancer. While more commonly found among women, it is also possible for males to get breast cancer.

Breast cancer occurs when cells start to multiply uncontrollably, forming tumours and spreading to the rest of the body if left untreated. However, it is important to note that not all breast tumours are cancerous. In fact, more than 80% of lumps found in the breast are non-cancerous. However, if you notice a lump, it is still important to get it checked by a healthcare professional.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Oftentimes, breast cancer is discovered when someone notices a lump in their breast. While 60-80% of breast lumps are benign or non-cancerous, it is best to have them checked as possible as a precaution. Here are some signs of breast cancer you should take note of:

• Lumps in the breast or underarm
• Unusual or bloody nipple discharge
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Breast or nipple pain
• Inversion of the nipple
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Itchy rash around the nipple
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Thickening or swelling of all or part of the breast

Breast Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact causes of breast cancer are not fully known, some risk factors have been observed to affect the development of breast cancer.

These risk factors fall into two categories — non-modifiable and modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors refer to conditions that are out of our control and cannot be altered; while modifiable risk factors can be changed through actions and decisions we make.

Non-modifiable risk factors: factors we cannot change

Gender

The main risk factor of breast cancer is our gender. While males do get breast cancer, the condition is much more common in women than men. This explains the misconception that breast cancer only happens to women. 

Age

As we grow older, our chance of developing breast cancer increases. In fact, 79% of new cases are found in Australian women above 50.There are, however, also cases of breast cancer found in women in their 20s.

Breast tissue density

Having dense breast tissue translates to a higher risk of breast cancer. The density of breast tissue can be affected by other risk factors and life events such as age, use of certain drugs and genetics. Through a mammogram, you may be able to learn more about your breast tissue density. 

Family history of breast cancer

The risk of breast cancer can be passed down the family line due to the inheritance of certain genes. Having an immediate family member with breast cancer thus increases the risk for others within the family. 

For those who have one female relative with breast cancer, the risk is doubled; and for those with two, the risk is five times higher than average. Having a male relative with breast cancer similarly increases one’s risk of getting the condition. 

Personal history of breast cancer

For breast cancer survivors, the chance of developing cancer in another part of or the other breast is three to four times higher than another who never had the condition previously. 

Modifiable risk factors: factors we can change

Alcohol consumption

Compared to non-drinkers, women who have one drink a day have a 7-10% higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer; those who drink two to three drinks a day would have as high as a 20% increase in risk. Similarly, men should also avoid heavy drinking as it could lead to liver disease and a higher risk of developing breast cancer. 

Obesity

Estrogen levels are linked to breast cancer. In women, estrogen is primarily produced by the ovaries before menopause. Upon menopause, the source of production is replaced by fat tissues. Being overweight naturally raises estrogen levels, thereby increasing the chances of developing breast cancer. 

For men, fat cells convert male hormones (androgen) into estrogen. Hence, obesity in men also translates to an increased risk of breast cancer. 

Exercise

A growing number of research has linked physical inactivity to a higher risk of breast cancer in both men and women. 

Smoking

Smoking, including second-hand smoke exposure, can increase our risk of breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal women. 

Breastfeeding

For new moms, you may want to consider breastfeeding if it is an option. Besides lowering breast cancer risk, breast milk has many health benefits for the child too. However, it is a personal choice and depends on our individual situation and preferences. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), often used to ease menopausal symptoms, can increase our breast cancer risk by about 75%, even when used for only a short time. 

How To Prevent Breast Cancer 

Here are some lifestyle habits we can adopt to reduce our risk of developing breast cancer too.

Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Next time you are contemplating a drink, pick water or a non-alcoholic drink. Better yet, avoid consuming alcohol altogether. If you decide to drink, do so in moderation and limit yourself to no more than one drink a day. 

Exercise Regularly

If you have not been active, you do not have to jump to intense exercises and workouts right away. We can start by ditching the escalator or lift for stairs when commuting or jogging for 30 minutes each day in your neighbourhood park. Remember to exercise within your own limits to avoid injuring yourself. 

Avoid or Quit Smoking

If you are not a smoker, do not start. If you are a smoker, take steps to quit today. Quitting smoking is not an easy process, but support is available.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

As obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer, we should have a balanced food intake while keeping up with an active lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight range and minimise our breast cancer risk.

Adopt a Healthy Diet

No one food or diet can prevent breast cancer entirely, but a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants can reduce our risk of breast cancer and boost our overall well being. 

Limit Hormone Replacement Therapy

If HRT cannot be avoided, make sure to discuss your options with a doctor and work out an effective way to limit the dose and duration of hormone therapy to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Screening

The benefits of early detection and treatment should not be undermined. In fact, individuals diagnosed with breast cancer at stage 1 have a survival rate of 98-100%. Here are the common screening methods that can help to detect breast cancer as early as possible.

Self-examination

Women are encouraged to perform a breast self-examination every month to detect any unusual changes and symptoms early. Learn more about how you can perform a simple breast self-examination in the comfort and privacy of your home here.

Mammogram

Mammography can detect small lumps in the breasts before we can feel it physically. The Department of Health provides women 50 to 74 years old a free mammogram screening every 2 years.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Treatment types for breast cancer can be classified into two groups: local and systemic therapy. 

Local therapy includes surgery and radiotherapy (also known as radiation therapy), and treats the cancer at the site without affecting the rest of the body. Meanwhile, systemic therapy, which includes chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy, involves the administration of drugs into the bloodstream to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Surgery

There are two main types of surgery for breast cancer. In a lumpectomy, (also known as Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS)), the tumour is removed while most of the breast remains. However, in a mastectomy, the whole breast is removed along with the tumour.

Depending on a variety of factors including the size and location of the tumor, breast size and personal preference, a lumpectomy or a mastectomy may be performed. 

Radiation Therapy (or Radiotherapy)

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or limit the growth of cancer cells, and is often performed before and/or after a surgery, to reduce the size of tumour and to prevent recurrence.

Side effects may include redness and dryness of the skin, swelling, and an increase or decrease in sensitivity. However, these effects tend to be manageable and are temporary.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy is a treatment method that alters or stops estrogen secretion, and is often used in conjunction with other measures. It can also be used as a preventive measure for women at high risk of breast cancer.

Chemotherapy

By introducing drugs into the bloodstream, chemotherapy helps to eliminate cancer cells throughout the body. However, the disadvantage is that healthy cells may die alongside the cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Similar to chemotherapy, targeted therapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. However, these drugs target specific genes, proteins, or tissue environments that contribute to cancer growth and survival, leaving healthy cells largely unaffected.

Living with Breast Cancer in Australia

Navigating the breast cancer journey is not easy – from the initial diagnosis and treatment to learning to live with the changes breast cancer and its treatment have on our lives. No matter how hard the going gets, always remember that you are not alone. Have faith and do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.

Should you or your loved one need care support for breast cancer, we are here for you. Reach out to our Care Advisors at 0480 093 788.