Breast Cancer Screening: Know Your Risk
Dr Sarah McDonnell
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia. Most women have a low lifetime risk at around 4%, but a small proportion of women have a much higher risk – anywhere up to an 80% chance. It’s important to understand your individual risk and screening options.
Women at higher risk benefit more from breast cancer screening and should start at a younger age.
How can I work out what my risk level is?
For a personalised breast cancer risk profile and advice, you can use the online tool available here.
What does breast cancer “screening” mean?
Screening means testing well people to see if they have signs of a disease that can be treated if picked up early. Screening tests do not diagnose breast cancer – they identify people who are in need of further testing. Annual breast examination has not been shown to reliably reduce deaths from breast cancer, but it’s important to be breast aware and act on any changes you notice.
Screening for breast cancer may involve:
• Mammogram with or without an ultrasound
• Breast MRI for high risk patients
Referral for gene testing can be arranged when appropriate.
The benefits of screening are obvious – earlier detection and treatment cancer leads to better outcomes. Risks can include anxiety and uncertainty caused by false positive results and biopsies.
The National Breast Cancer Screening program is available free of charge for women over 40, and over half of women in the target age group choose to take part. This screening program offers a mammogram every 2 years with specialised clinics available for younger women at higher risk. You can self refer BreastScreen here.
There are also multiple private breast clinics in Brisbane offer comprehensive screening with results available on the same day.
If you have any concerns about breast cancer symptoms or screening, the GPs consulting at Neighbourhood Medical are happy to talk you through the available options tailored to your needs.
If you have any breast symptoms such as a lump, skin changes or rash, unexplained breast pain or nipple discharge, please see a doctor for further advice as soon as possible.
Keep reading if you would like more information on breast cancer risk factors:
Protective factors that reduce the risk of breast cancer include regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, breastfeeding and preventive medicines and surgical options available to women at high risk.
Factors increasing breast cancer include:
• Being female and increasing age: about three quarters of breast cancers occur in women of 50 years of age and older.
• Lifestyle factors: smoking and alcohol consumption increase breast cancer risk.
· Being overweight or obese
• Hormonal Medications: There is a very small increase in breast cancer risk whilst on “the pill” and for up to 10 years after stopping it. Certain types of HRT (a mix of oestrogen and progesterone) also increase your risk of breast cancer. This risk reduces over time once you stop.
• Family history of breast cancer/ related cancers/ breast cancer genes. About 5% of breast cancer cases occur in women who have inherited a single gene linked to a high risk of breast cancer from one of their parents.
• Past history of breast cancer, “dense breasts” (this is nothing to do with how your breasts look or feel and only applies to mammogram findings) or benign breast diseases including “fibrocystic disease”
• Periods and pregnancy: starting your periods under the age of 12 or going through menopause over the age of 55 means you have a higher risk of breast cancer. Women who give birth before the age of 30 have a lower risk of breast cancer.
