Cancer Council calls the community to action for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Cancer Council WA is urging everyone in the South West region to familiarise themselves with the common symptoms of breast cancer this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
South West regional educational officer Julie Rose said women from regional WA were known to delay going to a medical clinic when experiencing symptoms, with many having self-doubt about the existence of the symptom.
“The latest data reveals that in 2019, 1899 women and 15 men in WA were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 259 women and one man lost their lives to it,” she said.
“In the South West in 2019, 180 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 21 lost their lives to it.
“If you’re unsure about a possible symptom, you should make an appointment to discuss the change with your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker as soon as possible. This is particularly important if it’s been more than four weeks since you first noticed the change.”
Breast cancer can occur without symptoms and the public can take part in the National BreastScreen Australia Program every two years with BreastScreen WA for early detection.
Women aged 40 years and above are eligible to participate and screening mammograms are intended for those without symptoms.
Waiting for your screening appointment when you have a symptom could delay your diagnosis and cancer treatment.
For more information, visit findcancerearly.com.au or breastccreen.health.wa.gov.au.
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