October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity for us all to become more aware of breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Survival rates continue to improve in Australia with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis.
October is a reminder for us to take the time to learn about breast awareness and talk with those around us about being breast aware.
What to look out for
- a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
- change in the size or shape of your breast
- a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.
Where to find more information
BreastScreen NSW
BreastScreen NSW is a service that aims to detect breast cancer early, before it has a chance to spread. Early detection of cancer increases the treatment options available and improves the chance of survival.
