BREAST CANCER IN AUSTRALIA - 2010
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Australia. It is estimated that in 2010, 13,898 new cases will be diagnosed in women.[1] New diagnoses are also expected in around 109 men.[2]
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing, but with continued support and funding from organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, improvements in research mean survival rates are on the rise.
- One in 9 women will be diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85.(1)
- More than 2,600 women will die from the disease in a single year - making it the second most common cause of cancer deaths in females, after lung cancer. (1)
- Despite the substantial loss of life, prospects for survival are better than ever. Over 96% of women will survive at least one year after diagnosis, and 88% will survive five years or more – a 15% increase since the 1980’s.(1)
- Since 1994, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 27%(1)
- This improvement in survival is due to better detection and improved treatment for breast cancer, as a result of excellent research.
- Early detection is currently the best method for reducing deaths from breast cancer until we know how to prevent breast cancer occurring.
- Survivors often encounter problems ranging from physical limitations to psychosocial difficulties following diagnosis and treatment. These issues are now emerging as new targets for researchers.
- Getting older is the most common risk factor: about 6% of new cases are among women under 40, 69% in women aged 40-69 and 25% among women over 70. Women of all ages need to understand the importance of finding and treating breast cancer early.(1)
- Survival is highest among women living in major city areas and in areas with highest socioeconomic status.(1)
For more information about the National Breast Cancer Foundation go to www.nbcf.org.au
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) & National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) 2009. Breast Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2009. Cancer Series No. 50. Cat. No. CAN 46. Canberra: AIHW
[2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) & Australasian Association of Cancer Registries (AACR) 2008. Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2008. Cancer Series No. 46. Cat. No. CAN 42. Canberra: AIHW
