Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know your risk, know the signs, see your GP

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging patients to talk to their GP about their breast cancer risk and screening options, and to book an appointment promptly if they notice any changes in their breasts.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright also called on the Federal Government to better fund longer consultations, which are critical for cancer prevention, early detection, and ongoing care after a diagnosis.

“Breast cancer is the most-diagnosed cancer among Australian women and the fifth most-common cause of cancer deaths,” he said.

“GPs are often the first point of contact for people concerned about their breast health, and we support our patients through screening, referral, and where they face a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to talk to your GP about your individual risk and what screening is right for you. Finding cancer early can make a big difference in treatment and survival.

“It also highlights why patients need access to longer GP consultations.

“Earlier this year, the RACGP and 20 patient representative bodies delivered an urgent open letter to Parliament to emphasise how essential being able to access long consults are for patients who need them, including those with a cancer diagnosis.

“When people can’t get enough time with their GP, they can miss out on opportunities for preventive care. Health issues can then become more complex, more debilitating, and more expensive to treat.

“Patients facing health challenges like a breast cancer diagnosis shouldn’t have to worry about the clock when they see their GP.”

RACGP Specific Interests Breast Medicine Chair Dr Katrina Tiller said patients should always update their GP about their family history and risk factors, and undertake mammographic screening when eligible.

“Your GP is there for you every step of the way, from prevention and screening through to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and ongoing support,” Dr Tiller said.

“Breast awareness is the first step – become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, and promptly speak to your GP about any new or unusual changes.

“Changes to look out for include a new lump, changes in breast shape or size, skin dimpling, nipple changes, unusual discharge, or persistent pain that’s out of the ordinary for you.

“If changes persist, book an appointment with your GP. Most breast symptoms won’t turn out to be cancer, but thorough assessment including history, examination, and imaging is essential.”

The RACGP’s Red Book recommends women aged 50–74, at average risk of breast cancer, undergo screening with mammography every two years, and women aged 40 and older may choose to commence screening mammography through BreastScreen.

Dr Tiller said GPs also play a key role in helping patients understand how they can reduce their risk of breast cancer.

“Some risk factors can’t be changed, but there are positive steps you can take to lower your risk,” she said.

“Maintaining a healthy BMI, being physically active, consuming a diet high in fibre and unprocessed foods, and limiting your alcohol consumption help reduce your breast cancer risk.

“The most important message this Breast Cancer Awareness Month is simple: if something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it, make an appointment with your GP.”

~ENDS

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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the voice of general practitioners (GPs) in our growing cities and throughout rural and remote Australia. For more than 60 years, we’ve supported the backbone of Australia’s health system by setting the standards for education and practice and advocating for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.

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