NZ is making progress, but we’re not there yet
Death rate gradually slowing, but numbers still far too high
Breast cancer is the most commoncancer inNew Zealandwomen/wāhine. Onein ninewomenwill be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime! Weknow fromthe Breast Cancer Foundation National Register (BCFNR) that over 3500NewZealand womenand 20-30menare diagnosed annually. Over 400Waikatowomen and two or threemenare diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Sadly, each year inNZwelose 600-700 of our loved ones to this disease. This is more than the national road toll.
Earlier this year the Breast Cancer Foundation released a National Register report— 30,000Voices: Informing a better future for breast cancer in AotearoaNewZealand— showingNewZealand's progress in tackling breast cancer. Information from 30,000 breast cancer patients from the BCFNRwas analysed.
This report shows the steady progressmade against breast cancer over the past 20years. Survival for womenwith breast cancer inNZhas improved significantly. These improvements are due to a combination of better treatments, more screening coverage and finding cancers early with better breast awareness, and access to healthcare services. Behind all of this are breast cancer clinical trials and the introduction ofmore-effective treatments and care. Whilst there is a lot to celebrate, this report also highlights areas whereweneed to do more.
Early detection saves lives:
While the rate of death from breast cancer is gradually slowing, the numbers are still far too high— each death also robs aKiwi family of a mother, daughter, wife, or sister. We still need to keep getting the message out about early detection. With early detection, as well as better treatments, more and morewomenwill survive breast cancer. Early detection also means those diagnosed undergo less radical treatment, for example; breast conservation surgery rather than mastectomy; no chemotherapy versus need for chemotherapy.
Early detection through regular mammogramsis essential for all women, but especially so forMāori women/wāhinewhoare at even higher risk of developing breast cancer than non-Māori, and have double the death rate compared withNZEuropean women.
Research work supported by the Breast Cancer Research Trust has shown thatMāoriwomenwith cancers detected through screening do just as well as non-Māori. Breast cancer cure in thesewomenis high with 9 per cent breast cancer survival at 10 years.
Regularmammograms:
■ Ascreeningmammogramis the best method for the early detection of breast cancer inwomenwith no symptoms.
■ Werecommendwomenstart having annual screening
Mammograms
■ Can show changes in the breast often months or years before anything can be seen or felt.
■ Can detect breast cancer early, which means a very good chance of cure.
■ Can detect about 75 per cent of unsuspected cancer inwomenunder 50 and 85 per cent inwomenover 50.
■ Are safe because only very small amounts of radiation are used in twoyearly screening, thoughmaycause anxiety because somechanges that are detected are not due to cancer but do require further workup to prove this
Bebreastaware
You can examine your breast by looking at yourself in the mirror with your hands on your head,
Changes in the breast to look out for and report to your doctor;
■ Anewlump or thickening
■ Skin dimpling or puckering
■ Any change in one nipple, such as discharge that occurs without squeezing or a turned-in nipple ■ Or a rash or reddening or scaliness of the nipple
While most lumps and other symptoms are not due to cancer, proper assessment is needed to determine this. If you see something different, see your GPfor a checkup and get referred for appropriate further workup.
More and morewomenthan ever before are surviving a diagnosis of breast cancer thanks to early detection and more effective, safe and tailored treatments developed through research.
Raising fundsfor breast cancer research
Pink Walk& Run, Thursday, October 27, from 5.30pm at InnesCommon, Hamilton Lake.
The Pink Walk& Run is an organised fun sports event that brings together individuals and groups to help raise awareness and funds for the Breast Cancer Research Trust. You can walk the 3.8km around Hamilton Lake or take on the challenge and run5km around the Lake and InnesCommon.
Littlies can have their face painted by one of the talented artists and have a photo taken with one of the characters from Enchanted Entertainment. Stilt walkers will also be roaming the crowds, thanks to Free Lunch Street Theatre Company. The master of ceremonies will keep you on your toes throughout the event.
The Waikato Treasure Chests Dragon BoatTeamwill offer Pink Walk & Run 2022 entrants the unique