This is a Brief Overview of Breast Cancer. Some information may neeed, as time progresses to be updated. But for all accurate research and information. please visit the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. Thank you Marg Trevella R N
We as Women and our extended family are all concerned about Breast Cancer and Facts and Figures.We cannot change our family history. But with life style realization we can change many of our living choices. These have been shown to help reduce extra enviromental estrogens, which through no fault of our own creep into our body.
New Zealand Breast Cancer Facts
Each year over 2,600 (99%) New Zealand women and just over 20 men (1%) are diagnosed with breast cancer. For every person who is diagnosed, other people are affected including husbands, wives, partners, children, family, and friends. Over a year, this adds up to thousands of people affected.
In New Zealand, women have an average risk of 11% (or 1 in 9) of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives. This means the chance that they will never develop breast cancer is 89%.
Also, recent research from Australia, and the United Kingdom is showing a 1 in 9 lifetime risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer; however, the USA is showing a trend towards a higher incidence with a 1 in 8 to 1 in 7 risk lifetime risk.3,4,5
Women in New Zealand have
- 1-9 chance of being diagnosed with Breast Cancer some time in their lives.
- It is now 1-8 in Australia.Based on the Breast Cancer Registration Rates.
- Women have an 11% average risk of Breast Cancer
- and an 89% chance of never having Breast Cancer.
- Early Detection Saves Lives. Empower Yourself. Examine Yourself.
Self examination among younger women and getting to know your breasts by physical examination as well as regular screening is recommended for all women over the age of 20. I suggest earlier. Get to know your breasts. Find how they feel, pre and post period. Be in charge.
Mammograms do not detect about 10% of breast cancers. Generally, this is due to a less common type of breast cancer that does not form a lump and which may not therefore be seen on a mammogram. This is why you should get a physical examination by a doctor when you get a mammogram because this type of cancer may only be picked up by a clinical breast examination or BSE.
Breast Screen Aotearoa is the free national breast screening programme that offers screening mammograms to all women aged 45 to 69 who show no symptoms of breast cancer.
Screening is done every two years using two x-ray views of each breast to ensure the most accurate results are obtained. Screening and assessment services are offered as part of the programme and are free. After you have your breasts screened at least two radiologists will check your mammograms for breast cancers. If you have had previous mammograms elsewhere Breast Screen Aotearoa needs to see these records to compare the results with your current mammogram.
Women who meet the following criteria are eligible to have a screening mammogram:
Aged 45 – 69
With no breast symptoms
Are New Zealand Citizens
At what age should I start having regular screening mammogram?
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommends women between 40 and 50 have a yearly mammogram and twice yearly from 50 years.
Why is it recommended that women under age 40 not get regular mammograms?
Mammography is usually not recommended for younger women (below 40) whose breasts tend to be denser, making it difficult for small changes to be seen. Instead, an ultrasound, which uses high frequency sound waves is recommended initially.
What can you do to reduce your risk of breast cancer?
- Take charge of your health,avoid xeno-estrogens.
- Perform your monthly breast examination.(BSE)
- .To be most effective, BSE should be done regularly and carefully, together with a clinical examination from your doctor each year along with your regular mammogram.
- Breast checks take just a few minutes, yet many women admit they don't examine their breasts often enough, if at all, and many say they are unsure how to self-examine.
- The Important message is to understand your own breasts, and detect any changes.
By taking these simple measures, you will get to know your breasts, and be alert to any changes,you may feel,need further evaluation.
All this is just so important. We think Breast Cancer is something we must worry about later in life. But young women can and do develop Breast Cancer. Please Visit and support this important web site, to support this remarkable person.If you can support Nat do. But it brings the awareness that Breast Cancer does not choose. Please help. Again. Maintain your health, watch those pesticides, chemicals and stress. And do keep up your self health awareness. Marg. www.helpnat.com
