Mater cancer specialists are warning Australian women that complacency kills, with new figures revealing that almost one in two are skipping free breast screening appointments.
BreastScreen Australia says 48 per cent of women eligible to undergo a mammogram do not attend – despite overwhelming evidence that screening saves lives.
Almost 6,000 breast cancer cases are detected through the nationwide screening program each year and new European research has revealed that women who miss their first screening appointment have a 40 per cent higher risk of dying from the disease.
Mammograms are free and it is recommended that women aged 50 to 74 are screened every two years.
Doctors at Mater – Queensland’s largest not-for-profit hospital network and the state’s leading centre for breast cancer research and treatment – are desperately urging women to book their missed mammograms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Mater plastic and reconstructive surgeon and breast cancer specialist, Dr Diana Kennedy said more than 21,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Australia.
“Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer, which claims the lives of more than 3,000 women in Australia each year,” Dr Kennedy said.
“A mammogram only takes about 15 minutes, and it’s recommended women over the age of 50 get one every two years,” she said.
When 54-year-old ultra marathon runner Lucinda Nelson received her mammogram reminder last year, she booked in without hesitation, confident that she was healthy and cancer free.
“I was extremely fit and had just run a 50km ultra-marathon. I also do monthly breast checks and had no symptoms or lumps that I could feel,” the mum-of-six said.
“I was pretty shocked when I got a call after my mammogram and told I needed a biopsy which discovered I had a 3.5cm cancerous growth.
“The lump was deep in my chest cavity, close to my muscle, so I didn’t feel anything.
“I then had a double mastectomy late last year and another two more cancers were discovered in my breast tissue.”
This year, Ms Nelson underwent a breast reconstruction at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane with Dr Diana Kennedy.
“A 15-minute free mammogram enabled Lucinda to get early treatment, and the double mastectomy has significantly reduced her chances of the cancer returning,” Dr Kennedy said.
“We need to get the message out that there that mammograms save lives.
“Women in high-risk categories, like those with the BCRA1 or BCRA 2 mutation, or with a family history of breast cancer, need more regular screening and should consult a medical specialist to find the best treatment plan.”
One in every four Queensland breast cancer patients treated at Mater facilities across South-East Queensland and in Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Breast Cancer Facts
• Breast cancer is the most common women’s cancer in Australia
• In the last decade, breast cancer diagnoses have increased by 24%
• One in seven women are diagnosed in their lifetime
• More than 21,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year
• More than 3300 Australians die from breast cancer each year
• Patients diagnosed with breast cancer have a 92% chance of surviving 5+ years
To book or find out more about screening go to BreastScreen Australia program
