Q&A EVENTS

The definition of ‘young women’ in the breast cancer sense, refers to women who are pre-menopausal or 40 years and younger. Approximately 7% of breast cancers diagnosed in Australia are women in this age group, which equates to approximately 1,000 women each year – 79 of these women are estimated to die from the disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. But for those aged 20-39 years in Australia, it is also the most common cause of cancer death.

Some of the challenges facing young women diagnosed with breast cancer may include premature menopause, fertility and sexuality issues, and the impact of breast cancer on caring for young children, education and careers. As a result, young women may experience higher levels of medical and psychosocial distress following a diagnosis.

In this Q&A event, moderated by author and journalist Annabel Crabb, we discussed research and clinical trials to improve treatments and prevention strategies, the psychological impact of breast cancer, treating breast cancer with a multidisciplinary team and support for young women.

The fear of breast cancer coming back is one of the most common issues faced by people diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, Australia and New Zealand have some of the best survival rates of breast cancer in the world. In Australia, the five-year survival rate is 91% and its 88% in New Zealand. But despite recurrences usually occurring within five years after the initial treatment, the fear that cancer may return at any time in life is a very normal and common worry for most people.

In this Q&A event, moderated by TV presenter Annabel Crabb, we discussed the latest in research and clinical trials, personal experiences of breast cancer, living with the fear of recurrence and how to manage that fear, as well as what help is available.

The experience of being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can affect people in different ways and this may include managing different symptoms of this disease and treatments, living with metastatic breast cancer, and how patients and their families cope with an uncertain future.

In this Q&A event, moderated by TV presenter Annabel Crabb, we discussed the latest in research for metastatic breast cancer with leading experts, as well as the psychological impacts of this disease and participating in clinical trials.

A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating and can impact all aspects of a person’s life. One aspect that is not often discussed in public, is the impact that a diagnosis and the subsequent treatment has on a person’s sex life.

From psychological impacts such as body image issues, to decreased libido, menopause and fertility issues, breast cancer can affect women in the most intimate ways. In addition to these topics, the Q&A will also discuss examples of research which aims to improve the quality of life of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.