Breast Cancer
There are different types of breast cancer. Most start in the milk ducts and some in the milk sacs. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes situated in the armpits.
Generally, over the last 20 years, the rate of incidence of breast cancer in Australian women has been increasing (up by 34%), however the mortality rate has been falling (-21%).
In 2004, breast cancer was the third most common form of cancer in Australia, with 12 235 new cases (12.4% of all cancer cases). It is the most common cancer affecting Australian women.
In 2005, breast cancer was the fifth most common cause of cancer death in Australia, with 2736 deaths reported (7% of cancer related deaths).
It was the most common cause of cancer deaths in females, with 2716 deaths (16% of all female deaths).
17 men died from breast cancer in Australia in the same year.