Media release
Thursday 31 October 2008
Improving support and care for young women with breast cancer
Two out of three women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 50 will go through early menopause because of their treatment.
Today, Minister for Health and Ageing, The Hon Nicola Roxon MP will launch a new National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre resource to support young women with breast cancer who are experiencing the symptoms and emotional impact of treatment-induced premature menopause.
The launch follows an announcement by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd on Pink Ribbon Day of additional funding of $800,000 a year for 2009-2011 for National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre. The funds are for programs to improve early detection and management of breast cancer in younger women, Indigenous women, and in men.
Dr Helen Zorbas, Director National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre said, “Not only are these young women dealing with the shock of a breast cancer diagnosis, but also the fact that their lifesaving treatment is causing them hot flushes, mood swings and may leave them unable to have children.
“Premature menopause can be temporary or permanent and is brought on by breast cancer treatments including chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, surgical removal of the ovaries or radiotherapy to the ovaries,” said Dr Zorbas.
The booklet, Breast cancer and early menopause – A guide for younger women, provides information about premature menopause and its symptoms, the emotional impact of menopause in younger women and offers some practical suggestions for managing symptoms.
The resource will be launched at National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Melbourne along with a new training module to support general practitioners in the diagnosis and care of young women with breast cancer.
“It is vital that general practitioners are supported in their key role of guiding young women through the process of symptom investigation, referral and continuing care because of the particularly complex issues that are raised by a breast cancer diagnosis at this life stage,” said Dr Zorbas.
“Early onset of menopause, possible fertility problems and concerns regarding body image and sexuality are just some of the issues facing younger women with breast cancer. The new training module will assist general practitioners in managing and supporting their patients as these issues arise.”
The training module, Younger Women and Breast Cancer, is the third in the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre’s evidence-based General Practitioner Education Series. The module contains all the resources required to host an educational workshop including a PowerPoint presentation, notes for speakers and relevant National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre publications.
The education series was developed in consultation with Divisions of General Practice and the modules are designed to be implemented through Divisions or other organisations that provide educational workshops for general practitioners.
Both of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre’s resources to improve the support and care of young women with breast cancer are available to view online or order free of charge at www.nbocc.org.au or by calling 1800 624 973.
*Each year in Australia about 1500 women under the age of 50 are diagnosed with breast cancer. About two-thirds of these women will go through menopause because of their treatment.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with consumers, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve care and cancer control in breast and ovarian cancer.
Media contact: Bree Stevens 0438 209 833