Common questions related to breast cancer
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a group of abnormal cells which continues to grow and multiply. Eventually these cells may form a lump in the breast. If the cancer is not removed or controlled the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body and may eventually cause death.
There are several types of breast cancer. The term ‘breast cancer’ usually refers to the most common type, which is called adenocarcinoma. Other types of breast cancer include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Treatment of the disease depends upon the type of breast cancer diagnosed in a women. 1
Breast cancer is usually a slow growing cancer. If the disease spreads it can invade the lymph nodes under the armpit, and can then invade other tissues such as the bones and the lungs. This is called metastatic disease. 1
Outcomes for women with breast cancer are improving over time. This is probably due to early detection through screening and more effective treatments. For data on survival rates, you can view the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare publication Breast cancer in Australia: an overview, 2006 [PDF / 359KB]. 2
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How common is breast cancer?
- Women in Australia have a 1 in 8 risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
- The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Over 70% of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years of age.
Can men get breast cancer?
Breast cancer can develop in men, but this is rare. Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancer.
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What causes breast cancer?
The cause of breast cancer is unknown. 2
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What are the main risk factors for breast cancer?
Some risk factors identified as increasing your chances of developing breast cancer include:
- being a woman 50 years or over
- having a strong family history of breast cancer
- having previously been diagnosed with breast cancer
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What are some of the unproven risk factors (myths) associated with breast cancer?
| Myth | True or False |
| Using antiperspirant deodorants causes breast cancer. | False, there is no evidence |
| Wearing a tight bra causes breast cancer. | False, there is no evidence |
| A bump or knock to the breast causes breast cancer. | False, there is no evidence |
| Women with larger breasts are more likely to have breast cancer. | False, there is no evidence to suggest a link between the size of a woman's breasts and breast cancer. |
| Only your mother's family history of breast cancer can affect your risk of breast cancer. | False, a history of breast cancer in either your mother's OR your father's family will influence your risk |
| If breast cancer doesn't run in my family, then I won't get it. | False, every woman has some risk of breast cancer. 9 out of 10 women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease |
| Having a mammogram will prevent breast cancer. | False, mammograms (breast X-rays) cannot prevent breast cancer. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, which increases your chances of successful treatment. |
| Regular self examinations are the best way to detect breast cancer. | False, a mammogram is the most reliable way to detect breast cancer. But being aware of changes in your breasts and having regular breast examinations by your family doctor/GP are recommended. |
Breast Cancer Risk Factors - A Review of the Evidence
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