Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Ribbon Day?
   International Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held during October and the Pink Ribbon Day Street Appeal is on Friday 12 th October 2007.
   
2. What is breast cancer?
   Breast Cancer occurs when breast cells divide and grow without control, sometimes invading surrounding tissue. In some cases, the cancer may grow very slowly while in others, it develops more rapidly. Most breast cancers start in the ducts while a small number start in the lobules.
   
3. What causes breast cancer?
   The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. Researchers are working hard to discover why and how certain changes in DNA can cause normal breast cells to become cancerous, and to unlock the secret to understanding the genetic basis of breast cancer.
   
4. Can breast cancer be prevented?
   There is no certain way to prevent breast cancer. However, women can learn the risk factors and promote early detection with regular breast self examinations, clinical check ups and mammograms.
   
5. What is the significance of a family history of breast cancer?
   If your mother, sister or daughter has or had breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer yourself. Family history of breast cancer can be due to factors such as lifestyle or associated with specific genetic mutations, like the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes which can increase susceptibility to the disease.
   
6. What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
   90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors. So it is important that every women is breast aware and practices a healthy lifestyle!
• Gender – being female and having breasts is the highest risk factor. 1% of breast cancer occurs in males
• Age – a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer increases with age. As women get older, it becomes more likely that abnormal changes will take place in their cells. However, breast cancer in younger women tends to be more aggressive.
• Family History – If your mother, sister or daughter has or had breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing it yourself. Family history of breast cancer can be due to factors such as lifestyle or associated with specific genetic mutations. So far, researchers have found two genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – that can increase susceptibility to the disease.
• Hormones – If you begin to menstruate early (before 12), menopause late (after age 55), have your first child after age 35 or have no children at all, you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. These factors are believed to be linked to the female hormone oestrogen. Breast cancer has also been associated with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Diet – Several studies have suggested that eating a diet high in fat may increase the risk of breast cancer while others have not found this to be so. However, it is still best to limit fat intake.
• Physical Activity – Exercise may lower breast cancer risk by delaying the onset of menstruation, reducing the frequency or regular periods and helping to maintain a healthy weight. Each of these can help decrease the total amount of oestrogen a women is exposed to in her lifetime. Low to moderate levels of physical activity may enhance the immune system’s ability to kill cancer cells or slow their growth rate. Exercise three times per week for 30 minutes.
• Previous History – Women who have had breast cancer or benign breast disease such as atypical hyperplasia have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Alcohol – Several studies link alcohol intake (more than one glass per day) to an increased risk of breast cancer. Alcohol increases risk by altering the way a woman’s body metabolises oestrogen. This causes blood oestrogen levels to rise, which will in turn increase the risk of breast cancer.
  
7. What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
   In early stages of breast cancer, there is usually no pain and there may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer grows, the following symptoms could appear:
   
   
8. What are the key New Zealand statistics about breast cancer?
   Breast Cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in New Zealand.
• 1 in 3 cancers occurring in New Zealand women is breast cancer
• Approximately 2,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year
• Over 6 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each day
• Over 600 women die from breast cancer each year
• 1 in 10 women in New Zealand will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
• The incidence is highest in women aged 50-54
• Maori women have a 47.7% higher mortality rate than non-Maori
• 1 in 10 men in New Zealand will lose a sister, mother, daughter or wife to breast cancer
• More than 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will survive
  
9. 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.
   
10. 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.
    
11. Are mammograms safe?
    Absolutely, a mammogram is a low dose of x-ray of the breast that can pick up very small breast cancers. The amount of radiation from mammography equipment is very low.
    
12. What happens if I have a change in my breast?
    Most breast changes are not breast cancer but all should be checked by a health professional. Remember nine out of ten breast lumps are not cancer. The Foundation recommends any unusual changes should be checked by your doctor. The Foundation also recommends that any lump has a triple test – this means mammography and/or ultrasound, an examination by a breast specialist and a biopsy. You have the option of taking a support person or whanau member with you.
• See a health professional who will examine your breasts, ask questions about your change, and find out any relevant medical and family history. This will help them determine if your change is normal or if a review at a later date or further tests are required.
• You may be referred for a mammogram and/or ultrasound, which will be reviewed by a radiologist. This can be performed at the hospital x-ray department, a radiology centre or breast clinic.
• If something needs to be checked a further biopsy will be recommended. A fine needle will be placed in the area under local anaesthetic to obtain some cells or a larger needle to remove tissue from the area for examination by the laboratory. This will be done in the doctors or radiology rooms.
• If cancer is detected, you will need to see a breast surgeon.

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