No Images? Click here Pink Up Your OctoberOctober, Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides an opportunity for us all to focus on 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). But it’s important to note that breast cancer is NOT gender specific. Many people are surprised to learn that men can develop breast cancer too. Fortunately, breast cancer in men is rare and it accounts for less than 1% of all cancers in men. We’re devoting this month’s newsletter to providing a few resources and research updates around not only breast cancer but breast reconstruction, of which our founding surgeons are well-recognised for. Please feel free to share this breast awareness information with your family, friends and colleagues. Today is BRA Day!Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) day is an initiative that promotes education, awareness and access for women considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction Breast reconstruction may not be the right choice for every woman, but every woman deserves to have access to accurate, unbiased information so that she can make an informed decision. Pink Hope have recently produced a number of wonderful video’s discussing the many facets of undertaking a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Find them HERE: BRCA gene test now free for patients at high-risk of breast and ovarian cancerPeople at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer will be offered free genetic testing, with the Medical Services Advisory Committee deciding to list the test on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Melody Caramins from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia said the BRCA 1 and 2 genetic test would be available for free for at-risk patients and their families. "It is a huge milestone and will significantly improve the lives of Australians, offering more choice via access to affordable screening and treatment options," Dr Caramins said. "For patients with cancer, it will change their management and treatment." Mums could hold the key to building a nation of ‘breastperts.’The second annual McGrath Breast Health Index reveals mother daughter conversations are vital for action on breast health Encouraging mothers to talk to their daughters about breast health as well as puberty could be the key to improving early detection of breast cancer to improve health outcomes, according to new research from the McGrath Foundation. Published today, the second annual McGrath Breast Health Index measures the level of ‘breastpertise’ in Australia. ‘Breastpertise’ refers to four criteria that make up breast health understanding: awareness, confidence in recognising changes in the breast, knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer, and behaviour in terms of frequency of checking. “Early detection of breast cancer while it is still small and confined to the breast provides the best chance of effective treatment,” Mahony said. “The McGrath Foundation provides tips for how to start the breast health conversation with your teenager and an App that makes it easy to be proactive about your breast health by showing you how to check your breasts and reminding you to check each month.” |