Australian women are being urged to prioritize the health of their breasts as breast cancer rates continue to rise. According to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare, an estimated 20,428 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, an increase from 19,866 cases two years ago. Additionally, approximately 212 men are also expected to be diagnosed with the disease.
Breastscreen Australia has highlighted the significant decline in screenings and diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite offering free checks, more than 50 percent of eligible women have not taken advantage of this service. In the years 2019-2020, 1.88 million screenings were recorded, which decreased to 1.82 million participants in 2021-2022.
Ash Mondolo, a breast cancer clinical nurse consultant at Mater, emphasized the importance of regular screenings for all women aged 50-74, regardless of their family history. She also reassured women that mammograms should not cause discomfort and encouraged them to inform the radiographer if any discomfort occurs.
Since 1983, breast cancer rates have significantly risen in Australia. The disease is now the most common cancer worldwide and the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Australian women. Encouragingly, survival rates have improved, with early detection playing a crucial role. Stage-one detection boasts an almost 100 percent survival rate after five years, whereas stage-four cancer has a survival rate of only 32 percent.
The overall risk of breast cancer for Australian women is one in seven, and for men, it is one in 726. Factors that contribute to this risk include genetic predisposition to gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, smoking, consuming fatty foods, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
To support breast cancer awareness and fundraising, the McGrath Foundation is launching its annual campaign in collaboration with online fashion retailer The Iconic and designer Donny Galella. The campaign includes a pink range, with 10 percent of the profits going towards dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurses. The foundation was created by former Australian cricketer Glen McGrath, who tragically lost his first wife Jane to breast cancer.