Breast Cancer

There were 44,356 new cases of cancer diagnosed in females in Australia in 2005 (latest figures available). By far the most common was breast cancer (12,170 cases), which made up over 27% of all diagnoses in women.

There were 100,514 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia in 2005 . The five most common cancers were prostate cancer (16,349 cases), colorectal cancer (13,076), breast cancer (12,265), melanoma of the skin (10,684) and lung cancer (9,182). These five cancers accounted for over 61% of all diagnoses.

In 2005 there were 39,097 deaths from cancer in Australia. Overall, the five most common cancer deaths were from lung cancer (7,427 deaths), colorectal cancer (4,165), cancer of unknown primary site (3,445), prostate cancer (2,949) and breast cancer (2,726). These five cancers accounted for 53% of all deaths from cancer.

(Source: Cancer in Australia, an overview. 2008 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).

Information about Breast Cancer

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC):

Cancer Institute New South Wales - breast cancer information and resources (note: you may need to register to access parts of this site, but it is free).

Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer (2002)

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management and Support of Younger Women with Breast Cancer

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Early Breast Cancer - 2nd Edition

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Advanced Breast Cancer

Breast cancer reports:

Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling in part of the body that occurs because of a build-up of fluid in the body's tissues. Estimates suggest that about 20% of patients treated for melanoma, breast, gynaecological or prostate cancers will develop lymphoedema. There is no cure, but appropriate management and daily care can reduce swelling, improve movement and prevent infections.

Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment: An American Cancer Society Guide for Informed Choices