Breast Cancer in Australian Women

Breast Cancer in Australian Women Breast cancer is most common cancer in Australian women. Breast cancer occurs when the cells lining the breast ducts or lobules grow abnormally and out of control.There are two common broad groups of breast cancers: Pre-invasive: where the cancer cells are still confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast.Invasive: this means the cancer has spread outside the ducts or lobules of the breast into the surrounding tissue. Breast screening is an important element in the response to breast cancer incidence in our communities. Some signs and symptoms to be aware of are: A lump, lumpiness or thickening of the breast tissueChanges to the nipple, such as a change in shape, crusting, a sore or ulcer, redness, unusual dischargeChanges to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, unusual redness or other colour changesA change to the shape of the breast, including increase or decrease in sizeSwelling or discomfort in the armpitPersistent pain that is not related to your normal menstrual cycle TREATMENT OPTIONS Breast cancer treatment is often a multidisciplinary effort, involving: surgerychemotherapy andradiotherapyThere are different approaches available for all three treatment modalities in terms of technique, treatment regimens and prescriptions. Your team of specialists will discuss and recommend what is best suited for your diagnosis.As an example, for early stage breast cancer breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) followed by a course of chemotherapy and then external beam radiotherapy is a common and standard treatment approach.External Beam Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Radiotherapy has a vital role in the management of breast cancer.It is used: In conjunction with surgery (either lumpectomy removal of the tumour itself, or mastectomy removal of the breast, including the tumour)Instead of surgery,In advanced cases of cancer for symptom control (palliation)In each of these scenarios the treatment program is individualised for the patient based on the surgery undertaken, and the pathology and disease staging test results. Sometimes only the breast (or chest) requires radiation and sometimes both the breast and any affected lymph nodes are treated.Routinely radiotherapy treatment is delivered using External Beam Radiotherapy, but brachytherapy is also a viable treatment option for certain patients. Your Radiation Oncologist is the best person to advise you on what treatment is required, how effective the therapy should be, and how the treatment will affect you. AVAILABLE SERVICES All of our Genesis Cancer Care centres are actively involved in breast cancer research and hold joint multidisciplinary clinics where patient cases are discussed by surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists so that optimal overall care and treatment planning can be achieved. These groups of specialist treatment physicians are also supported by pathologists and radiologists who provide important diagnosis reports and investigations.Our treatment centres, in addition to providing the highest quality treatment services make support care via breast nurses and counsellors readily available. Link to Quick Links