Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women after lung cancer. It is estimated that around 16,084 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. This includes 15,934 women and 150 males.
Sadly, around 3,073 Australians (27 men and 3,046 women) will lose their life to breast cancer in 2016.
Over the course of their life, Australian women have a 1 in 8 risk of developing breast cancer.
What is breast cancer?
Put simply, breast cancer is predominantly a female disease which begins as a tumour in the cells of the breast. Tumours occur when cells grow abnormally and multiply. Over time, these develop into cancerous growths which can sometimes spread (metastasise) to other areas of the body. Thankfully, cancer that is contained within the breast is largely treatable and survival rates in these circumstances are high.
However, once the cancer has spread to another part of the body, treatments aren’t usually as effective and survival rate drops considerably.
The only way to increase survival rates and prevent breast cancer is through research. As we better understand how tumours develop, grow and spread, we are better able to prevent and treat the disease.
What are researchers investigating?
Researchers around the world are currently working to discover more about breast cancer. Research covers a range of different areas including:
- causes of breast cancer
- new ways to prevent breast cancer
- how to determine the best treatment options for each patient
- evaluating the need for surgery
- testing shorter radiation schedules
- trialing new drug therapies and combinations of therapies
- determining what early stage cancers may not need chemotherapy
- ways to give hormonal therapy
- new reconstructive surgery techniques and approaches
- reducing symptoms and side effects of current breast cancer treatments
- how to improve patient quality of life while living with, and undergoing treatment for the disease.
In Australia, a number of organisations raise funds for and support research into breast cancer. Among these are the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), Australian Breast Cancer Research (ABCR), and the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Current research projects being funded by the NBCF include:
- Identifying factors that make some cancers aggressive
- Preventing breast cancer progression
- Understanding the earliest stages of breast cancer
- The link between obesity and breast cancer
- Enhancing breast cancer screening
- Identifying when cancer spreads to the brain
- Reducing tumour growth through exercise
- Preventing cancer spreading to the bones
- Investigating new treatments with less side effects.
Researchers supported by ABCR are currently investigating:
- The role our immune cells play in the risk of developing breast cancer
- What causes high mammographic density (MD), which is a risk factor for breast cancer
- The link between genetics and breast cancer
- How to improve hormonal breast cancer treatments
- How to best treat patients aged 65+.
How can you help?
While most of us aren’t qualified to undertake research into the causes, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, we can all play our part and be involved. The most important way is to support ongoing research by donating.
There are many ways you can contribute, including via various fundraising activities, a one-off donation, monthly giving, a memorial gift, or through your will. The best way to determine which is the right option for you is to contact the organsations directly.
Won’t you join the fight against breast cancer?
Cancer Australia https://canceraustralia.gov.au
Breast Cancer Network Australia https://www.bcna.org.au/
National Breast Cancer Foundation http://nbcf.org.au/
Australian Breast Cancer Research http://www.abcr.com.au/
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