Thursday, 16 October 2008

Position Statement on Breast Awareness Released

The three key organisations which focus on women’s breast cancer prevention and early detection have today released a joint position statement on breast awareness.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand, the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Screening Unit have been in consultation, gathering the latest ‘best practice’ information and tailoring it for New Zealand woman.

Historically the organisations have differed in some of their advice to women, creating lack of clarity about what women should do, so this joint statement is a tremendous accomplishment. It will provide enormous peace of mind for women to know that wherever they get their advice, it will be the same, and it is based on thorough international research and evidence.

Today’s women are encouraged to be ‘breast aware’ rather than practice routine breast self examination as there is no evidence to show that doing regular monthly breast self examination reduces the chance of dying from breast cancer.

All women should know about and be aware of the breast changes that may suggest cancer and all breast symptoms should be reviewed by a health professional as soon as is possible.

Dr Madeleine Wall, Clinical Leader of BreastScreen Aotearoa, National Screening Unit, says, “access to evidence based information is vital if we’re to collectively reduce the impact of breast cancer. Women need to know that regular screening with mammography is the only test that has been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. Training your fingers to feel for breast lumps monthly does not prevent breast cancer death. Instead, train your mind to act - see a doctor promptly if you notice any breast changes and have regular mammograms if you are aged 45 to 69.”

The position statement is available for download.