News

  • High Risk Individuals
    • Breast Cancer Survival Gene
      14/04/2010
      QIMR researchers, as part of an international collaboration, have found that a gene that is most commonly associated with skin pigmentation, hair and eye colour may influence a patient's chances of surviving cancer.
      ...more
    • Research News NBCF!
      12/04/2010
      Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered that breast stem cells are exquisitely sensitive to the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone....
      ...more
    • Should Genes be patented
      5/02/2010
      The lawsuit challenges the government's granting of control of patents on BRCA1 and BRCA2 to Myriad Genetics (USA).
      ...more

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I find a lump?

In younger women:
Most lumps have a hormonal basis, so if any lump persists after one menstrual cycle it should be examined by your doctor.

Are all lumps suspicious?

All breasts have areas of lumpiness that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. "Suspicious" lumps are those which are painless, irregular, unchanging or slowly enlarging, or new.

What is the significance of breast pain and tenderness?

This is mostly associated with hormonal fluctuations which occur naturally with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and periods of severe stress, or artificially with hormone medication, such as the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.

How safe is the Pill?

Very safe. But prolonged, uninterrupted exposure (5-10+ years) may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.

What is the significance of a family history of breast cancer?

Breast cancer develops for many reasons, none of which are yet understood. Family history is one of them and is only a factor in 5-10% of cases. A strong family history of breast cancer is one of the most important risk factors. However, most young women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

Information source: National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre