Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women after non-melanoma skin cancer, with more than 12,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It’s the second most common cause of cancer death among Australian women.
While opportunities to prevent breast cancer are limited, early detection provides the best chance of reducing death and illness from the disease.
This position statement, developed by Cancer Council Australia’s Public Health Committee, provides women with background information and recommendations in relation to the early detection of breast cancer through mammograms and by being ‘breast aware’.
(1) Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer according to general practice and hospitals data, however there is no reporting of cases to cancer registries.