Free Breast Screening in Australia

Running head: FREE BREAST SCREENING IN AUSTRALIA 1
Free Breast Screening in Australia
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FREE BREAST SCREENING IN AUSTRALIA i
Abstract
Free breast screening in Australia is a national health intervention that is aimed at detecting and
early treatment of breast cancer. The program is carried out once every two years. The objective
of this paper is to assess the status of free breast screening in Australia. Evidence-based literature
will also be examined to further explore the intervention. Breast cancer is a result of an abnormal
growth of breast cells leading to symptoms such as breast lump around the nipple of the breast,
disfiguration of the breast, changes in the skin color and an inverted nipple. Indigenous
Australians are the population at a higher risk of being diagnosed with the condition due to their
unhealthy lifestyle among other factors. The incidence, survival rate, death rate, and new cases of
breast cancer depict the magnitude of the disease and the significance of the free breast screening
initiative. Nurses as well play critical roles during the screening process namely management
and education and health promotion. Free breast screening program in Australia has successfully
been implemented and thus enabling the health sector to manage the incidence of breast cancer
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FREE BREAST SCREENING IN AUSTRALIA ii
Table of Contents
Abstract....................................................................................................i
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................1
1.1 Background Information..........................................................................1
1.2 Purpose of the Report..............................................................................1
1.3 Scope................................................................................................1
2.0 Discussion.............................................................................................1
2.1 What is the Health Issue...........................................................................1
2.2 Population at Risk..................................................................................2
2.3 Review the Literature..............................................................................3
2.3.1 Incidence.......................................................................................4
2.3.2 Survival........................................................................................4
2.3.3 Deaths..........................................................................................5
2.3.4 New Cases......................................................................................6
2.4 Role of Nurses......................................................................................7
2.4.1 Management...................................................................................7
2.4.2 Education and Health Promotion.............................................................7
Conclusion................................................................................................8
References.................................................................................................9
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FREE BREAST SCREENING IN AUSTRALIA 1
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background Information
Free breast screening in Australia is a national program that aims at assessing breast
cancer in women. Its objective is to control sickness and death associated with breast cancer
through a method aimed at early detection and the use of screening mammography to ascertain
unknown breast cancer in women. Such an approach allows early treatment and consequently
minimize sickness and death. The program is carried out every 2 years among women aged forty
years and above. The initiation of the program has been prompted by the increasing incidence of
breast cancer among women and men. This is because most of the deaths caused by breast cancer
can be avoided if detected and treated early.
1.2 Purpose of the Report
This report aims at providing the status of free breast screening in Australia. The magnitude of
breast cancer will be explored by analyzing statistical reports for the past five years.
1.3 Scope
The current paper will provide background information on free breast screening in
Australia alongside the to the purpose of the report. The background information will consist of
the basis for the initiation of the health initiative. It will also provide a brief insight into the
condition using evidence-based literature associated with the issue. The literature review is
analyzed under incidence, survival, new cases and mortality. The population at risk is also
considered alongside the predisposing factors. This paper also explores the role of nurses in
breast screening.
2.0 Discussion
2.1 What is the Health Issue
Breast cancer is invasive cancer that forms in the breast cells and can be experienced by
both men and women but is more prevalent among women. Some of the most common
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