The rate of breast cancer survival in Canberra is higher than average for Australia, a report released by the ACT Government suggests.
The report examined changing treatment and outcomes for breast cancer patients over the past 15 years.
It found the likelihood of survival for women in Canberra was better than national outcomes.
The probability a woman would be alive five years after being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the ACT was 91 per cent, compared with a five-year survival rate of 72 per cent in 1982 to 1987.
The report found the survival rate 10 years after diagnosis had reached 82 per cent.
Radiation oncologist and chairwoman of the Breast Cancer Treatment group, Angela Rezo, said the figures gave patients hope.
“I’d like to particularly stress, as we start Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s certainly encouraging to know that breast cancer survival in our community is excellent, and also that it’s been improving over time,” Dr Rezo said.
ACT Health attributed the good outcomes to improvements in the treatment and technology used in Canberra over the past 15 years.
This included the introduction of oncoplastic breast surgery, more advanced radiation and chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
Breast cancer groups welcome improved figures
Health Minister Simon Corbell said greater awareness was also a factor.
“I think it’s really an ongoing strengthening of our engagement with the community,” he said.
“[It’s] strengthening of our ability to reach out to women in the eligible age groups and make sure that they are reminded of the need for screening, and close collaboration between our clinicians, our breast screening services, and after-surgery care.
‘That’s really highlighted in particular by the commitments we’ve made as a government into integrated cancer support services such as the new Canberra Region Cancer Centre.”
Kaye Johnston underwent surgery for breast cancer in 2002 and is now the coordinator of support group Bosom Buddies’ hospital visits.
She said she had seen marked improvements in care of patients since her own diagnosis.
“There’s been a lot of work and research and development in offering women the opportunity for reconstruction,” she said.
“And I think people have really become more aware and realised that early detection is the answer.”