Page 4966 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 26 October 2011
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While the percentage of young women diagnosed with breast cancer may be small, the impact is huge. Diagnosis for young women is difficult and often thwarted by the fact that they are perceived as low risk. They are not caught by national screening programs and therefore community awareness of the need for early detection is often more vital. The ACT Cancer Council continue to run their Girls Night In events that raise awareness amongst young women, whilst also being a valuable fundraising opportunity. In 2010 these events raised funds that helped the approximately 15,700 women who are diagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancers each year.
In the ACT we are fortunate to experience one of the highest rates of breast cancer survival in Australia. However, we also experience one of the highest rates of breast cancer diagnosis in Australia. Each year in the ACT 200 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and one new case in men. Although this is a disease that is often notable for its impact on women, it is important to note that this is also a disease that can affect men.
A 2008 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report predicted that there would be an increase of 22 per cent in the number of all cancers being diagnosed in the ACT each year. This is a result not only of our growing population but also of our ageing population.
Dr Bourke in his motion today highlights that the BreastScreen ACT target for women aged between 50 and 60 years is 60 per cent. In 2010-11, only 53 per cent of this age bracket was screened. This is in fact a decrease of two per cent from the year before. Women in this age bracket are specifically measured because they are most at risk of developing breast cancer. The ACT Health Directorate states:
Research has shown that regular screening of women in the target age group of 50-69 years has been effective in reducing deaths from breast cancer through early detection.
However, Dr Bourke highlights in his motion the failure to reach the target as if it were an achievement. He fails to even realise that the percentage of women who have had mammograms in the last two years has actually decreased.
Additionally, the percentage of women who receive their assessment within 28 days after being screened has also fallen. The target for the percentage receiving their assessment within 28 days is 90 per cent. However, only 76 per cent receive an assessment within that time frame. The time between undertaking any medical examination and being informed of the results of the examination is often stressful. Ensuring that women receive their breast screen assessments in a timely manner is important to maintain the mental wellbeing of the client.
The Canberra Liberals believe that action on breast cancer is important. Whilst we commend raising awareness by raising the issue in the Assembly, this must be followed up by substantive action.
We are not seeking political point scoring on this issue. The high rates of breast cancer in Australia mean that this is too important an issue to play politics with.
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