October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a campaign that aims to raise awareness of the disease, educate about its symptoms, and fund research into causes, treatments, and cures.
Australia has one of the best breast cancer survival rates in the world, with 87.4 per cent of people diagnosed surviving at least 10 years.
This year’s focus is towards metastatic breast cancer, where cancer spreads beyond the initial tumour site of the breast and into other parts of the body.
McGrath Metastatic Breast Care Nurse Consultant (MBCN) at Northern Hospital Epping Melanie Bullock highlighted the importance of early detection.
“Diagnosis rates continue to rise, but so has the survival rate. It’s all about early detection,” she said.
Breast Cancer Nurse Consultant Cheryl Murray said the team at Northern Health had grown to match the needs in the community.
“As patients live longer, the duration of the specialised care they require to navigate their path to recovery naturally increases too. Northern Health now has three breast care nurses, allowing for a wider support service, including metastatic patients,” she said.
Every two years, BreastScreen Victoria provides free mammograms to women, trans, and gender diverse people and those aged between 50–74, even if the patient has no signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
Women, trans, and gender-diverse people aged 40–49 and over 75 can also receive a mammogram with BreastScreen Victoria every two years, however, are encouraged to speak to a doctor to see if breast screening is the right option.
To schedule a free breast screening appointment, visit www.breastscreen.org.au or call 13 20 50.