Age remains the biggest risk factor in contracting the disease with over 75% of new cases occurring in women over 50 years of age. The average age of women when they are diagnosed with breast cancer is 59 years. In younger women the survival rate is lower and tumors are likely to be larger and more aggressive. It is therefore important that women of all ages understand the importance of finding and treating breast cancer early [1]. Breast cancer can also develop in men, although this is rare. Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers [2].

Detection of breast cancer while it is still small and confined to the breast provides the best chance of effective treatment for women with the disease [3,4]. The benefits of early detection include increased survival, increased treatment options and improved quality of life. The recent declines in breast cancer mortality among women have been attributed to a combination of early detection and improvements in treatments [5].

Screening Options

Currently, breast self-examination, clinical examination, mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the main methods used to detect breast abnormalities. When breast abnormalities are detected by one or more of these methods, patients usually have a biopsy to rule out or confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer.

There are limitations surrounding current breast cancer screening methodologies, and no detection method is 100% accurate. Therefore, a program utilising a combination of tests will provide the optimal detection at any age.

Fermiscan supports the recommendations that it is important for women to be aware of the normal look and feel of their breasts, reporting any unusual breast changes to their General Practitioner. A program of continual breast monitoring should be part of every woman's life from the age of 20 years [6]. An annual Fermiscan Test when available could be included as a part of a regular testing regime, combined with regular self-examination and clinical breast examination and mammography (where appropriate). The potential of the Fermiscan Test in a screening regime is illustrated in the following diagram. The Fermiscan Test is suitable for women of all ages and all breast compositions and offers and innovative, non-invasive, safe and painless procedure.

Early Detection

Mammography

Mammography is not routinely performed on women under 50 years of age due to their breast tissue being too dense for an accurate reading.

The Australian Government breast screening program targets the age group of 50-69 years where the evidence is that screening has the greatest potential to prevent mortality from breast cancer.

BreastScreen Australia reports that around 800,000 mammograms are conducted each year. The study "BeastScreen Australia monitoring report 2004-2005 (June 2008)" indicated that currently only 56% of the target group participated in the BreastScreen program.

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