October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raises awareness about the impact of breast cancer on individuals, families and communities impacted by this disease. At Monash Health, we are proud of the outstanding teams of nurses, doctors, specialists and surgeons working in Breast Services.
Monash BreastScreen is the largest breast screening service in Victoria with more than 60,000 individuals screened each year across our seven screening sites. Our BreastScreen service operates the training centre for all BreastScreen radiographers across the state of Victoria.
Monash Health also has the largest Breast Surgery Unit in Victoria to treat those diagnosed with breast cancer.
We run a multidisciplinary integrated service that works collaboratively with other services across Monash Health to provide screening, diagnostics, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, oncology, shared care and research.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with one in seven women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Although more common in women, it’s important to remember that men can get breast cancer, with 1 in 500 men being diagnosed across their lifespan. Through advancements in research, the five-year survival rate for an individual diagnosed with breast cancer has increased to 92% (and is rising).
Where can I find more information?
- Early detection is the best protection – Are you up to date with your breast screen?
- Be breast aware and understand the common symptoms of breast cancer
- Learn more about breast cancer prevention and risk factors
- Find out more about how breast cancer affects men
- For more information about the awareness month, how to get involved, and the impact of breast cancer in Australia, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website.
Approved by Corinne Ooi, Head of Unit, Breast Services