Living with and beyond breast cancer

Barriers to breast screening

Dr Zakia Hossain’s work focuses on breast screening among women from socially disadvantaged communities, particularly migrant women in Australia. Dr Hossain outlined many sociocultural factors that affect screening, including education and religion. She also reinforced the importance of screening for early diagnosis of breast cancer and survival.

BREAST method for early detection

Professor Patrick Brennan, a world leader in breast imaging, described the challenge of identifying breast cancer with mammography. A novel research initiative, the BreastScreen Reader Assessment Strategy (BREAST) platform, aims to enhance cancer detection in breast imaging. BREAST uses test sets to assess the performance of breast screen radiologists and provides immediate feedback on errors. Using BREAST has been shown to significantly improve the performance of radiologists.

Managing changes in memory and concentration

Dr Haryana Dhillon is a behavioural scientist exploring issues associated with cancer survivorship. Dr Dhillon explained that many women experience impaired cognition during and after treatment for breast cancer, often reporting changes to be unexpected and frightening. Following chemotherapy, increased brain activation to simple tasks has been identified, potentially translating to cognitive complaints. There is no current evidence for preventing cognitive impairment, although interventions such as cognitive training and exercise may be beneficial.

Screening for lymphoedema

Dr Liz Dylke, a physiotherapist specialising in lymphoedema, described the importance of diagnosing and treating arm swelling early to prevent progression to lymphoedema. Current assessment of lymphoedema requires a face-to-face clinic appointment, creating a barrier for women located in regional or rural areas. New research has developed a self-screening tool and found that a simple pinch of the forearm may now identify women who require further assessment by a lymphoedema therapist.  

Financial impact of cancer diagnosis

Dr Anu Agarwal is a medical oncologist with an interest in financial toxicity. Dr Agarwal highlighted the often high and unexpected costs of cancer care. Out of pocket costs are likely underestimated due to non-treatment costs such as loss of work and income. It is hoped that Informed Financial Consent, expected to be released soon, will facilitate improved transparency and enable patients to engage in conversations about treatment options and costs with their doctors.

Getting back to work

Dr Jo Lewis, an occupational therapist with expertise in workplace rehabilitation, described the importance of work for physical, mental and social wellbeing. The return to work process following a cancer diagnosis can be impacted by barriers such as fatigue. Whilst disclosing diagnosis is a choice, women are encouraged to talk to their employer and negotiate a return to work plan. Employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments and advice should be sought from Fair Work if required.

Cancer and exercise

Dr Jasmine Yee’s primary research interest is exercise, which she highlighted was beneficial for patients across all stages of the cancer continuum. Although further research is needed, recent findings suggest that exercise is safe for women living with metastatic breast cancer. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) has released a statement calling for exercise to be embedded as standard practice and prescribed in conjunction with medical treatment. Women should avoid inactivity and be as physically active as possible.