Our Family Health Diary website features a comprehensive A to Z of common health conditions and tips on how to prevent and treat them. For more information on breast health click here

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer occurs when breast cells change and start growing out of control.

There are different types of breast cancer depending on which kind of breast cell is affected. Some breast cancers grow very slowly and others more quickly.

Survival is dependent on age, on early diagnosis and on the aggressiveness of the cancer cell.

BREAST CANCER FACTS

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in New Zealand. Each year:

• More than 2000 New Zealand women are diagnosed with breast cancer
• Over 600 women die from breast cancer
• 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
• Breast cancer occurs mostly in women aged between 50 and 64
• Men get breast cancer too.

More than 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive.

WHAT CAUSES BREAST CANCER?

Anyone can get breast cancer. Breast cancer risk factors include:

• Gender
• Age
• Family history
• Your hormone history
  
  

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

The following lifestyle factors may also increase your chances of getting breast cancer:

• Eating a high-fat diet
• Being inactive
• Drinking more than one glass of wine or other alcoholic drink per day
• Stress and smoking.
  
  

5-STEP PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better a woman’s chances of survival. Early detection saves breasts and lives.

More detail on these five steps can be found by clicking here


Top of page Print this page