Incidence And Prognosis Of Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Population-based Data Linkage Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,700.00
Summary
This project will provide the first Australian population-based estimates of metastaticbreast cancer (MBC) incidence and survival in women with an initial diagnosis of early stage cancer that reflect current treatment practices. This evidence will help: women with MBC and their clinicians to make decisions about treatment and plan supportive care; researchers planning trials of MBC therapies, and future planning of cancer services.
Quantifying Breast Cancer Over-diagnosis In An Organized Mammography Screening Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
While breast screening reduces breast cancer deaths by finding cancers earlier, it may also find cancers that would never have required treatment. Currently there is no clear consensus about the level over-diagnosis. This study will examine the extent of over-diagnosis by comparing the breast screening histories of women diagnosed with breast cancer and women who have not had breast cancer. Findings will inform policy on breast screening in Australia.
We will conduct a study of more than 500 Australian female twin pairs in which one or both have had breast cancer. We will also study measured and unmeasured genetic and environmental causes of risk factors.
Risks And Benefits Of Breast Cancer Screening: BreastScreen WA Cohort Study Of Overdiagnosis And Breast Cancer Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$201,524.00
Summary
Overdiagnosis is the major downside of screening for breast cancer. This occurs when screening detects cancers that would not have caused symptoms in the woman's lifetime. This study aims to quantify the amount of overdiagnosis that occurs in the Australian breast cancer screening program (BreastScreen)
Assessing The Impact Of Geographical Location And Socioeconomics On Clinical Outcomes From Breast Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,485.00
Summary
Inequalities in survival from and treatment for breast cancer continue to exist in Australia, particularly for women from rural and remote areas, and for disadvantaged populations. Currently, we do not know to what extent these inequalities are due to individual characteristics or to the area in which a women lives. By understanding how these factors impact on clinical outcomes, we enable us to better target health programs, policy and practice to reduce the burden of cancer.
Automated Mammographic Measures That Predict Breast Cancer Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,260.00
Summary
Mammographic density (MD) is one of the strongest predictors of breast cancer risk but its impractical measurement prevents its use in a clinical setting. An automated measure of MD would allow screening programs to identify and target women at higher risk of breast cancer which could lead to earlier diagnoses and better breast cancer outcomes. We aim to develop an automated measurement, maximized by its ability to predict breast cancer risk, and applicable to both film and digital mammograms.
Risk Of Recurrence After Diagnosis Of Invasive Breast Cancer By Molecular Subtype As Defined By ER, PR And Her2 Status
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,622.00
Summary
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Molecular subtypes have been identified that differ in terms of prognosis and response to treatment. This study aims to estimate recurrence free survival of breast cancer by molecular subtypes in a population-based sample of Australian women. The results will assist clinicians to guide their therapeutic decisions and will inform women about their anticipated outcome after diagnosis of breast cancer.
Temporal Trends In The Incidence, Site And Survival Of Metastatic Breast Cancer In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,494.00
Summary
There have been major advances in breast cancer treatment over the last decade. This project will use information collected from the NSW cancer registry and hospitals to report on changes in the type and risk of breast cancer spread and survival for women with a new diagnosis of breast cancer before and after new treatments introduced since 2005. This information is essential for doctors to provide women with up-to-date information; and for planning appropriate health services and research.
The Benefits And Harms Associated With Breast Cancer Screening In The Australian Context.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$80,222.00
Summary
Australia is caught in a dilemma. Breast screening is well-established however there has been fierce debate about the value of screening programmes. I will determine the frequency of benefit and harm due to breast screening programs in Australia to better understand the true extent of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Based on this information, I will make recommendations about how breast screening should be provided in Australia in future and clearly communicate this information to the community
Vitamin D And Risk Of Cancer And Mortality In The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,829.00
Summary
Overseas studies indicate that vitamin D might protect against certain cancers and other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Vitamin D is made when skin is exposed to sunlight. Because sunlight is stronger in Australia than in most of the USA and Europe, where most studies were conducted, the results of those studies might not be relevant to Australia. In this study, we will see if vitamin D is important for cancer and mortality in Australia.