Have you done your cheeky check-up?
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) has launched a cheeky new public information campaign to reassure young women they do not need to learn a complicated technique to check their breasts for changes.
The campaign website www.cheekycheckup.com.au features information about the types of breast changes to look out for, explains why screening mammograms are not appropriate for younger women and provides tips for young women to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
While young women are at lower risk of breast cancer than older women, the campaign encourages them to develop good breast health habits for life. It is also particularly important for young women to be aware of breast changes because mammographic screening is not effective at finding breast cancer in its early stages in this age group.
The campaign seeks to empower young women to get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts as part of everyday life and to report any unusual changes to their doctor.
Breast Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
How common is breast cancer in young women?
The incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 40 has remained steady over the past 20 years. About 700 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year.
How do survival rates compare between older and younger women?
While survival from breast cancer has increased in all age groups over recent years, the survival rate in women under the age of 40 is lower compared with older women. This is because cancers in younger women tend to be more aggressive.
Why can't I just get a screening mammogram?
Mammography screening is effective in detecting early signs of breast cancer in older women, but is not effective in younger women. Younger women's breasts are very dense and appear like white cotton wool on a mammogram, making any early signs of cancer harder to see.
What should I check for?
Head to the cheeky check-up site where a simple but detailed list will explain what you need to look out for,
Visit www.cheekycheckup.com.au for more information. You can also visit the Essential Baby forum for Cancer Support.
