Cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed and second most common cause of death among Queensland women.
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue become abnormal and grow in an uncontrolled way. There are various types of breast cancer—some slow-growing and others that are more aggressive.
Currently, there is no known cause of breast cancer, no means of preventing the disease and no cure. The focus in reducing deaths has been on finding breast cancer as early as possible.
The rate of deaths from breast cancer has significantly decreased over the years and survival rates have dramatically improved. This is thought to be the result of early detection through breast cancer screening (which has the ability to detect breast cancer at a much smaller size), improvement in management and treatment and advances in drug therapy.
Breast cancer may occur at any age, but the risks are higher for women over 50. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer you could also have an increased risk, however 9 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history.
Symptoms and detection of breast cancer
The most effective method of intervention to reduce death and illness from breast cancer is through regular screening of women at risk using mammography (screening mammogram). Finding breast cancer early reduces the chances of dying from the disease, can simplify treatment and reduce recovery time.
All women should be aware of the normal look and feel of their breasts and be aware of changes such as:
- new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in 1 breast
- change in the size or shape of your breast
- change to the nipple such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- unusual pain that doesn't go away.
If you notice any of the signs above you should consult your doctor.
How to reduce your risk of breast cancer
The biggest known risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and getting older.
While some risk factors may not be within your control, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy body weight—for most women, a waistline measurement of less than 80cm or body mass index (BMI) less than 25 significantly decreases your risk of breast cancer.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet—enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods each day, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Be active every day—regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. You should aim for 30 minutes or more of physical activity every day.
- Avoid or limit alcohol intake—if you choose to drink, try to limit your alcohol intake to one or less standard alcoholic drink per day.
Other helpful information about breast cancer
- To make an appointment for a free breast screen call 13 20 50 (local call). You will be automatically connected to your nearest BreastScreen Queensland service centre.
- Find out about breast cancer screening and prevention
- Find out more about BreastScreen Queensland
- Find out more about breast cancer from the Cancer Council Queensland.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular Pap smears. More than 90% of the most common form of cervical cancer can be prevented through regular cervical screening.
Cervical cancer involves changes to the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb), which protrudes into the vagina. The cervix is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
Symptoms and detection of cervical cancer
Most women who develop cervical cancer have not had regular Pap smears. Some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a common sexually transmitted virus—have been linked to the development of cervical cancer, although most women with HPV will not develop cervical cancer.
If you are aged 18-69 years and have had sex make sure you have regular Pap smears.
Having a regular Pap smear every 2 years is the best way of preventing cervical cancer by detecting cervical changes caused by HPV. In rare cases, these changes may lead to cervical cancer but if found early can be easily treated before cancer develops.
You won't usually have any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer until the disease is in its advanced stage. When the disease is more advanced women can experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain.
If the result of a Pap smear is abnormal, your doctor or health care professional may recommend a colposcopy. A colposcopy involves a doctor using a special microscope called a colposcope to closely examine the cervix and determine whether further treatment is required.
How to reduce your risk of cervical cancer
When cervical cancer develops, human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in almost all cases but most people with HPV will not develop cervical cancer. You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by:
- having regular Pap smears
- not smoking.
Other helpful information about cervical cancer:
- Find your nearest Pap smear provider from Women's Health Queensland Wide—phone 07 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (outside Brisbane only).
- Find out about cervical screening and prevention.
- Find out more about the Queensland Cervical Screening Program
- Find out more about cervical cancer from the Cancer Council Queensland.
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in 1 or both ovaries. The incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age and is most common in women who have experienced menopause. However, it can affect women of all ages.
Symptoms and detection of ovarian cancer
It can be difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer in the early stages of the disease as the symptoms can be the same as those of less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). However, the most common symptoms are:
- abdominal bloating/feeling full
- abdominal, pelvic or back pain
- appetite loss or feeling full quickly
- changes in bowel habits
- unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- indigestion or heartburn
- fatigue.
If any of these symptoms are unusual for you, and they persist over a long period, it's important to see your doctor. You can keep a symptom diary to monitor your symptoms and take the diary to your doctor.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer
There is not a known cause of ovarian cancer but you could be more at risk if you:
- have experienced menopause or are over 50 years
- have a family history of the disease
- have a gene mutation in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2
- are of Northern European or Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- are childless, infertile or had your first child after 30
- have never taken oral contraceptives
- had early onset of periods (under 12 years) and late menopause
- have a medical condition like endometriosis
- smoke
- eat a high fat diet or are overweight or obese.
Other helpful information about ovarian cancer:
- For more information about ovarian cancer including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment visit healthinsite.
- Find out more about ovarian cancer from the Cancer Council.
- Get information and support from Ovarian Cancer Australia.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the 4th most common cancer in Queensland, but the most common cause of cancer death. It is more common in people over 55 years.
There are different types of lung cancer, named by the type of cell affected. There are 2 main types: small cell carcinomas and non-small cell carcinomas. Lung cancers usually start in the cells lining the airways.
Symptoms and detection of lung cancer
There is no routine screening test for lung cancer. Several tests may be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lung cancer, such as a physical examination, imaging or biopsy.
Speak with your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- symptoms related to the lungs:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- chest pain
- cough which can produce blood stained sputum.
- general symptoms:
- weight loss
- lethargy
- loss of appetite.
How to reduce your risk of lung cancer
The leading risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoking, causing an estimated 81% of cancer in Queensland. It is now well known that there is no safe level of smoking and that exposure to passive smoking is also harmful to health, particularly of children.
There are many benefits to quitting smoking, from improved health to saving money. But what you may not know is:
- 3 months after quitting, your lung function and circulation improves
- 1 year after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is halved compared to continuing smokers
- 10 years after quitting, the chances of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a continuing smoker, and will further decrease. Risk of cancers of the bladder, kidney and pancreas also decrease
- 15 years after quitting, the risk of heart disease and risk of death is about the same as for those who have never smoked.
Other helpful information about lung cancer
- Find out more about smoking and how to quit.
- Find out more about lung cancer from the Cancer Council.
Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is cancer in any part of the large bowel (colon or rectum). It is a common cancer among both women and men with 1 in 13 women developing bowel cancer before the age of 85. Bowel cancer is 1 of the most preventable cancers and if detected early can be successfully treated.
Symptoms and detection of bowel cancer
Although you may not notice any signs or symptoms, it is important to see your doctor if you notice blood in the toilet or in the stools, any changes to your regular bowel habits, have unexplained tiredness, or have persistent or unusual abdominal pain as these all could be signs of bowel cancer.
Screening is an effective method of detecting bowel cancer early. People eligible for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program will receive a bowel cancer screening kit by mail containing a bowel cancer screening test to detect changes in the bowel that may require further investigation.
If the result of the screening test is positive or if you have symptoms, your doctor may recommend you for further testing such as a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy involves an examination, usually under sedation, of your entire large bowel using a long, flexible tube with an attached camera.
How to reduce your risk of bowel cancer
The best way to reduce your risk of bowel cancer is to:
- be physically active
- achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
- limit alcohol intake
- avoid smoking
- limit your intake of red meat
- eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Other helpful information about bowel cancer
- Find out about bowel cancer screening and prevention.
- Find out more about the Queensland Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
- Find out more about bowel cancer from the Cancer Council Queensland.
Melanoma (skin cancer)
Queensland has the highest rate of melanoma in Australia, with Australia and New Zealand having the highest rates in the world.
Living in the sunshine state means Queenslanders want to get outside as much as possible, and of course there are those of us that spend a lot of time outdoors for work. Unfortunately our great climate and outdoor lifestyle does increase the risk of developing skin cancer as exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation adds up over time. We know that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure from the sun causes 95% of all cases of melanoma and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia.
Symptoms and detection of melanoma (skin cancer)
There is no routine screening test for skin cancer.
It's important to know your skin and check it regularly. Watch for new moles and spots, and for changes to ones you already have. If they change size, colour or shape, have them checked by a doctor.
Remember to check your whole body:
- head and neck—including your scalp, ears, face and lips
- upper body—front, back and sides
- arms and hands—including your nail beds
- buttocks and legs—including the soles of your feet, between your toes and your nail beds.
How to reduce your risk of melanoma (skin cancer)
The majority of cases of skin cancer are preventable. The best way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer is to use the 5 recommended sun protection methods whenever you are outside.
- Hat—Broad brimmed to shade your face, ears and neck
- Clothing—Cover up as much as possible. Dark colours and close weave fabrics are best
- Shade—Get in it when you can. Seek shade from trees and buildings or take shade with you
- Sunglasses—Wrap-around is best. Find a pair that meets Australian standard AS/NZS 1067:2003
- Sunscreen—Water resistant, broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher applied 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours.
Know your skin and check it regularly and if you notice a change in size, shape or colour to any spots or moles on your skin, have them checked by your doctor.
Other helpful information about melanoma (skin cancer)
- Find out more about Sun safety
- Learn about Types of skin cancer
- Cancer Council Queensland.
