Contributed by Nicole Weaver| 15 October, 2006 22:08 GMT
A report by Australian health officials indicates that more women are getting breast cancer but that survival rates have improved.
In Australia, the incidence of breast cancer is on the rise, according to a report released by the
National Breast Cancer Center and the
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Increased alcohol consumption, obesity, later childbirth and a fall-off in breastfeeding are partly to blame for a steady rise in cases, said Dr. Helen Zorbas, director of the NBCC.
Earlier onset of menstruation and later menopause, which increase exposure to estrogen, also could be a risk factor.
More women are surviving the disease, however, with 86 percent of women who receive the diagnosis expected to live for five years or more.
The report attributes the improved rate of survival to advances in early detection and treatment.
Even so, many survivors suffer major repercussions, such as a negative body image and difficulties with sexuality following a mastectomy.
Concerns over infertility, relationship issues and rearrangement of priorities take a toll. Breast cancer survivors often have to deal with financial and employment issues as well.
Patients with cancer are about twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression. |
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