Blog
Are you aware that the age limit for breast cancer screening has increased from 50-69 to 50-74?
Recently BreastScreen NSW has increased the age limit for free breast cancer screening for Australian Women. Contrary to popular belief that breast cancer rarely occurs among women older than 70, the risk of breast cancer for an Australian woman is 1:8, and this risk increases with age (up to the age of 70, and reduces after that).However, about 25% new breast cancers are diagnosed in women older 70. When cancer occurs in this age group, it tends to be in the later stage and more aggressive. It is important to be breast aware and continue with breast screening, especially if you are a well individual with minimal co-morbidities.Being breast aware is to perform a self breast examination monthly and have a clinical breast examination by your family doctor every year. You should also continue with second yearly mammograms. It is essential to be aware of any new changes in your breasts, and seek medical attention. Changes may include: Lumps Thickening Nipple discharge Nipple retraction Breast painIf you would like more information, click on the link to BreastScreen NSW.
Benign breast diseases
Published 17/1/2019- Dr Linh Trinh
The term “benign breast diseases” is used to describe a heterogeneous group of breast lesions that can present as a wide range of symptoms from mastalgia, breast lump, nipple discharge to mastitis or can be incidental finding on breast imaging. 90% of patients present with these symptoms will have a benign diagnosis. As oppose to malignant disease, incidence of benign breast diseases begins to rise during second decade of life and peaks in the fourth and fifth decades. Benign breast diseases can be summarized into developmental abnormalities, inflammatory, fibrocystic changes, stromal lesions and neoplasm. Some of these benign lesions are risk factors for subsequent development of breast cancer.
With findings of abnormality in your breast imaging, the next common step of investigation is a recommendation for biopsy. In addition to histopathology result of biopsy, the age at diagnosis of benign breast diseases and degree of family history are considered to be major determinants of breast cancer risk It is therefore important for you to have a comprehensive investigation and management plan for breast symptoms to allay fear and to provide accurate diagnosis and to assess one’s risk of breast cancer. Related Page: Benign Breast Conditions
If you are interested in having comprehensive breast assessment, please contact our room for more information.
With findings of abnormality in your breast imaging, the next common step of investigation is a recommendation for biopsy. In addition to histopathology result of biopsy, the age at diagnosis of benign breast diseases and degree of family history are considered to be major determinants of breast cancer risk It is therefore important for you to have a comprehensive investigation and management plan for breast symptoms to allay fear and to provide accurate diagnosis and to assess one’s risk of breast cancer. Related Page: Benign Breast Conditions
If you are interested in having comprehensive breast assessment, please contact our room for more information.