Breast cancer rates higher in our region

GEELONG, Barwon West and the Surf Coast all have more breast cancer cases per capita than the Australian average, data reveals.

Barwon West — which includes Winchelsea — had 132 people per 100,000 diagnosed with the disease between 2009-13, while the Surf Coast (121) and Geelong (122) were slightly above the national average of 120.

Western Victorian Primary Health Network medical adviser Jane Opie said people living in regional areas tended to have higher levels of obesity and smoking, which increased their risk of developing like cancer.

“In terms of prevention of breast cancer, (overall health) is a really important part,” Dr Opie said.

“We can do this by reducing levels of obesity, improving exercise, having a healthy diet with fresh vegetables and modifying our alcohol intake.”

The Federal Government survey used 2009-13 data collected from diagnoses of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and prostate cancer to paint a national picture of cancer cases.

Geelong’s rates of colorectal cancer (60) and lung cancer (47) rates were also higher than the national average, while Barwon West had a higher-than-average prostate cancer rate (185) and Surf Coast a higher-than-average melanoma (52) and colorectal (62) cancer rate.

Dr Opie said that, while the region’s colorectal cancer rates were not overly higher than the national average of 60, medical professionals were seriously concerned that only one third of all Australia over 50 took part in free screening checks.

“Two thirds of the over 50s aren’t taking up the offer of the screening,” she said.

She said colorectal cancer could be easily picked up and treated during the early stages, but became more difficult to treat if people waited until they had symptoms to seek advice.

“When people have their 50th birthday every person is sent a kit. There is a bit of a ‘yuck’ factor, but it is a very easy thing to do,” Dr Opie said.

She said community members needed to remember that changing habits — like quitting smoking — could reduce their chance of getting certain cancers.

“Lung cancer is heavily linked to cigarette smoking,” Dr Opie said.

“I think it’s really important to identify where we can help the community to better identify cancer early.”