Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer diagnosed in females in Australia and it is estimated that almost 13,300 Australian women will be diagnosed this year.

Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death in females, accounting for over 2,600 deaths in 2004 (last available national figures). Early detection is the best method for reducing deaths from breast cancer.

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.

Fast facts:
- One in 8 women will be diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85 
- The number of new cases of breast cancer per annum increased from 5,318 in 1983 to 12,027 in 2002. It is projected that there will be 13,261 new cases in 2006 and 14,800 in 2011. 
- A total of 2,641 women died from breast cancer in Australia in 2004, making it the most common cause of cancer-related death in women. In addition, there was an average of 601 additional cases per year from 2000-2004 in which breast cancer was an associated cause but not the underlying cause of death. 
- Despite the substantial loss of life, prospects for survival are better than ever. Currently in Australia, 86% of women diagnosed with breast cancer can expect to be living five years after their diagnosis. In the period 1982-1986 only 71% of women diagnosed could expect to live five years after their diagnosis. 
- In Australia, there are currently 113 801 women and 730 men who are alive after being diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 20 years. 
- Breast cancer death rates (1994 to 2003) declined by an average of 2% per year. Survival is improving due to better detection and improved treatment resulting from excellent research. 

Survivors often encounter problems ranging from physical limitations to psychosocial difficulties following diagnosis and treatment. Researchers have only recently begun to systematically study the recovery pathways women experience.
 
 As with most cancers, the risk of breast cancer increases with age. 13% of new cases were among women aged 20-44, 60% among women aged 45-69; and 26% among women aged 70+. 

 ¹Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) & National Breast Cancer Centre 2006. Breast cancer in Australia: an overview, 2006. Cancer Series no. 34. cat. no. CAN 29. Canberra: AIHW

Based on the latest national figures available, from 2006¹ 

For more information visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation website:
www.nbcf.org.au