Damon Mcknight
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women, and the second most common cancer overall. It accounts for approximately 28% of all new cancers in Australian women. In 2024, it is estimated that 21,194 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, with 20,973 of those being women. The risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 7, while the risk for men is 1 in 550. The mortality rate from breast cancer in Australia is decreasing, but the number of deaths from breast cancer each year is still rising due to the increase in diagnoses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of new cases per day | 58 |
| Number of new cases per year | 21,194 (20,973 women and 221 men) |
| Lifetime risk of diagnosis | 1 in 7 for women, 1 in 556 for men |
| Risk of diagnosis by age 85 | 1 in 15 (6.7%) |
| Risk of diagnosis by age 85 (males) | 1 in 668 (0.15%) |
| Risk of diagnosis by age 85 (females) | 1 in 8 (13%) |
| Risk of death by age 85 | 1 in 105 (0.95%) |
| Risk of death by age 85 (males) | 1 in 4,732 (0.02%) |
| Risk of death by age 85 (females) | 1 in 53 (1.9%) |
| Number of deaths per year | 3,272 women and 36 men |
| Five-year relative survival rate | 92% |
| Ten-year relative survival rate | 87.4% |
| Most common types | Invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma |
| Risk factors | Family history, genetics, medical history, reproductive history, age, breast density, lifestyle choices, certain medications |
| Symptoms | Lumps, changes in breast shape or nipple, unusual pain, skin changes |
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What You'll Learn
Breast cancer survival rates
Australia has one of the best survival rates for breast cancer in the world. The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in Australia is 92%, up from 76% in 1994. This means that those who have breast cancer are, on average, 92% as likely as those who don’t have the disease to live for at least five years after their diagnosis. The chance of surviving at least 10 years after diagnosis is 87.4%.
The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 92%, and 87% for men. Those diagnosed with stage one breast cancer have an almost 100% chance of surviving five years post-diagnosis, however, those diagnosed with stage four breast cancer only have a 32% chance of surviving five years post-diagnosis.
The number of people diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia is increasing, with around 21,000 people diagnosed in 2024. This increase is largely due to better detection methods and an increase in the Australian population. Despite this, the mortality rate from breast cancer is going down, thanks to advancements in clinical trials research, which have led to more tailored and advanced treatments, preventions, and screening techniques.
Since the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) started funding research in 1994, the death rate from breast cancer in Australia has reduced by over 40%. However, the number of deaths from breast cancer each year is still rising due to the increase in diagnoses. In 2024, it was estimated that 3,272 women and 36 men would die from breast cancer in Australia.
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Risk factors and causes
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women, accounting for about 28% of all new cancers in Australian women. The risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 7, while the risk for men is 1 in 550. The majority of breast cancer cases, about 80%, occur in women over the age of 50, and the risk increases with age.
There are several risk factors and causes associated with breast cancer in Australia. These include:
- Personal factors: Being a woman is the most significant personal risk factor for developing breast cancer.
- Age: Increasing age is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Age is the most significant factor for developing breast cancer other than being female.
- Family history and genetics: Inherited genetic factors, such as faulty or mutated genes, can increase the risk of breast cancer. However, it is important to note that most breast cancers are not caused by known genetic factors, and only around 5% of cases are due to a strong family history or genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Reproductive history: Factors such as starting menstruation at a young age, reaching menopause late, or not having children can influence breast cancer risk.
- Lifestyle choices: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, including physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can contribute to breast cancer risk. It is estimated that around a quarter of breast cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes.
- Medical history: Previous radiation therapy, breast cancer, or other types of cancer can be risk factors.
- Medications: Certain medications can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Environmental factors: Environmental exposures can damage DNA and contribute to the development of cancer.
- Birthweight and height: While not direct risk factors, higher birthweight and increased adult height may be associated with an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
It is important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean an individual will develop breast cancer. Understanding individual risk factors can help in early detection and prevention, and it is crucial to be aware of the normal look and feel of one's breasts to identify any unusual changes.
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Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women, accounting for about 28% of all new cancers in Australian women. It is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, after prostate cancer. On average, 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia, with about 21,000 new cases expected in 2024.
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer over a lifetime is 1 in 7 for women and 1 in 550 for men. The risk increases with age, with the majority of cases, about 80%, occurring in women over 50. However, breast cancer can occur at any age, and around 1,000 women under 40 are diagnosed each year.
Breast cancer symptoms include lumps, changes in breast shape or nipple, unusual pain, and skin changes. Early detection through self-awareness and regular screening is crucial for effective treatment, allowing for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
Treatment
Treatment options for breast cancer vary depending on several factors, including cancer type, stage, receptor status, location, previous treatments, age, health, and personal preferences. The Australian government established Cancer Australia in 2006 to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by coordinating evidence-based interventions.
The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in Australia has increased significantly over the years, rising from 76-78% in the early 1990s to 92% in 2016-2020. This improvement is largely due to advancements in research, prevention, early detection, and new and improved treatments.
Despite the improved survival rates, the number of deaths from breast cancer each year is still rising due to the increase in diagnoses. In 2020, there were 3,144 deaths from breast cancer in Australia, and it was the fifth most common cause of cancer death.
Breast cancer treatment can present various challenges, including navigating treatment options, managing side effects, and seeking support. Practical and emotional support during and after diagnosis and treatment is crucial, and support services are available to help patients through their cancer journey.
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Death rates
The age-standardised mortality rate decreased from 17 deaths per 100,000 persons (0.4 for males and 30 for females) in 1982 to 10 deaths per 100,000 in 2020. This represents a 29% decrease in the age-standardised mortality rate between 1994 and 2007. The five-year survival rate has also improved significantly, increasing from 76% to 92%. This is largely due to advancements in research, early detection, and improved treatments.
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the most common cancer among females. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, with the majority of cases, about 80%, occurring in women over the age of 50. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with the average age of first diagnosis being 62. While breast cancer is rare in males, it can still occur, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 550.
Despite improvements in survival rates, breast cancer remains the second most common cause of cancer-related death for Australian females. It was responsible for 27% of all cancer-related hospitalisations among females in 2009-10, with just over 113,000 hospitalisations, a 72% increase from 2000-01. Population-based studies have been conducted to predict the future healthcare needs of women living with breast cancer in Australia, using software like PIAMOD to estimate and project cancer prevalence and mortality rates.
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Prevention and early detection
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, and the second most common cancer overall. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australian women, after lung cancer.
Breast cancer prevention and early detection are key to reducing the impact of the disease. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Awareness and education: It is important for people of all ages to be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. Knowing what is normal for you can help identify any changes that may indicate breast cancer. Early detection through self-awareness and regular screening is crucial for effective treatment and improving survival rates.
- Screening and mammograms: Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of a woman's breasts and are the recommended screening tool for early detection. They can detect breast cancer that is too small to feel. BreastScreen Australia, the national breast screening program, offers free mammograms every two years for women aged 50-74. Women aged 40-49 and over 74 are also eligible for free mammograms but do not receive invitations. The density of breast tissue in younger women can make it more difficult to detect cancers on mammograms, but screening is still important.
- Risk factors: Understanding risk factors such as family history, genetics, medical history, reproductive history, age, breast density, lifestyle choices, and certain medications can help identify those at higher risk. While less than 5% of breast cancers are associated with a family history, it is important to consider your personal risk factors and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to breast cancer prevention. This includes being physically active on most days, eating a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limiting alcohol intake.
- Research and funding: Continued research funding is vital to improving understanding, prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer. Organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) have contributed significantly to reducing breast cancer death rates in Australia.
By combining early detection methods, such as screening and awareness, with prevention strategies, including healthy lifestyle choices and addressing risk factors, Australia has made significant progress in reducing the impact of breast cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Australia has increased from 76% to 92%. The chance of surviving at least 10 years after diagnosis is 87.4%.
The lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia is 1 in 7 for women and 1 in 550 to 556 for men.
There are over 21,000 new cases of breast cancer in Australia each year, including around 200 men. This equates to about 58 people being diagnosed every day.
In 2020, there were 3,144 deaths from breast cancer in Australia. It is estimated that 3,272 women and 36 men will die from breast cancer in 2024.
The average age of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia is between 59 and 60 years.
