Hot flashes and night sweats are so common during menopause that women are led to believe the two go hand-in-hand. But this assumption is misleading for women approaching menopause — and downright confusing for women in their 20’s and 30’s who suffer from hot flashes or night sweats. Once you understand the real cause of [...]

Some women feel their breasts are too small and elect to have them enlarged (breast augmentation). This type of surgery can also be used after mastectomy to reproduce the look of an original breast when a woman is dressed in normal clothes. Enlarging the breasts requires the insertion of implants. An incision (cut) is made [...]

Breast screening mammograms (breast x-rays) are generally safe for women with breast implants. However, there may be risks. The mammogram might also be less effective in detecting cancer for women with implants because the implant affects how much breast tissue can be seen. It is important to tell the breast screening clinic if you have [...]

The vast majority of breast changes are not breast cancer. If a woman finds a lump or other change in her breast or nipple it may be caused by one of the conditions described below. Remember, you should always see your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. Breast x-rays or mammograms often [...]

Breast screening is the best method for detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. Early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment and recovery. Screening mammograms use low dose x-rays of the breasts to detect cancers that are too small to be felt by you or your doctor. Two-yearly mammography screening is most effective [...]

Breast cancer affects one in 12 Australian women, with around 2,600 Victorians diagnosed as having the disease every year. There are different types of breast cancer. Around 60 per cent are sensitive to the female sex hormone oestrogen. These cancers are called receptor positive cancers. Paradoxically, breast cancer is more common in postmenopausal women, whose [...]

Breast cancer affects one in 11 Australian women. Around 3,000 Victorian women are diagnosed with the disease every year. It is most common in women over the age of 50 years. Men can also develop breast cancer, although this is extremely rare. Each year about 20 men a year are diagnosed in Victoria. There are [...]

The foods we eat can affect our risk of developing certain types of cancer. High energy and high fat diets can lead to obesity and are generally thought to increase the risk of some cancers. Plant-based diets high in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and wholegrain foods may help to prevent cancer. Diet is just one [...]