Medical Diseases

Breast

Diseases in this Category:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, affecting one in every 12-15 women. Ongoing research into this complex disease continues to reveal new insights into diagnosis and management.

Screening and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Early detection of breast cancer is essential for the best outcome. Early detection allows for an increased number of available treatment options, increased patient survival, and improved overall quality of life.

See Early detection of breast cancer for more information about breast awareness, clinical breast examination, and screening mammography.
See Mammography for more information about mammograms in Australia.
See Pathology testing for breast cancer for more information about cell diagnosis of breast cancer.
See anatomy and physiology of the breast for more information about the structure and function of the breast

Treatment Options

Surgery: surgical options include breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy, complete local excision, wide local excision) or mastectomy (removal of all breast tissue). Axillary clearance or axillary node dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the armpit) is usually performed to assist in staging.
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy

Recommendations regarding adjuvant therapy (such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy) for breast cancer depend on the prognostic factors described above, as well as the age and hormonal status of the patient (pre- or post-menopausal).

Care of the cancer patient

A diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating. Continuing care of a cancer patient, often coordinated by a general practitioner, must address not only the specific cancer therapy, but also lifestyle and other health issues of relevance to the patient.

For more information, see: