Does diet influence breast cancer?
You may have read that a diet high in fat increases the risk of breast cancer. This statement is based on the observation that women living in countries with high average fat intake have a higher rate of breast cancer than those who live where fat intake is low. Also, it has been noted that Japanese women who migrate to countries where more fat is eaten have a higher rate of breast cancer than those who stay in Japan. There could be many other influential factors in the environment and lifestyle in countries where the diet is richer, but these haven’t yet been studied.
Higher sugar intake has also been blamed for increasing the risk of breast cancer, and recently it’s been suggested that a high-fibre diet may be protective. Neither theory has been proved.
So far there seems to be insufficient evidence one way or the other about diet and the risk of breast cancer, but as there are plenty of other good reasons (particularly protection against heart disease) to cut down on fat and sugar intake and increase fibre, it makes sense to do so. Protection against breast cancer may be an additional benefit.
Can breast cancer be prevented?
Experts agree that the answer at the moment is ‘No’. However, the rate of death from breast cancer can be reduced by at least 30 per cent in women over the age of 50 by regular mammography for early detection when the tumour is small and before it has spread to the lymph glands in the armpit.
Screening in this sense means testing well women who have no breast changes that can be found by BSE or your doctor’s examination. Because treatment is more effective if breast cancer is found early, and because mammography can pick up areas of breast change before they can be felt, should all women be screened by regular mammography? Studies from overseas have demonstrated that expert mammography screening of all women over the age of 50 can reduce the death rate from breast cancer.
Many doctors advise mammography for women over 40 years of age. In 1992 the National Mammography Screening Programme was introduced so that women could attend centers offering high-quality mammography (including mobile units for rural women) without referral. However, it is recommended that a breast examination by your doctor should always be linked with screening as some tumours don’t show up well on mammography.
Many women have been angered because screening mammography is not covered by Medicare. No-charge mammography is available in all States, if you are willing to take part in continuing studies of the value of screening in reducing the death rate from breast cancer. Some clinics are now offering screening mammography at reduced cost.
If breast cancer is found
This is always shocking news, even if the cancer is at an early stage. You will need lots of support from your family, friends, doctor and other health workers in making decisions and in coping with the emotional ups and downs ahead.
Member organizations of the Australian Cancer Society in each State have Breast Cancer Support Services to provide information and counselling on all aspects of breast cancer, usually from someone about your own age who has already been through this difficult time herself. The service also offers support groups for patients, fitting of breast prostheses, medical counselling, information about breast reconstruction, country nurse services, accommodation for country patients, and financial assistance for disadvantaged patients for temporary housekeeping, travel, telephone connection and home nursing. The support services have branches in all cities and most large towns throughout Australia. For women living in remote areas, telephone counselling is available.
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